Two years ago Trudy Schug was a bit out of shape and certainly out of balance.
“I really wanted to get my life in balance,” Schug said.
Around that time, a friend challenged Schug to run a half-marathon – 13 miles. Not being a runner, she wasn’t sure it was something she could pull off.
“I couldn’t run a block when I started it,” she said.
But Schug pushed on, thanks to the challenge from her friend, and not only ran that half-marathon, but two full marathons since.
“Really, what made it happen was the challenge,” she said.
Not only that, she lost 87 pounds in the process.
Now, Schug is taking her experience to challenge everyone else in the first Balance Challenge, so named because of its effort to help people better balance their lives, with exercise, proper nutrition and even relaxation – all important parts to a healthy life, according to Schug.
“The concept is training for life,” she said. “It’s really building a healthy lifestyle.”
The challenge, cosponsored by Roadrunner Sports and King Crossfit gym, begins with a free registration party from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. May 2 on front of the AMC theater in Kent Station. The Challenge itself begins May 6 and will continue for eight weeks.
It is open to “all fitness levels and goals,” Schug said.
“Everyone needs strength,” said Ron Panelo, one of the owners of King Crossfit. “We’re going to provide and optimal workout for people signed up for the balance challenge.”
“It’s like having a personal trainer,” said Schug of the Crossfit guys.
The first week, Schug said the challenge for the group will be to write down everything they consume for a week, with a focus the following week on proper nutrition.
“The every first one will have to do with nutrition and drinking water and getting everyone prepared,” she said.
King Crossfit staff also will be on hand – both at the registration and the first official night – to help the participants work on muscle tone and building muscle for life.
In future weeks, Schug said one challenge will deal with relaxation. She said the challenge will be for people to find new ways to relax, such as yoga, for example, since relaxation is just as important to a balanced lifestyle as exercise.
“As adults sometimes we forget to invest in ourselves,” she said.
People who complete a challenge will also be entered for a drawing of prizes from companies like New Balance, Nike, Under Armor and Talking Rain.
“I just asked them,” Schug said about getting the prizes for her event.
In addition, the person with the largest percentage weight loss will win a pair of athletic shoes and anyone who participates in all eight weeks will have their name entered for a separate drawing for a fee pair of shoes.
But more than anything, Schug hopes to help people get their lives in order. “This challenge isn’t just about physical fitness,” agreed Crossfit co-owner Allen Velasco.
“It’s just a good blend.”
If you go
The Balance Challenge registration party is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 at the AMC theater in Kent Station. There will be a free Crossfit workout so participants are encouraged to come prepared to sweat. There will be giveaways, music, a massage chair and other events, as well as an opportunity to register for the Balance Challenge. All Challenge participants also receive a 10 percent discount card to use at Roadrunner Sports.
For more information or to register e-mail kingcrossfit@gmail.com.
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