Hidden West Seattle

This training session finished out the running group for this late winter/early spring. What better way to wrap things up than to see the hidden side of West Seattle by exploring the Long Fellow Creek Trail. This trail includes a little bit of everything from short inclines, to rolling dirt trails as well as a little bit of culture along the way.

Starting at the Dragonfly Pavilion under sunny skies, the group descended into the river valley to follow along the Long Fellow Creek to get the blood moving while heading south. After some warm-up drills in the residential portion of the trail, the group headed out to see the hidden gem available for future runs. Along the way we saw ducks and fish, as well as retention ponds for salmon before turning around to look at the trail from a different direction.

It was great to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and to get back in touch with nature. Thanks to everyone who joined the running group this session. I look forward to the next training group.

PS. Thanks to all who have worked on the Long Fellow Creek Trail. It is nice to have this trail in our backyard.

March Client of the Month - Jenny

"Motivation and temptation have always been two of my biggest enemies. I joined FT at the beginning of December with one goal in mind: Look good in my wedding dress! I am happy to say that my wedding is 3 weeks away and I am feeling like I am in better shape than I have been in a long time. My belt is notching 2 holes smaller, my tight pants are finally starting to fit properly and my seamstress told me that if I lost any more weight, I would have to have my wedding dress taken in!

The trainers at FT have been very motivating as well as supportive. Just when I feel like I am ready to throw in the towel, they switch up my routine and bring me back to focus. I appreciate the pep talks as well as their belief in me. It was a happy day when I went to my doctor for my annual check-up and she told me that I weighed less than I had in a long time! I feel like there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel! Thanks to everyone for pushing me! (But I still work out harder than you do, Jim!)"

Jenny has been very committed to her training program since joining Fitness Together. In addition to the strength training, Jenny joined the running group and participated in the St. Pat’s Day Dash. Her energy and smile is infectious with the other clients. Great job working towards your goal and congrats on your upcoming nuptials.

Week 5 – Luck of the Irish

After all the drills, all the sprints, and all the homework, we made it to our main event – the St. Patrick’s Day Dash. A 3.5 mile run starting at the Seattle Center that takes you on to Hwy 99 and the Viaduct (closed for traffic of course) and finishes up down at Qwest field.

With 8 of us tackling the event, we started off parking at the finish line and catching school buses back to the start of the race. Along the way, the luck of the Irish was with us from finding free parking and having a bird poop on us (they say it’s lucky). Arriving early at the start line allowed us to watch the masses arrive in a variety of Irish costumes. From young to old, everyone loves an excuse to dress up. With green tights and big hats to leprechauns, there was a wide spectrum of costumes to admire.

With over 15,000 participants, the race was divided into 3 waves: fast runners, runners and joggers, and walkers. After starting from a walk and moving into a jog, we passed a band of bagpipes along the side of the road along with hooting and hollering inside of the tunnel, and being cheered by the many supporters along the route. With the sun peeking through the clouds now and then, it made for a great morning. Great job to everyone who participated! I look forward to our next event.

Honorary Awards for this Week
Toughest Competitor: Tilly –For participating despite feeling the effects from the flu earlier in the week.
Best Costume: Holly – For her green necklace with flashing lights and face tattoos.

Week 4 – Hillz

We are blessed in West Seattle with very little flat land. While that is not so good for farming, it is great for training as there are many hills to choose from for our workouts.

For those that adjusted their clocks correctly for Daylight Savings Time, we met at Jack Block Park under high, overcast skies and very little wind (a runner’s delight). With the backdrop of a calm Elliot Bay and quiet city skyline we took care of warming up the muscles with a light jog and drills in the park.

Leaving the park behind, the group jogged out to the Harbor Ave. Trail until reaching California Way and turning uphill. To give a boost to the cardio system, the group ran 50 yard sprints uphill in single file line attempting to catch one another. Afterwards it was back to the park to stretch and reminisce about the fun times on the hill sprints. Hard to believe, but next up is the St. Patrick’s Day Dash on 3/16.

Honorary Awards for this week include:
Best Lead Horse: Dale – For pulling the group up the hill during the sprintsBest Clock Recovery: Marilyn – For making it on time to the group despite not springing forward the night before