Watch the Movie: 365fitt Trip to the Rocky Mountains

Watch a few minutes or the entire movie, but make sure you see the pictures of sunrise at over 11,000 feet from the Longs Peak trail, about halfway through.

2014 Hikes

• 3.5 miles roundtrip to Gem Lake
• 6.7 mile loop to Alberta Falls, Lake Haiyaha, Dream Lake, Nymph Lake and Bear Lake
• 9 mile roundtrip to just below the summit of Mt. Ida
• 8 mile roundtrip night hike to Chasm Lake (2:30am departure for sunrise on the trail)
• 1 mile Lilly Lake loop
• 3.3 mile roundtrip Upper Beaver Meadows loop
• 1 mile Alluvial Fan walk

 And, whitewater rafting!



It was a great week and we hope you can join us next summer!  Check out our trips, otherwise known as fitness and adventure vacations!



Living 365fitt,

Kathy



365fitt offers Healthy Active Living Trips, empowering you to step outside your comfort zone and enter a world of physical, nutritional and emotional challenges with support to help you live a healthier, happier life. Our trips are more than just a fitness vacation or weight loss retreat.  A 365fitt Healthy Active Living Trip is designed to help you reconnect to yourself by stepping out of your normal routine and taking time for just yourself. Our unique combination of coaching,exercise, healthy eating, adventure, relaxation and, sometimes, pampering will leave you feeling lighter not only in body, but in mind and spirit as well.

365fitt Trip to the Rocky Mountains: Oh, What a Trip it Was!

Last week, I led a group of women on a Healthy Active Living Trip to the Rocky Mountains.  This trip has been one of 365fitt's most popular trips, not only because of the scenery, but because of the physical challenges that it presents.  Hikes on this trip range from short 1-4 mile hikes up to 9 miles, and build steadily in effort and altitude, taking into consideration the fitness level of the group and gradually acclimatizing to the thin air.

Could this be you?

I had a pretty good idea within the first few hours of meeting my participants, what I would be dealing with for the week.  One woman reluctantly offered up that she didn't have time to train for the trip, because she was dealing with a stressful job and moving her parents into an assisted living facility.  Another woman stated that she also didn't get in as much training as she would have liked, but that she had been riding her bike and walking.  And yet another woman, who signed up for the trip late, was a runner (10K), but didn't train specifically for a hiking trip.  (SIDE NOTE:  All participants receive a complimentary 12-week training plan to get them ready to hike.)

As an experienced coach, I knew that my original itinerary would have to be adapted, and that our first hike, a 4 mile roundtrip hike at a lower altitude to Gem Lake, would be a good indicator of the overall fitness of the group.  It is during this first hike that I am able to fully understand my participants; their motivation to attend, their physical fitness ability, their limitations, and their mental outlook.  

I knew immediately that we would shorten our hikes to accommodate for physical fitness, and also to maximize a positive experience.  After all, it's not good for anyone's self confidence to struggle on a 12 mile hike, when I can easily substitute an 8 mile hike and achieve a positive effect on both a physical level as well as a mental (emotional) level.  In fact, while enjoying spectacular hikes and enduring physical challenges is definitely a part of our hiking trips, it is almost equally important to coach women through the mental barriers that have blocked them.  Some of those barriers are, "I can't do that.", or "That's too hard." or, "I've never done anything like that before." or, "I'm not in good enough shape to do that." (I hear that one a lot!)  On our hikes, with positive reinforcement, women learn to break down those barriers and reach for new goals.  

Here's what one woman had to say:

"Thank you for a fantastic week!  Your motivation, compassion and patience is 'astounding' and greatly appreciated.  I will be rejuvenated in many ways as I continue on my journey."

And another woman:

"What a wonderful trip you planned for us!  Every hike just got better and more beautiful and the whitewater rafting was my favorite (!), but, the night hike was the best ever.  How awesome it was to do something for the first time, and that most people have never done."

On our last night, we read a passage together that captures the spirit of our trip:

Advice From a Mountain, by Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,

Reach new heights

Savor life's peak experiences

There is beauty as far as the eye can see

Stand in the strength of Your True Nature

Be uplifting

Follow the trails of the Wise Ones

Protect and preserve timeless beauty,

silence, solitude, serenity,

flowing rivers, 

ancient trees

Rise above it all

Make solid decisions

Climb beyond your limitations

Leave no stone unturned

Never take life for granite

Get to the point

Patience, patience, patience

Life has its ups and downs

Let your troubles vanish into thin air

To summit all up

It's the journey step by step

Rock on!

Would you consider a 365fitt  Healthy Active Living Trip for yourself?

Find out more...

365fitt Captiva Island 2014: The Best Trip Ever!

Who were the women of the 365fitt Healthy Active Living Trip to Captiva Island, Florida?  

What do you see?  I see an amazing group of women.  

Each woman had their own reasons for attending the trip to Captiva.  For some, it was an opportunity to hang out with friends, a coach, or a sorority sister not seen in years.  For others, it was a difficult decision, not arrived at lightly, and only after very careful consideration.  

Some wrestled with the questions:  Is it okay to spend money on myself?  Is it okay to make myself a priority?

As women, we often have to put on a brave face; to ourselves, our family and the outside world.  We take care of others; our children, our mothers, our partners.  We put our needs second to those we love.  We create an imbalance.  We give, give, and give some more…until there's nothing left to give to ourselves.  And, when we do take time for ourselves, we are seen as selfish by some.  We feel guilty, because, in order to take time for ourselves, we must cut back on what we give others.

Tied in a knot of guilt, ends being pulled in opposite directions, a woman finds herself lacking in health; unfit, fatigued, and stressed.  It's not what she wants, yet she feels powerless to do anything about it.

We had one woman on our trip who spoke out against such "internal self-abuse".  It was finally time to give herself permission to do something for (and spend some money on) herself.  Guilt-free!  Women are not martyrs.  We are not supposed to give of ourselves until we are so depleted that we don't have anything left for ourselves.

Taking back your health should be a priority for all women, young mothers and empty nesters.  Because, if you don't have your health, how can you help others?

Just after the trip, one of my ladies sent out a picture with the following quote:

Girls compete with each other.  Women support each other.

That was pretty much the theme of our trip.  Each and every woman felt the warm hands and encouraging words of support from their fellow trip-mates.  Celebrated with high fives, hugs and smiles, each woman understood what a 365fitt Healthy Living Trip is all about:  Living the event called LIFE!

Perhaps, you'll join us next year?

Remember, all the recipes featured on our 365fitt Healthy Active Living Trip to Captiva Island are available on my Pinterest page for easy reference.  I encourage you to try some of them.  We enjoyed them immensely.

365fitt is about training for the event called LIFE, focusing on physical, nutritional and emotional wellness through lifestyle adaptations.  Kathy is available for personal training and wellness consultations and corporate wellness.  365fitt invites you to participate in a Healthy Active Living trip to incredible destinations.  Please visit 365fitt for more information.  Live 365fitt!

Living 365fitt: Nutritional Philosophy

I've been getting a few questions lately about why we ate a certain menu on our recent 365fitt Healthy Active Living Trip to Captiva Island, FL.  First of all, this trip is 365fitt's premiere trip that is all about Living 365fitt, incorporating the three components of healthy active living:  physical, nutritional and emotional well-being.  With that being said, let's focus in this blog, on the nutritional component.

We used the freshest whole ingredients

Why?  Because fresh ingredients tend to be higher in nutrition and vitamins, and because, you can see exactly what you're getting and eating.  I've written an entire newsletter on "Why Fresh is Better".  Please read it and share it with your friends. And, "When Fresh is Not Available" - what's your next best bet?

Everyone has walked down the fresh fruits and vegetables section of your local grocery store.  What do you notice?  For me, it's the colorful array of fruits and vegetables.  In a nutshell, colorful foods fight disease.  Take a moment to read "How Colorful Foods Fight Disease".  It just so happens that a majority of anti-inflammatory foods are colorful.  (Read also "Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory and Inflammatory Foods".)

Avoid Processed Foods

Speaking of inflammatory foods, did you know that most inflammatory foods are "processed" and include highly processed flours, sugars and fats?  That's one reason, why, on our Captiva Island trip, we used only "limited" processed foods.  Our criteria for purchasing and using a processed food was that it had to be a single ingredient.  The only processed foods that we purchased were quinoa, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, 100% fruit spread, flour and corn tortillas, salt and pepper, a few dried herbs, coffee, tea, milk, and cheese, .  Many of these foods (like milk and cheese) are processed (homogenized and pasteurized) to decrease risk of contamination from raw products.

We chose foods that support a heart healthy diet, utilizing more than 50% fresh vegetables, 25% fresh fruits and 25% lean proteins (chicken and fish).  In fact, our diet closely resembled the government food plate.  We were intentionally light on "grains", serving only quinoa, granola, nuts and seeds.   The fact of the matter is that MOST people eat too many of the wrong kind of grains.  Are white pasta and rice grains?  Not from a nutritional standpoint. What about red and black wild rice?  Of course!  I love (colorful) wild rices, when used in moderation.  Just look at the nutritional content.  White pasta and rice have little nutritive value.  Red and black rice have more.  Look at the fiber content.  If it's high in fiber, it's a better grain.  

The Bread Dilemma

I heard one or two people ask, "Why can't we have bread?"  Why didn't we serve bread?  Because in most cases, it's not the most nutritious option available.  Also, many people have bread "cravings" and tend to eat mindlessly, especially when the basket of bread is dropped at the table when dining out.  That's an emotional issue with food.  So, if you're going to eat bread, portion it out and choose a high fiber, potentially, high protein, brand.

The "Added Sugar" Dilemma

Finally, with more than 60% of adults suffering from obesity and other metabolic diseases, including Type II diabetes, it seemed only obvious to steer our menu towards prevention of obesity and metabolic disease.  This includes being mindful of sugars, both natural and artificial.  We did not purchase any sugars for our trip, because of the issue of cravings (See my blog post "Cravings:  The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" .  See also my blog on sugars, "Is Sugar Really As Bad As Heroine?"  

Now, we did eat a fair amount of fruits, and yes, fruits have natural sugar.  If you're watching your blood sugar, you'll want to pick fruits low in sugar.  Check out the Glycemic Index Load Factors.  Again, since almost every family unit has one person with Type II diabetes, I felt it necessary to educate on healthy choices so that families could begin to change their habits and lifestyle, seeking to reduce disease and increase health.

A Word on Eating Raw

Finally, we enjoyed a totally "raw" day.  Why?  Because there's some evidence to support the fact that "rawtarians" can fight disease by eating a diet that's high in fruits, vegetables, healthy mono-unsaturated fats and oils (nuts and seeds), and low in animal meats.  Most of the reasoning here is that the process of cooking decreases the vitamins and nutrients by as much as 50%.  (See my article on "What Is a Raw Foods Diet?" which might explain how to go raw and why you might want to, even if just one day a week.)

Hope this sheds some light on the Living 365fitt Nutritional philosophy.  If you believe that your choices have consequences, both good and bad, then, you can believe the same about your nutrition.  

Choice:  Eat Healthy Foods - Consequence:  Have Better Health (positive)

Choice:  Eat Unhealthy Foods - Consequence:  Suffer Poor Health (negative)

It's about choosing and eating healthy foods and avoiding unhealthy foods.  It's about establishing healthy nutritional habits that last a lifetime.

Remember, all the recipes featured on our 365fitt Healthy Active Living Trip to Captiva Island are available on my Pinterest page for easy reference.  I encourage you to try some of them.  We enjoyed them immensely.

365fitt is about training for the event called LIFE, focusing on physical, nutritional and emotional wellness through lifestyle adaptations.  Kathy is available for personal training and wellness consultations and corporate wellness.  365fitt invites you to participate in a Healthy Active Living trip to incredible destinations.  Please visit 365fitt for more information.  Live 365fitt!

Why I Do What I Do

 

Here's my Story

Why I take groups to the Rocky Mountains  

During my younger years, my family took summer vacations to various well known National Parks including Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce, and Mount Rainier.  But, we also traveled to many parks that most would consider "off the radar". Take for instance, the Lake Quinault area of the Olympic National Park in Washington State; I remember walking through the waist high ferns, feeling the plush moss and seeing seven inch slugs of Hoh Rain Forests.  Miles away, we walked across the beach and over rough rocks with tidal pools examining the sea anemone and life of Kalaloch Beach on the southern end. It was so cool!

But, the one place that stole my heart was Rocky Mountain National Park.  We stayed at the Aspen Lodge and Guest Ranch in Estes Park, Colorado and we returned summer after summer.  We were "regulars" to the staff at the lodge, whom I admired and wanted to emulate when I was older.  I got my chance in 1983, when I applied for and got a summer job at the lodge as baker.  I was in charge of baking cinnamon rolls for breakfast and bread and dessert for dinner and afterwards.  On my off days, my fellow staff and I would hike the park.  These were my favorite days.

Me, bottom right, 1983, with the other girls.

So, I kept going back to the park.  I took my family, my kids.  I wanted them to feel what I felt when I was hiking through the park.  I wanted them to see what I saw:  sheer magnificence replicated nowhere else in the world:  the highest peaks, the coldest lakes.

My kids, Liz and Stephen, about 2003, on Trail Ridge Road.

During my summer of working at the lodge, some of us climbed Longs Peak, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountain National Park, standing at 14,256 feet.  It was an amazing feeling, seeing the sunrise from the Keyhole, and eating a sandwich and a pop on top of this mountain, seeing for miles in all directions.  I returned, when I was 40 years old, to summit the mountain again: this time, a solo attempt.  I had been competing in triathlons and running marathons, so I knew my fitness was there, but I wondered if I could traverse the tricky, scary backside.  I reached the summit by 8:30am, feeling a little crazy, but amazed at the feat nonetheless.  It was exhilarating!  Now, to head back down!  I was exhausted, but uplifted in spirit at the accomplishment.

Fast forward

I knew not only this mountain, but the National Park extremely well.  I was a personal trainer with a strong background in athletics.  I wanted to share my experiences with other people, women in particular, who wouldn't ordinarily have the opportunity or the vision to see themselves standing on the highest peaks in the park.  I wanted them to see what I saw, feel what I felt:  the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.

Thus, I began my business leading groups of women into the Rocky Mountain National Park, of Estes Park, Colorado.  Over the years, I have developed some amazing relationships with the people of the town, who are thrilled to have us back summer after summer.

And, do you know what I like best?  

It's sharing sunrise from 12,000 feet.

It's the moment when one of my ladies reaches her arms up in the air and says, "Oh my God, this is the most beautiful place I've ever been!"

It's the moment, when friendships are shared among women of all ages and walks of life.

This is my story.  This is why I do what I do.

What's yours?  Email me your story, or leave a comment. 

Live 365fitt forever!

365fitt is about training for the event called LIFE, focusing on physical, nutritional and emotional wellness through lifestyle adaptations.  Kathy is available for personal training and wellness consultations and corporate wellness.  365fitt invites you to participate in a Healthy Active Living trip to incredible destinations.  Please visit 365fitt for more information.  Live 365fitt!

Fitness Trips Great For So Many Things

365fitt new rack card for Trips

Just printed up 1,000 of my new trip cards.  If you want some to pass out, just let me know.

YOU should go on a fitness trip because it gives you a goal and is a great way to jump start a new fitness program.

It's different.  It's fun.  It's for women only.

I've got some great trips remaining for 2013 and 2014:

September 12-17:  Rocky Mountains - Return to Simplicity

This trip is a lot easier than a lot of our other trips and includes gentle moving like yoga and Tai Chi and meditation.  Afternoons include short walks/hikes and/or painting different parts of the park with our attending artist.

November 1-5:  Wine Country, CA

This trip includes morning activities including walking and/or hiking the local state parks, biking the vineyards, and yoga/pilates in the vineyard.  Accommodations are typically in a vineyard location.

February 2-8, 2014:  Captiva Island, FL

This trip is the pinnacle of trips and includes it all:  luxury accommodations on Captiva Island, 3 celebrity trainers, personal chef, good nutrition, on site massage therapist and a heavy dose of walking, kayaking, biking, yoga, pilates and more!

What can you expect in 2014?  I'm still lining up dates and accommodations, but we'll follow about the same places, with a few more.  I've had some great interest from some of my partners to team up and offer new locations and new forms of activity - so stay tuned.  I post the most up to date information on my 365fitt facebook page first, so make sure that you LIKE that page, and come back often.  I also put all information on my website at www.365fitt.com, and in my monthly newsletter.  Make sure you're signed up (go to my website for the link).

365fitt is about training for the event called LIFE, focusing on physical, nutritional and emotional wellness through lifestyle adaptations.  Kathy is available for personal training and wellness consultations and corporate wellness.  365fitt invites you to participate in a Healthy Active Living trip to incredible destinations.  Please visit 365fitt for more information.  Live 365fitt!