Running Group goes to Alki on President's Day Weekend

The running program is back by popular demand. This time we've got our sights set on the St. Patty's Day run. The group contains 12 brave souls, stay tune and see how they fair during training.

The sunshine gods answered my calls with a beautiful blue sky day; however, the wind provided a little bit of a bite when we first met up today. On this President’s weekend, it was fitting that we started at the west coast version of the Statue of Liberty down at Alki.

Everybody was anxious to get moving with the wind coming off of the water. After an initial warm-up and drills, the sprints along the water front got the blood moving for everyone. We finished the session playing the old game follow the leader while running along the water front. By the time the group returned to our starting point, the top clothing layers had been shed as folks had warmed up with a tail wind at their backs. Some honorary awards for this week include:

Best Impersonation of the USPS: Chris B. (for braving the weather with shorts)
Most Spirited: Jennifer O. (for her willingness to go for another round after stretching)
Longest Distance to Travel: Jenni B (returning from Spain the night before and running despite the jetlag

Anita's Trip to Nepal

When we signed up for the REI Adventures Everest Classic Trek I knew that the experience of trekking in Nepal would be challenging on many levels. The trek started in Lukla, the town supporting the highest airfield in this part of the Himalaya, and culminated near Everest Base camp where those who climb Everest set up their base camps for weeks or months at a time. It would be cold, we would have a lot to learn about Nepali culture, we were going with a group of people we didn't know, and we would be hiking and camping for 15 days at altitudes between 10,000 and 18,700 feet. Some aspects of the trip we wouldn't be able to prepare for, like the makeup of the group we would be with. Some things we could prepare for, like buying gear that would keep us warm, reading books about the culture and talking with others who had also trekked this route.
One of the aspects of the trip that we could prepare for was the physical challenge that hiking approximately 80 miles at high altitudes would present. Going to the gym and hiking on my own was a good start, but to make the best use of my time I knew I needed the help of experts to target and strengthen the muscle groups I'd be using most on the trip. I chose Fitness Together to help me prepare. Bonnie, Duncan and Brian spent a few days a week over the next two months guiding me through workouts that helped me be ready for the trip from a strength perspective as well as cardiovascularly. Both Bonnie and Brian had trekked in Nepal and understood the challenges I would face. Duncan's experience with endurance racing shed light on other aspects I needed to consider like keeping my feet healthy and discussing the pros and cons of different gear.
The experience of walking in the heart of the Himalayas is something I will always treasure. I definitely felt challenged physically throughout the trek but I was far more prepared than I would have been had I not invested in training with Bonnie, Duncan and Brian. I doubt I could have found the level of support and enthusiasm I experienced at Fitness Together anywhere else. Thanks Fitness Together!

Client of the Month - Kate Tate

"I am a Fitness Together fan! I appreciate the high energy coaching I get from the Fitness Together Team. Each trainer brings a different style and perspective to the challenge of making me a stronger, more flexible person. When I started the program, I was accustomed to the lower back pain that shadowed my every move. No more! Through the consistent strength training and flexibility exercises, I have finally said good-bye to that unwelcome companion."

It's been really great to see Kate acomplishing her goals and braking through her barriers. She comes into the studio ready to work with a friendly smile and a cheery hello. Keep up the great work Kate!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It's 2008 and time to get back to the serious business of getting in shape.

There is a lot happening here at FT West Seattle, too much to put in one post, but here are a few things that are coming soon to the blog.

• A new client of the month.
• A new special for the month for new clients.
• Our anniversary/ "train the trainer" party.
• A special promotion called the Circle of Health.
• A writeup and pictures from Anita's trip to Nepal.
• And.....a new trainer.

And much more.....check back real soon!

Week 6 - The Race

Chorus: Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle All the Way.

And that is exactly what happened on Sunday, December 9th. Along with 11,000 other participants, many of the running group walked and ran through the streets and highways of Seattle in the 23rd Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk. We joined the throngs of people to celebrate the season, sing holiday songs on the run, and enjoy an opportunity to dress up in holiday costumes. For our group, the attire ranged from bells on our feet to a Dr. Seuss hat, to even a full Santa outfit.

Despite cold temperatures and a few snow flakes along the route, the group marched on to complete the full course. With our goal complete, the group will set its sights on the next goal to keep those feet moving – possibly the St. Patrick’s Day run.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the running group this fall: Holly, Chris, Jeni, Marilyn, Neil, Don, Mary Jo, Dale, and Jody, as well as Dennis, Susan, and Jenny for joining us at the Jingle Bell Event. This was a very dedicated group to show up despite the harsh weather conditions and to work hard and have fun along the way. I look forward to the next group training program and the good times that we will have.

December Client of the Month - Marilyn

“There is NO way I would work out as hard as when I'm with a trainer at Fitness Together. They always find ways to push me to a higher level than I would have ever gone myself. I have also worked with all the trainers, and each one knows us, and is able to keep track of our needs and goals.”

I always look forward to working with Marilyn. She really knows how to get down to business and work. She's a strong woman and I admire her resolve to accomplish her goals. Keep up the good work and congratulations, Marilyn. You deserve it. - Duncan

Make sure you look for Marilyn at the 23rd annual Jingle Bell Run.

Week 5 - Dedication

We’ll take four for five, but I was hoping for a clean sweep. For the final training session, Mother Nature decided to catch up for giving us good training weather by throwing a little snow and freezing rain into the mix. Despite the elements, this dedicated group still hit the rubber for some laps around the track.

I was only expecting rain based on the weather forecasts from the previous evening, but 45 minutes before the start of practice, the white stuff started falling from the sky in an ever increasing fashion that made me wonder if we were going to need snowshoes for training today. Thirty minutes later, the track had a layer of snow that made everyone run in a tentative fashion. After a couple of warm-up laps making fresh tracks on the lanes, the group moved under cover to run bleacher steps and avoid twisting an ankle or straining a leg muscles sliding on the snow.

Despite the cold, everyone got warm from running the bleachers except the coach – who probably should have been running to keep warm as well. The group finished out the session at the Great Harvest Bakery for some hand warming drinks and to make plans for next week’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Hopefully, Mother Nature will cooperate and provide dry weather for the race on Sunday. Thanks to all who participated in this training 5 week training program. See you at the start line on December 9th.