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!
-Peggy Duffy
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!
-Peggy Duffy
To Be Continued. . .
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