On Sunday, 12/18/11, a group of us hiked to the top of Mt. Woodson to honor the life of a true canine legend, Sage. Sage was more of a human than anything else. Her ability to connect with all people, all dogs, all cats--virtually every living thing, was one of the many traits that made her so amazingly special. Mt. Woodson is a wonderful place where Sage and I would go and spend countless hours, just the two of us. I would rock climb, while she explored around--at times gone for over an hour, but always periodically checking on her clumsy dad. There's one specific spot that she especially loved (see pic below), and I always knew that when the unthinkable, yet inevitable day came, I would lay her to rest there. Now her ashes have been returned to the Earth, and anytime we look to the east and see Mt. Woodson peaking above the other surrounding hills (complete with cell-phone towers and all), we can rest assured that we are being watched by Sage--a dog that was wise beyond her years, loved by all, and left an impact on everyone and anything she came in contact with that will never be forgotten. Love and miss you Sagers!
Sage's loved ones... In her prime--taking in the view..
We often spend time complaining about our day to day situations. We complain about having to go to work on Mondays, while thousands of unemployed individuals without a paycheck would kill to go for us. We complain that we need to exercise to stay at a healthy weight, while there are people out there with various handicaps that will never get the chance to do an early Saturday run with a a fun loving group. We complain at times that in order to stay healthy we have to choose healthy foods over "comfort" foods, when there are many people who don't have the luxury of knowing when their next meal is, let alone choose what it is. When we become too comfortable with our situations, it becomes very easy to lose sight of reality and begin having our own personal "pity parties". So next time you start falling into this cycle of thought, rise above it and remember all that you are fortunate to have. Then practice gratitude and BE THANKFUL.
In Loving Memory: Sage "The Queen" Heslin 5/20/1997 - 12/10/2011
Thanks to those that came out and participated in the 2nd annual "Burn it to Earn it" training on Thanksgiving morning. It was a brisk 49 degrees at 7:45 am, but that didn't stop a few of us from swimming 1000m in the cold bay. We then had several more people show up for the 15 mile bike portion at 8:30 am, followed by a solid group to run the 5 mile loop around western Mission Bay. This is the beginning of a great tradition. Next year we will try to go bigger and better!
A huge round of applause is in order for Tomas Atiles (Coach Tomas) completing IM AZ this past Sunday in a blistering time of 10:01:44. Awesome job Coach!
Great job to Cyndi, Laurie, Tammy, Jaimie, Joan and Sue for finishing the Irongirl 5K last Sunday in Del Mar! Representing the Red and making us proud!
Congratulations to Jen Crisafulli, Alex Gillet and Chris Heslin for
finishing Ironman 70.3 Austin on October 23rd! It was extremely hot and
ridiculously windy (the two things that make a triathlon a million
times harder), but despite the harsh racing conditions, the red came
through in earnest (as it ALWAYS does!). Jen finished her first half
iron-distance triathlon, Alex had a his best bike split, and Chris had a
half Ironman PR of 4 hrs, 53 min and 51 seconds. Way to go everyone!
No need to say much--we will let the pictures speak for themselves. Congratulations to everyone who completed their first triathlon, and also to those that hit new personal bests!!
On Sunday, 9/25/11 at 7:30 am, Lake Miramar in Scripps Ranch was buzzing with people and excitement. It was the inaugural running of the Max's Ring of Fire/Alex's Lemonade Stand San Diego Lemon Run. The morning was cool and cloudy--perfect for either a 4.6 mile jaunt around the lake, or a quick out and back 1 mile fun run. PEAKFINDERS started the day off with some dynamic stretches to get the crowd going, and then they were off. The message? Whenever you do something that brings on a challenge, a bit of pain, and tests your resolve, take a moment to think about what the children who are battling cancer have to deal with on a day to day basis. Solid. We were proud to have a booth set up to not only show our support for the event and the organizations, but were also selfless in volunteering our time on the day before to run the packet pick up. Way to give back everyone--that's what finding your real PEAK is all about!
Now that the PEAKFINDERS Training Group is coming to be an actual real entity, more and more people are hearing about us and seeing our logo out there. With that, I've had several people ask me the daunting question, "What is PEAKFINDERS?" Immediately I would throw back a generic response that basically recites, verbatim, what is stated on the front page of our website. But then it hit me--why not put some of our members on the spot by posing the same question to them? If anything, it could broaden my view and give me an alternative perspective on the topic. So I selected a few people and asked them to answer the question in 200 words or less (which, for many, was the hardest part). Before I share their responses, I'll post our description that's on the website:
"We are a collective of like-minded people who realize that exercise is one of our true biological needs. Without it, we are only partially alive. We see exercise not only as an avenue to manage weight, but also to feel better, look better, accomplish amazing feats, meet new friends and most importantly. . .HAVE FUN! Whether you are a “newbie” exerciser wanting to do that first 5K, a lonely exerciser looking for some workout buddies, or a seasoned exerciser wanting to improve performance or train for a marathon, the PEAKFINDERS training group is here to help you reach your fitness goals.
Here's the much more exciting stuff I got back from actual PEAKFINDERS members:
WHAT DOES PEAKFINDERS MEAN TO YOU?
Peakfinders is a lifestyle of motivation. It is a personal adventure through social aspects that allows you to challenge and lift your internal spirits. It gives the opportunity through group to develop your inner strength as an individual. Peakfinders drives you to be better while at the same times offering you friendship through others, knowledge with others, and memories to last forever. Go Peakfinders!
-Adam Lutz
Finding Peakfinders Training has been the most amazing experience. After losing 84 lbs., I was looking for a way to stay motivated and maintain my exercise program. I was very fortunate to hook up with Chris at Peakfinders. I was always intimidated to join a fitness group fearing that I would not perform well enough to be worthy of wearing the team jersey. Chris completely welcomed me to Peakfinders and my fitness goals are treated with the same importance as an elite athlete. Wow! The fun social gatherings have allowed me to meet people with similar training interests, abilities, and schedules. Through Peakfiners associates, I have had the opportunity to volunteer for a wonderful non-profit group, train with elite triathletes, and even get an incredible sports massage at a discount. What more could you want from a fitness group! Plus, I finally get to wear a team jersey with pride knowing that my fitness goals really matter. Thanks to Peakfinders and Chris for creating an incredible collective of young and mature, elite athletes and newbies, that truly work together to enhance the fitness and lives of each other.
-Tammie Sheldon
As a single mom of two little girls I never took the time to worry about what I needed or what was important to me other than my girls. I became a member of Peakfinders and have found my “Real PEAK”. I would not call myself a runner but have enjoyed every minute of this amazing group of people. In just 12 weeks of training I went from not being able to run a mile to running my first half marathon, with 30 minutes to spare. The amount of love and support I have received from Peakfinders is what helped me push myself to find my “Real PEAK”! The support and encouragement from all is amazing. We are a group of people of all different abilities that all have the same goal. I could not have done it without them. If you are looking for support and a ton of fun come out and find YOUR REAL PEAK!
-Alyssa Dean
PeakFinders Training provides excellent fitness workouts in a supportive, embracing and fun way. It's exciting to see the healthy transformations made by all who participate. You are all very inspiring!
-Vince Alvarez, RD, NSCA-CPT
Peakfinders is a uniquely genuine group of supportive, like minded athletes of all levels and capabilities. What I enjoy most about Peakfinders is the caring attitude of everyone involved along with the diversity of our members. Peakfinders has encouraged me to accomplish my personal fitness goals and supported me every step of the way, including a "Triple Crown Finishers Medal" in 2011. While we have all been working hard to achieve our own "personal peaks" all year by running, cycling, and working out this group also stops to celebrate each success! I don't know if I have found my "peak" yet but I can't wait to continue to train with my new friends at Peakfinders and see what new fitness peak I may achieve in 2012! GO PEAKFINDERS!
-Cyndi Kalbaugh
Thanks to PEAKFINDERS, I finished my first full triathlon practice today – about a 1,000 yard swim at Ventura Cove, then a 12 mile bike ride, followed by a 5k run. If someone would have told me that I would complete a 5k run at the age of 53, I would have laughed and said sure – right after I win the lottery! But I did it. After all that other activity too! It was the easiest part because my training kicked in. I have struggled with my weight all of my adult life, weighing in at a minimum of 200 lbs after the birth of my first child. I topped out at 262 lbs in September 2008, rebounding from losing 80 lbs in 2003, gaining it back in 2004, losing 50 in 2006 – with countless 10 lb losses and gains in between. Walking was the only exercise I did regularly – even that can be tough to keep up alone. I worked on my inside for a few years, trying to study what drove me to overeat. In Dec. 2009 I committed to Optifast, losing 98 lbs by August 2010. I soon realized that the only way to keep the weight off was to exercise. I had a good friend who I started running with – we’d gotten up to 4 miles on our own and Chris helped us with a training plan to finish a 15K – then he told us about PEAKFINDERS. How fortunate for us. We met fun people of all ages and abilities. I look forward to seeing their smiles, and being inspired by their commitment and progress. Every time I train with them there is encouragement, friendship and laughs. By the end of August I did what at one time seemed impossible – I finished the AFC Half Marathon. Just a few yards before the finish line I heard this group yelling my name and clapping – it was all my friends from PEAKFINDERS cheering me on. All I could do was grin, laugh and run a little faster across that finish line. I haven’t found my peak yet!
The PEAKFINDERS Mission Bay Triathlon training group (and other fitness enthusiasts) crushed it last Thursday night down at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay. Tomas Atiles, of www.multisportproject.com taught the class, which was a butt kicking mix of bike intervals, run intervals, pain, triumph, sweat and laughter all wound up into a nice 1 hour package! Check out the photos below--does it get any better than that?? If you would like to join us, bring your bike, a bike trainer, some running shoes and a die hard spirit down to De Anza Cove Thursdays at 6 pm. Let's see what you're made of!
Our first official PEAKFINDERS Training Program began a few months ago in the form of a 10 week running program to get people ready for the AFC Half Marathon/5K. The actual run took place Sunday, 8/21/11 at 7 am. Of the 19 people who participated in the group, 16 completed the half marathon, and 3 did the 5K. There were several personal bests that day, and for many people it was there first half marathon ever. For some, it was even their first race ever!! The best part? We are proud to say there was a 100% completion rate! The weather couldn't have cooperated more, yielding cool, overcast skies for much of the morning. The sun came out though, particularly for the post-race after party at Hennessey's in La Jolla! The two days after the race our website received a large spike in traffic, and it had everything to do with all of us wearing our PEAKFINDERS colors. By showing our pride and support for all of our fellow runners, we sure turned heads at the finish line--people were certainly curious, and it's safe to say envious as well! Be sure to spread the word about us so we can continue to grow and help people achieve PEAKS that they have never imagined possible.
Once again, great job everyone--way to ROCK THE RED!!
There were a few PEAKFINDERS getting a little dirty at the Camp
Pendleton Mud Run on June 5th. Who said good fun had to always be clean anyway??
Great job Cyndi K, Andy C. and company!
Congratulations to our PEAKFINDERS team members who rocked the full marathon on Sunday!! The skies were clear and the sun was shining, and the boys and girls in red were on fire. Laura "The Red Flash" Johncox broke the Boston barrier; Rik "The Stick" Wlodarcyzk finished his first full marathon after only seriously running for less than a year; Bryan "The Big Machine" Robinson ran the full 26.2 after biking 100 miles the day before; Adam "Lutzeeboy" Lutz finished his second consecutive Rock n Roll marathon and is now a marathon veteran; Debbie "The Energizer Bunny" Heslin, Alex "Frenchie" Gillet and Chris "The Communicator" Heslin were out there running, shouting and supporting our crew. Way to go everybody--GO PEAKFINDERS! Next stop: AFC!!
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