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ROUGH-FIT FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

What and exciting week for us! Our new Rough-Fit site went live today and although we'll be busy uploading more pages and making changes over the next week, we're much closer to the streamlined website that we've envisioned.
I'm sure you've noticed that we are also trying out a new newsletter format. We're still in the trial phase so if you have any feedback, let us know.

UPCOMING EVENTS

All upcoming events are listed on the Events Calendar and will also be listed under the Events section on the Rough-Fit site. Lindsey will be at the Seal Beach race to support a few 5k and 10k first-timers. For a list of other events:

Click here (look under "Races for 2009").

MESSAGE FROM LINDSEY

Obesity is now considered more harmful than smoking or the excessive consumption of alcohol. There are approximately 115,000 deaths each year directly related to obesity. These do not include those that die from heart disease or cancer where obesity is often a contributing factor to the condition. Heart disease is the #1 killer.
There are a plethora of side effects of obesity:

· Double the risk of early death
· Urinary Stress Incontinence from obesity
· Seven times more likely to have heart attack
· Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
· Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
· Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
· Daytime sleepiness
· Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
· Diabetes (Type 2) - 2 X as likely
· End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
· Gallbladder Disease - 3 X as likely
· Gout
· Heat Disorders
· Hypertension - 2 X as likely
· Impaired Immune Response
· Impaired Respiratory Function
· Infections following wounds
· Infertility - 10 X more likely
· Liver Disease
· Low back pain
· Obstetric and Gynecologic complications
· Pain from obesity
· Pancreatitis from obesity
· Sleep apnea from obesity
· Stroke from obesity

As many of you know my sister recently spent two weeks with me to help bolster her efforts at fighting obesity. Unfortunately, she contracted bronchitis and was unable to work out due to severe breathing complications. She did however manage a 5k the day that she left and was 2nd in her age group!! My sister has lost 13 pounds in the last 2 ½ weeks. Her progress has been amazing. She and I are scheduled to do the Dublin marathon in October of this year and she is engaging an army of people to help her battle her current health status.

In September when I visited her in South Africa, I realized that Denise turns 50 this year. I have an undying love for her and she and I understand each other at a level that is unique. Our birthdays are 3 days apart on the calendar (and a few years) and when we're the same size, we look like twins. We can understand a conversation of: "things, that guy, thingy etc." without a single noun, perfectly. She's way smarter than me but we have many common personality traits. She is a super successful executive who just won a special CEO award at her company. She has successfully raised two sons who now attend college. She facilitated a home for abandoned babies when philanthropy work was barely in existence. But none of that matters to me. I, selfishly, only care about one thing. I want to grow old with my sister.

I want to share experiences with her that we did when we were younger - where she was the queen of hockey and I followed in her footsteps. She had the record for discus and my goal was to break that. We went rock hopping together in crocodile infested rivers. We hiked and rode horses. One time we hired a donkey cart to take us on a picnic and nearly wet our pants laughing because we could walk faster than the old donkey. I want to spend my golden years doing similar activities with her and the list of complications above scares me that this dream might not be possible. My sister is a lion, she is a warrior and I know that she can conquer this setback to her health. It doesn't define her. She has more energy than the energizer bunny. She can make you laugh your heart out she's so funny. She is quite frankly inimitable (to use one of her favorite words). And if I'm on this earth for many more years, I want to share it with her like we did before.

She knows that I care enough to make this front and center for her 2009. It's her time to triumph because that's what she excels at. When she first moved to the US, she couldn't even walk Peters Canyon - we called it the Russian Death March. Then she did the Seattle marathon and even though they were picking up the cones behind us in the dusk of night, she did it. She is strong and powerful in every way. What she doesn't like is expectation. So: "Dee, my only expectation to you is that you show up in Dublin and we enjoy the ride! This is just the beginning of a new chapter for you. You can write the story how you choose but please include me in the ending of your golden years!"

I know what you're all currently focused on - well how did she lose 15 pounds in 2 weeks? POG's! Admittedly, under duress, but on the Saturday she left when she thought she had blown the past few days, she miraculously had countless smiley faces. She had been successful at way more than she bargained for. She stuck to the basics! Here are the TOP TEN TIPS she learned during her stay with her bossy sister:

Never eat standing up.
Take at least 15 minutes to eat.
Connect with your food and acknowledge how it's nourishing you.
Eat carbs.
Eat small bites and write down what you eat - aka count your calories.
Log your POG's! Every day....Every week!
Celebrate being good to yourself.
Think Emerald Green - like Ireland
Remember, every imperfect day is the perfect opportunity for learning.
Be connected, calm and conscious of your journey.
PS - Tell everyone you're on a mission!

NEW ROUGH-FIT SITE

A big thank you to Nadezna, Francois and Jeannine for their efforts in upgrading to our new site. We're excited about this latest upgrade and as always, welcome your feedback. If you have your computer bookmarked for the Rough-Fit site it will take you to the previous version. To get to the new version type the address / URL (www.roughfit.com) in manually.

NEW ANNUAL CLIENTS

Welcome back to Erin S who was one of our first clients. Also, to Kara S who joined us for a month in December but decided she wanted another year of torture. And, finally to the female version of Forest Gump, Evette who after 1 month decided she was in for another 12 months.
Remember we have 9 more annual spots left if you know someone who wants to make a difference in their health this year! We will donate 50% of your next month's fee to the "Home of Happiness and Patience" and 50% refunded to you.

ONE STEP CLOSER TO A HOUSE FOR PATIENCE

We were able to make another donation to Patience's fund this month: Jen W referred Tara so 50% of her January fee was donated. Two of our Maintain Don't Gain winners also gratiously donated their winnings.

It looks like we're about $1,200 away from having enough money for the house! Thank you all for your contributions!

EVENT HIGHLIGHT: SURF CITY HALF

This year the weather at the Surf City Half was spectacular - the best in 5 years! We had several PR's from repeat offenders: Bill; Cathy M; Jo Ann KS; Val; Donna P

Donna K, Lori, Tracy B, Tracy M and Traci N all had a great run.

Sheila had a PR in the 5k - well done Sheila!

Bill H completed his first Tri and Marc F used the tri as his only workout for the week!

ROUGH-FIT ANNIVERSARIES

We had several clients celebrating their Rough-Fit anniversaries in January and February - some of you celebrated 6 years of health & fitness with us!

6 YEARS: Allison H, Diane D and Traci N

5 YEARS: Adrienne T, Donna P

4 YEARS: Donna K

2 YEARS: Bill S, Jo Ann S, Jo Anne F

1 YEAR: Mishelle S, Renee T, Trisha S

EVERYDAY EATING AND EXERCISE

Our latest incentive program: Everyday Eating and Exercise is in full swing. We have about 27 participants and some of you are really rising to the challenge of finding ways to add 5-10 minutes of extra exercise to your day. We have people dancing to Dora the Explorer and walking to pick the kids up from school instead of driving.

Participants are trying new seasonal fruits and veggies and checking fast food and restaurant menu's and calories BEFORE going so they can make better choices.

We're in the middle of the program so next week (Monday) is weigh-in day. I'm sure we'll be seeing some great results so watch this space!

SATURDAY RUNS / HIKES / BIKES

Research shows that if your friends don't work out and are gaining weight, the odds are very good that you will be going down the same path! Fortunately the reverse is also true: If you spend more time with health conscious people that exercise, you are much more likely to stay on the right track.

What better way to do this than to join your fellow Rough-Fit-eers for a Saturday run / hike / bike. This is a great way to start the weekend when most people tend to over-indulge and forget about their good intentions.

How do you get involved?
Log in to the discussion group and click on Saturday runs/hikes. See if anyone has listed a run for the weekend that you could join or post your own.

How do they work?
You show up and map out your own route with like minded people.

Who organizes them?
Rough-Fit members post on the website. This is an easy way to let others know that you've planned a run and welcome company or that you're looking for some support on a Saturday/Sunday run.

Is this just for the fast runners?
Not at all! It's up to you how fast/slow/long/hard you go. This is not a structured training day but rather a great way to enjoy all that Southern California has to offer.

What times?
You decide but mostly members start at 7-7:30 so that they can beat the heat. However, if a time is posted, show up at the designated spot on time or you'll be left behind.

Where do you meet?
Peters Canyon, Blackstar, Laguna, The Beach, Hicks, Waters - wherever your heart desires - just post the spot and others will join.

Finally a great way to break things up on your Sat/Sun hike/walk/bike/run is to consider GEOCACHING!

GEOCACHING

"Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment."

Tips: look at the map on the computer before setting out. It will give you a better sense of where to look (unless you have a great gps). Start with easy caches to build confidence and get a sense for different ways they can be hidden. Bring a pen, be stealth.

It's a great way to find new trails, and see new and different aspects of places that you pass everyday. Some caches test your problem solving skills and cleverness; others, your resolve, but they are all a fun adventure for all ages!

Check out www.geocaching.com to get started.