For Christmas I got a wetsuit and we started braving the very cold waters early in the year. It was a battle and Marc was so incredibly patient. We went back to the first buoy and then swam parallel to the second one. Each week we’d stay out a little longer in the water but coming back in I needed to touch Marc’s foot for comfort.

Some days I thought this is it, I’ve got it and then the next week it would be choppy and I’d be back to square one or rather “fear one”. There’s no logic, just illogic! My heart would race and I’d have to really work hard at rationalizing that everything was fine. One day, we went down and I took a look at the ocean from the top of the cliff and didn’t go in at all because the whole sea was white.

In April, Bob and his group started back in the water because it was warm enough. We started to swim with them and I’d go out further and further and ventured out to the “outer buoys” and all the way to buoy 4, to the beach, around the rough surf rock, back out again etc. You get the picture. I was actually starting to enjoy seeing little fishes and would find a rhythm. One time I allowed myself to think about what a waste it was that I let so many years go by without enjoying the ocean more and always playing it safe on the edges.

Two weeks ago, Marc wanted to head over to the rocks and I ended up swimming alone with some other women. We ran into Greg and I will admit that I tapped him to head in with me – that’s when I still have a “few issues!!” I thought I was finally there. I’ve chipped away at this for nearly a year now and I’m swimming relatively comfortable for a good mile or more most Sunday’s.

This past Sunday, the water looked awfully “washing machine-ish” to me. I went in and told Marc I’ll skip it because I knew he wanted to head out even further to another big rock. Bob saw me head back and he beckoned to me to come back in – we battled a few head shakes in opposite directions and finally I gave in and went back in. He said he would swim with me because our group had already left “social”. The short story is that I am not yet there on an “orange flag” day – the waves as high as the pier and the swells that hid the buoy from site sent me back to the shore!

One of the days that I was at peace with the water, I thought about something that my friend, Britt, said recently – “I’m so glad I’ve done all the things that my mom thought would injure me – kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, water rafting etc.” As Roosevelt so aptly said – the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. I am a tad regretful that I didn’t work through this challenge earlier in life but I’m grateful to have that opportunity now. I know it was wasteful to let something that happened 30 years ago limit what I do today. It’s pretty ridiculous, silly and frankly stupid – there is absolutely no logic to it. Yes, some weeks will be a step back but that is not failure – it’s a temporary setback.

Next Sunday I will get out there again, with seaweed hanging from my ears I will do what 100’s of others do quite comfortably every day! Jeannine is a Divemaster and she says that a healthy relationship with the ocean requires respect and a small dose of fear. With this in mind, I believe I will have this POG wrapped up by years’ end. It’s all about baby steps and persistence. What was your POG in Jan? How are you managing your setbacks? What can you do to check it off your list December 31st!?

Anna S

Anna joined Rough-Fit in March 2009 so she's still one of our newer members. "I needed a change in my life because I felt I wasn't improving in my physical appearance and my energy level was at a low.  I was really bored with my daily routine at the gym and would never go the extra mile to do the free weights/machines."

What exercise did you do prior to joining?
If I woke up early enough I would take the dog on a walk/run which was only about a mile. At the gym I would rotate between the treadmill, elliptical machine, and stationary bicycle averaging about 20 minutes on each.

What do you enjoy most about the program?
I like the versatility of the workouts and the fact that it is outside.  Working out with the group of people in class is motivating and enjoyable.

What is the most challenging part of the program for you?
I am a very picky eater so when it comes to counting calories and eating the right foods, especially vegetables, it is hard for me to maintain a healthy diet. I don't have much of a sweet tooth but it's the carbs that get me.  I am from Texas so I am a meat and potato girl.

What progress have you made to date?
I think that my running has come a long way.  I was always use to 1 mile and that was it.  Now I am getting more comfortable with longer runs, 6 miles is my longest right now, but that is only because I run with everyone else which keeps me motivated.  I need that motivation of others to get me going.  Also committing to an exercise program for the first time in my life.

Have you learned anything about / made any changes to your nutrition?
I am learning how to cook healthier meals and to cut back on the carbs.  When I go out to a restaurant I try to get the healthier sides like a salad instead of fries.  I've also started to drink a lot more water.

How has this impacted your daily living and how are you different today vs. when you first started Rough-Fit?
Since I joined I actually look forward to my workouts where as before I would get easily side tract and skip the gym.  I have more energy and feel really good about myself.

Has it been easy to stay committed?
It's been very easy to commit.  Being outside, the trainers and meeting new friends makes it motivating for me to go to class.  I also like the extra challenges that may come for example the 1000 steps/obstacle course.

What are your long term goals and how do you see Rough-Fit complimenting those?
My long term goals is to be a role model for my family when it comes to exercising and nutrition.  If I can keep this positive attitude towards exercising and staying fit; in the long run all my goals will be reached with the help of Rough-Fit.

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Jim H

Jim is a good friend of Marc and Lindsey and joined Rough-Fit as a remote client.

When did you join Rough-Fit and what motivated you to join?
I joined last summer as a remote client.  I knew I would benefit from some structure and as a rookie runner, I had lots of basic questions.  (What kind of socks should I wear?  Do I still run when it rains?  What do I wear in the rain?  What do I eat before?  After?  Etc.)  I also worked at various companies over the past 15 years with both Lindsey and Marc, so I get plenty of encouragement from them.

What exercise did you do prior to joining?
I played lots of sports as a kid and as I started getting older, it has been more low key sports like golf and softball and a 2-3 mile maybe every other week and the treadmill at the gym 1-2 times per week.

What do you enjoy most about the program?
The structured plan helps me a lot to keep on track.  I also like the access to an experienced runner/trainer.

What is the most challenging part of the program for you?
As a remote client I do not have the pleasure (or pain) of the 6 AM or 6 PM group sessions in the park.  Doing core exercises with the proper form is also tough remote.

What progress have you made to date?
I have gone from 2-3 miles every other week to a guy who has done a few half marathons now and one full marathon.  (Never thought it would happen!)

Have you learned anything about / made any changes to your nutrition?
No real significant changes here although I would say I am generally “more aware” of what I eat.  All the additional exercise the past 16 months has helped me lose 10-15 pounds – a nice added benefit!

How has this impacted your daily living and how are you different today vs. when you first started Rough-Fit?
I go to bed earlier now and get up earlier!  (I prefer run in the morning.)  I just feel healthier now:  I weigh less and am in much better shape.  I also think it has helped me deal with some of the day to day work stress.

Has it been easy to stay committed?
What has worked best for me in terms of staying committed is to sign up for a race of some type every 3-4 months.  That seems to help me keep focused on training for some goal.

What are your long term goals?
I would like to stay with the running.  My Grandfather lived until he was 95 and played tennis pretty much every day of his life until he was 94 ½.  Clearly exercise is good for a long, healthy life.

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Evette S

Evette joined Rough-Fit in January 2009. "There were three reasons I joined.  First, I was chronically exhausted.  Second, I wanted to be in optimal health for my family.  Third, I needed an outlet to reduce stress and increase my general well being."

What exercise did you do prior to joining?
I didn’t really have a consistent exercise routine in the 5 year period prior to R.F.  I walked and did some exercise DVDs in order to take off my post pregnancy weight.  I hadn’t been running for about 7 years and had convinced myself that running was too hard on my body.

What do you enjoy most about the program?
EVERYTHING!  I love that it’s available to me 5-days a week, it’s outdoors (regardless of weather), the workout routines are always different, the trainers are knowledgeable, everyone is positive and encouraging, there’s great camaraderie and I really love that it kicks my butt everyday. (Not a week has gone by since I started that some part of my body hasn’t been sore)!

What is the most challenging part of the program for you?
Stretching, icing and foam rolling outside of class (unless it’s an assigned POG for one of the incentive programs)!

What progress have you made to date?
Based on my assessment evaluations (which I highly recommend people do) my numbers have improved across the board.  Although my weight remained unchanged in the first 3-4 months, I did lose inches.  In addition to the physical changes, I have more energy than ever before and a revived passion for exercising.

Have you learned anything about / made any changes to your nutrition?
Yes.  I only keep track of what I eat if I have an assigned POG telling me I have to, but in those instances, it has been a real eye-opener.  Or I should say shocker!  I do most of my weekly meal planning from the R.F. recipes that were generated during the Rumble (thanks everyone!).  It’s so convenient for me to go to one source to find all my meals and an extra bonus knowing that they are all 400 calories or less!

How has this impacted your daily living and how are you different today vs. when you first started Rough-Fit?
Nutritionally speaking, I’m more conscientious of what I’m putting into my family’s bodies.  I read labels a lot more than I used to.  However, I’m still a firm believer in moderation vs. deprivation.  In other words, cookies are still on the grocery list!

Has it been easy to stay committed?
It’s been very easy to stay committed.  There are days when I think about sleeping in or having a relaxing morning, but it’s just a fleeting thought.   I always know I’ll feel 100 percent better after I exercise.  In addition, knowing that I will be surrounded by a great group of motivated people helps tremendously.

What are your long term goals?
My long term goals are to continue exercising 5-6 days a week indefinitely.  I want to be a good role model for my boys so they grow up seeing that exercise is something that you do on a daily basis.  I would also like to complete a mini-triathlon and eventually a marathon.

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