Tomorrow is "D-Day"! Godspeed, Brave Ones

"I am in focus mode. I am, in less than 24 hours, officially beginning the BTWG "fitness protection" program. Good luck to all of us." - Pam "The Blam".

By the way, if it's any conciliation, tomorrow, I too will be launching into my next wave of my own Project experience. I, along with two other brave souls, am setting out on a covert Project: BTWG operation; a Top Secret mission to test out another realm of BTWG. Assuming we survive, I will share the experience with all of you in greater detail upon completion (mid-April).

So, on those days when you just ain't feelin' it, or you are on the fence about doing your workout, or you are ready, willing and able to cave on your dietary discipline - just remember that I too am facing my own demons and testing my edges and willingness to rise higher. I'm right along side of you, all in the name of health, fitness, and well-being.

Let's be adventurous, let's see how deep this rabbit hole goes, let's embrace the challenge and see what lies beyond complacency and mediocrity. What say you?

Peace,
Chris

Project: YouTube Channel

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to share with everyone that I recently created a YouTube channel. The main intent of the channel is to post video footage of the exercises/movements that are assigned in the Project workouts. While the quality of my videos are far from pro level, I'm pleased with how they turned out and I'm also pleased that I was able to figure out how to shoot, download, edit, upload and create a YouTube channel. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ProjectBTWG1

As the Project evolves, I envision adding other videos of interest and videos that can help educate and inspire not only the Project crew, but anyone who visits our channel.

Check 'em out, let me know what you think. Here is a sample:

If you haven't visited my online forum recently, you may want to check it out. As the next round of the Project is soon getting underway, the forum activity has picked up a little. There is a link in the right column of this blog, or you can go here: http://chrisroche.10.forumer.com/index.php

Finally, the first brave New Recruit has posted a new Project blog. Ginger Schonberg launched her blog yesterday so be sure to visit when you can and maybe leave a comment for her as well. You can access her blog from the link on this blog or go here: http://www.gps.btwg.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and join us for Sunday's Strength and Toning workshop at Cityoga, 9-11am.

Peace,

Chris

Project Strength Workshop

Hey Gang,

This Sunday, I will host a workshop at Cityoga from 9am - 11'ish. The focus will be on learning the exercises assigned in Month 1 of the Project, proper form, technique and there will be plenty of opportunities to ask your questions. This class is open to anyone interested, participation in the Project is not required, though the exercises taught will be limited to those assigned in the Project workouts. Fee for the workshop is $5 and I would need at least 5 people to participate to host the workshop. Please email me if you intend to attend the session: chris-roche@comcast.net.

I've left the end-time open as I am willing to stay as long as needed to coach everyone and ensure you are 100% ready to get your Project underway on the 19th. I'm guessing the workshop should wrap up between 10:30-11:00am.

If you have resistance band you plan to use for your Project workouts, please bring them with you to the clinic.

Peace,
Chris

Recruit Testing Rocked!

Man, what a day!  I'm still processing what an amazing experience the recruit fitness testing was... or, is.  I owe a HUUUUUGE shout out to all the Project Grads who turned out, a couple of Grad spouses, new recruits who jumped in to help, as well as recruit friends and spouses.  What a crew.  Everything flowed as I envisioned it would, yet I was/am still blown away at how smooth everything went and how perfect everyone was at their station.  I cannot imagine how things could have gone any better.  

Whether you volunteered for 1/2 hour, 2 hours or the entire 4 hours your presence helped create a seamless flow from start to finish, kinda like one of my yoga classes.  Plus you really put those at ease who were anxious about the testing, or emotional over the results.  I seriously could not have made this happen without you.  Heck, I'd still be there, cross-eyed, trying to finish up evaluations had it not been for all of you.  I owe you, BIG TIME!!!  If you were there for at least 2 hours, your next Urban Adventure is on me!  Just be sure to remind me.  

I received several comments about how "well organized" the event was and how helpful and friendly everyone was.  In fact, are some emails that have already arrived:

"Chris,

Ok, the day I’ve been dreading was not so bad. I was actually comfortable and although a couple of my numbers were shocking, I’m committed to changing them over the next 12 weeks...

Linda"

______________________________

"The surprises begin early!  I sorta, kinda, a little bit enjoyed the running this morning....thanks for putting the opportunity out there to remind me to try something I told myself for 20 years that I detested.  

I’m hungry now for all things BTWG...give me more!

Thought the testing ran smoothly this morning....nice folks you have involved- participant and graduates, all of whom were very encouraging.

No need to respond...just a thanks for today and the next 3 months.

Sherri"

________________________________

And this from Pam "the Blam" who is officially doing the Project this round:

"It was a great morning!  I was so impressed, but not surprised, so many from the first group came to help!"

____________________________________

Since things went so perfectly, I was able to do an hour trail run immediately following the testing.  As an added bonus, I had the good fortune of being accompanied by Project Grad, Carrie Russel and Dave, her husband.  I was having flashbacks of the Tecumseh Trail Marathon, what with all the ice patches and slick trails, yet it was an enjoyable run with great company.  Thanks for joining me, guys!

Well gang, be sure to check in for progress reports, Project news, announcements (I have some good ones comin' soon), and hopefully some new Project blogs hitting the cyberworld very soon.  With this fresh group of Recruits I'm sure there will be lots of smiles and tears over the next few months; there were several at the testing.  The road is gonna be tough for many, yet I also know that those who are willing to move forward, to follow the plan, to show up for the meetings, and being to live with "No Excuses" will experience some amazing transformations in the next 12 weeks and beyond.

Okay, back to work with me.  Lots of training programs to email, some explaining to do and more.

Peace,

Chris

Project Blogs On Fire

Check out the Project blogs listed in the right hand column.  Man, they are on fire!  Thanks, gang, for keeping it real and leading the way!  Also, thanks for welcoming the New Recruits!

Peace,

Chris

Correction...

While talking to a recent Project Graduate, I realized that I made an error in my previous post. I wrote there is a lone out-of-towner in this round, when in fact we have two. My long time student and friend, Ian Mertens currently resides in Ft. Wayne. Funny, I still feel like he should be living in Indy, so I often forget he recently moved further North. As with Cindy, I am hopeful to see Ian at as many events, classes, meetings and gatherings as possible. Either way, I am confident both Recruits will rock the Project in their own way.

Peace,
Chris

Welcome New Recruits!

Hey Gang,

I don't know if any of you use comcast as your internet provider, but I do.  If so, is it just me or did they totally change the email system?  At any rate, as I was attempting to email our Project "New Recruits", I successfully deleted the entire New Recruit email list from my address book.  Lord how I love it when that happens.  So, New Recruits, if you are reading this, I will have a couple emails heading your way as soon as I get things sorted out, which will be either late this evening or tomorrow.  

I do want to thank all who attended last nights New Recruit Orientation.  Only one of the initial 35 recruits was unable to attend.  It was pretty amazing to see everyone in person, to meet new friends and to see some familiar faces that I've missed.  Welcome, or Welcome Back, as the case may be!

If you noticed, I said "initial 35 recruits".  Well, turns out, we now have 36!!!  I decided to include one more New Recruit.  Her name is Cindy (I'll check with her before posting her last name) and she will be our lone out-of-towner in this round.  While she lives in Columbus, Indiana, I hope to see her at as many events and gatherings as she can fit in her schedule.  Cindy is a close friend of Pam "The Blam" and attended one of my Urban Adventures years ago, so I am really excited to have her in our group.  Welcome Aboard, Cindy!

I'm away from my desk until later this evening, when I intend to figure out this darn new email system... ugh!

Oh, and another thing New Recruits and Project Grads -- I have 2 pretty cool surprises coming your way soon; I think your gonna love 'em.

Peace,

Chris