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2016 Obstacle Course by Category

Jun 18, 2016 | Blog, Fitness Articles, Tri-Fitness Event History

2016 World Challenge – results
Obstacle Course by Category

Category OC ID First Name Last Name State Time Sex
18-24 Over 5′ 4
5.61 35 Mariah Shein MT 111.04 F
25-29 Over 5′ 4
8.94 48 Shauna Allen FL 58.31 F
8.23 54 Ashley Anderson NY 69.54 F
8.2 51 Megan Becker KS 70.07 F
6.72 53 Cassie Hickel KS 93.44 F
25-29 Under 5′ 4
8.82 62 Lindsey Rosen FL 60.22 F
8.62 46 Sarah Swann CT 63.44 F
8.35 42 Brittney Martello MT 67.68 F
8.22 41 MacKenzie Clark CA 69.65 F
7.99 43 Leah Feldman NY 73.34 F
7.06 44 Alicia Easterwood TX 88.13 F
6.89 38 Rachel O’Brien CT 90.82 F
4.72 39 Chloe Higgins NY 125.18 F
30-34 Over 5′ 4
9.22 85 Leslie Martin NY 53.82 F
9.19 79 Christina Spikowski FL 54.31 F
8.93 88 Lauren Majewski TX 58.53 F
8.2 78 Brittany Sterkel MT 70.03 F
7.67 86 Shanna Mcilvoy KS 78.37 F
6.68 87 Kirsten Koenig MD 94.19 F
6.45 82 Marci Proper NY 97.81 F
5.13 81 Katrina Kane NY 118.72 F
5.12 77 Ashley Knisley IL 118.85 F
3.96 84 Stacey Cortez TX 137.31 F
30-34 Under 5′ 4
9.47 68 Jennifer Kirkpatrick FL 49.97 F
9.44 72 Laura Lord MS 50.37 F
8.63 73 Diana Woodall FL 63.28 F
7.44 69 Nicole Schneider TX 82.09 F
7.38 71 Danielle Hanis PA 83.03 F
6.8 61 Krystal Clower AL 92.15 F
6.68 66 Holly Evans TX 94.07 F
6.15 70 Leanne Kelly NY 102.47 F
6.15 74 Yusmary Cortez FL 102.47 F
5.8 60 Sarah Malone TX 108.09 F
5.76 63 Krystyn Rapoli NY 108.72 F
35-39 Over 5′ 4
8.96 118 Elizabeth Koehl TX 57.91 F
8.76 114 Jacquelyn Rosen FL 61.19 F
8.74 123 Renee Sjostedt FL 61.5 F
8.42 126 Chantel Schultz NY 66.5 F
8.38 130 Sherry Parker FL 67.13 F
8.08 117 Amanda Vaughan AZ 71.97 F
7.98 112 Laura McSweeney TX 73.59 F
7.61 124 Kathy Southard SC 79.31 F
7.59 128 Cari Schlauch MT 79.72 F
7.55 122 Sonya Melville TX 80.28 F
7.42 131 Cathy Donaldson TX 82.44 F
7 119 Melissa Markle NY 89.03 F
6.79 116 Janette Koshell TX 92.43 F
6.64 110 Denyse Blankenship IL 94.78 F
6.1 113 Julie Pontin TX 103.37 F
5.95 127 Allyn Harris MS 105.75 F
5.31 120 Shannan Titcomb FL 115.9 F
5.19 115 Melissa Eiffert NY 117.71 F
5.16 111 Karen Clark IL 118.16 F
4.94 129 Heidi Kirby MS 121.75 F
3.42 121 Jeanne Oubre FL 145.78 F
35-39 Under 5′ 4
9.43 104 Connie Knott FL 50.47 F
9.19 102 Gina Raines FL 54.34 F
9 95 Teresa Evans FL 57.4 F
8.52 59 Anna Dutko FL 64.9 F
8.36 97 Amy Fallis OH 67.53 F
8.09 106 Lara Boscarino FL 71.81 F
8.06 94 Evelia Salazar TX 72.29 F
7.74 90 Whitney Gladden MS 77.38 F
7.6 100 Karen Cravens SC 79.56 F
7.29 93 Angie Willman IL 84.5 F
6.15 101 Jenny Canale NY 102.47 F
5.74 103 Michelle Romanaskas PA 109.03 F
4.94 98 Laura Gardebled LA 121.69 F
4.86 91 Mona Ahmed MS 122.97 F
1.71 99 Kim Smith LA 172.94 F
40-44 Over 5′ 4
9.27 150 Pam Forrest FL 53.09 F
8.35 151 Liva Rivera FL 67.66 F
6.5 145 Kimberly Strathy MD 96.94 F
40-44 Under 5′ 4
8.78 141 Brandy Goddard AK 60.81 F
8.14 139 Angie Ishak MT 71.06 F
5.51 136 Staci Dawes MT 112.6 F
5.42 140 Fiorella Sacconi FL 114.1 F
5.15 132 Kimberly Alexander NY 118.34 F
45-49 Over 5′ 4
8.79 167 Celeste Turner LA 60.66 F
45-49 Under 5′ 4
8.7 158 Suzy Perdomo FL 62.06 F
4.77 162 Susan Noser FL 124.32 F
4.59 156 Dana Beck MT 127.18 F
50-54 Over 5′ 4
1.26 180 Susan Palmer MS 180 F
50-54 Under 5′ 4
7.75 174 April Lawton FL 77.12 F
7.71 173 Carol Anthony SA 77.81 F
7.58 176 Theresa Winterhalter FL 79.78 F
7.41 171 Mimi Zumwalt TX 82.5 F
5.28 175 Jessica Blackburn NC 116.34 F
4.96 170 Kim Lipe IL 121.31 F
55-59 Over 5′ 4
5.35 186 Gail Kozlowski FL 115.25 F
5.34 187 Julie Gibson TX 115.37 F
3.62 185 Sarah Montgomery NY 142.6 F
55-59 Under 5′ 4
6.33 182 Tina Dale FL 99.72 F
60-64 Over 5′ 4
6.44 190 Tina Flanders TX 98 F
Athletes Moms

Athletes Moms

May 20, 2016 | Blog, Fitness Articles, Tri-Fitness Athlete Spotlight

Athlete-Moms

Athletes Moms – Tri-Fitness Featured Athletes

By Bernadette Rosen

Photos by: Ed Johnston, Rick Schaff, Greg VanderWel, Jay Ronca, Marianne Johnston

Each month we will feature Tri-Fitness athletes who have competed and performed at the highest level. What is an athlete? Well, a Tri-Fitness athlete is one who demonstrates strength (bench press), speed (obstacle course , true grit challenge and shuttle run), flexibility (routine), agility (shuttle run and obstacle course), and endurance (box jumps, obstacle course, routine, shuttle and bench). Through a healthy diet (eating as an athlete) and extreme training, these athletes achieve a fit, athletic physique which enables them to succeed in our event.

This month we will feature sisters Blondina Polazzo (Missouri) and Tracy Goodwin (Tennessee) who achieved success at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge.

Blondina Polazzo – Tri-Fitness Featured Athlete

Athletes Moms - Blondina tackles the True Grit obstacle course, at the 2015 Tri-Fitness Challenge, Tampa, FL.

Athletes Moms – Blondina tackles the True Grit obstacle course, at the 2015 Tri-Fitness Challenge, Tampa, FL.

Please tell the readers about yourself and your past: 

Blondina: I am 41 years old and I live in Wentzville, Missouri.  I was born in Germany but I moved around a lot since my father was in the Air Force for 20 years.  I am married to the love of my life, William Polazzo, and we have two girls.  Olivia who is 17 years old and Bella who is 11.  This is my 23rd year in the Fitness & Nutrition industry.  I can remember at the age of 14 I knew my purpose was to inspire and motivate people to be their best physically!  My journey started when I joined the Air Force and became the Physical Conditioning monitor for my fellow soldiers.  In 2009 I received the “Healthy Woman Award” of St. Luke’s Hospital for inspiring others to take action with their health.  I have owned my own personal training company for over 10 years and I am leading a team of thousands that desire to help others as an Independent Distributor of AdvoCare International.  Fitness and nutrition has been apart of my life for a long time and I live to pay it forward to others.

 

How long have I been doing the Tri Fitness and what got me started:  

Blondina: May, 2015 was my first time competing in the Tri-Fitness World Challenge.  I love to compete and I was looking for something that would “fit” me.  So when my fellow fitness expert and AdvoCare leader, Liz  Cort, mentioned on Facebook that she was going to train a team of women to compete in the Tri-Fitness Challenge, I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to do to challenge myself.  I threw my hat in the ring and started training.

 

Sisters Athletes Moms - Blondina Polazzo who achieved success at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge, climbs across the Monkey bars.

Blondina Polazzo who achieved success at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge, climbs across the Monkey bars.

 

What do you like best about the Tri-Fitness Challenge:  

Blondina: I absolutely fell in love with this competition.  I truly haven’t felt this encouraged and motivated about competing in many years. Al Rosen, the founder, has done it right.  He has not only made this a competition that will challenge you physically, he has made it about life.  Fear No Obstacle is something that one can live by.   Six weeks into my training I injured myself and I almost quit  but something inside me said take some rest time but don’t quit.  I am so thankful I didn’t quit.  The feeling of accomplishment after finishing each competition with all the other athletes shouting “Good Job” is a memory that will be forever in my heart.

 

Would you like to add anything else for our readers?:  

Blondina: If you are in your 40’s, heck any age, and would like to challenge yourself and feel empowered, then Tri-Fitness is for you.  The Tri-Fitness Challenge 2015 experience was one of my best accomplishments for the year and I look forward to doing it again in 2016.

 

Athletes Moms - Tracy Goodwin (Tennessee) who achieved success at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge, climbs over the 10 foot wall.

Athlete Mom – Tracy Goodwin (Tennessee) who achieved success at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge, climbs over the 10 foot wall.
https://trifitnesschallenge.com

Tracy Goodwin – Tri-Fitness Featured Athlete

BSR: Please tell the readers about yourself and your past:

Tracy: I get to be a wife to an amazingly supportive husband, who is an avid runner, and mom to three beautiful boys. My oldest is 12, my middle son is 9 and my youngest is 4. I am passionate about Jesus, love, and all things about life. I always try to remember we aren’t promised tomorrow, so seize the day and make the most of every moment. I’ve always lived a somewhat healthy lifestyle, but I didn’t get serious in my training until about 5 years ago.  My health history is quite unique and a big part of what motivates me to just keep pounding it. In 1995, at the age of 20, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Takayasu’s Arteritis. TA causes inflammation of the great vessels coming from the heart which can lead to blockages. In severe cases, like mine, it also causes damage to the heart valves. For me it was my aortic valve. By the time we discovered what was going on, I had 99% blockage in my coronary artery and my aortic valve was barely functioning. While having a stress echo test done in a cardiologist office, I went into cardiac arrest. Once revived, thank God, I was rushed to the hospital and had emergency open heart surgery. I had a double bypass and became the proud new owner of a mechanical aortic heart valve. My surgery and recovery went well until three years later. We discovered the wrong size valve had been placed and I was facing a repeat surgery. This is where things get complicated. In 1998, I went in for a second valve replacement. During the beginning of the procedure it was discovered that the original valve had not been put in correctly. Therefore, before I was on the bypass machine, the surgeon sliced into my aorta with catastrophic results. I went about 20 minutes without any oxygen getting to my brain. I was not expected to wake up, and if I did, it was predicted I would most likely be comatose. However, by the grace of God, I WOKE UP. Several of my major organs had failed, I was paralyzed on my left side, and I was having seizures. I spent two weeks in the ICU and I had to have dialysis for a short time. Slowly but surely everything started functioning properly again. I had a long road of recovery, but every step and every breath was worth it. I was, and still am, thankful beyond words to be here. Life is such a gift. I try to live to show others to never take life nor health for granted. This is why I pound. This is why I fight. Because I CAN.

Athletes Moms - Tracy Goodwin (Tennessee) who achieved success at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge. https://trifitnesschallenge.com

Athlete Mom – Tracy Goodwin (Tennessee) doing 50 jumps on the box jump event at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge. https://trifitnesschallenge.com

 

BSR: How long have you been doing the Tri-Fitness and what got you started?

Tracy: My first Tri-Fitness competition was in May of 2015. I had the time of my life participating in the fitness skills, obstacle course and true grit events. Talk about feeling alive! That course will do it for you! I was introduced to Tri-Fitness last year by my close friend and neighbor at the time, Danielle McGlynn. She had been competing for a few years and really encouraged me to try it. I kept watching her videos and asking her…are you sure I can do this? Then, I spoke with Al. After that, I knew I had to do it!

 

BSR: What do you like best about the Tri-Fitness?

 

Tracy: My favorite thing about Tri-Fitness is the feeling of accomplishment. A close second is how encouraging everyone is to everyone else. I was blown away by all the strangers cheering me on and rooting for me. Danielle kept telling me how you are treated like family once you become a Tri-Fitness athlete. But, you really have to see it to believe it. The camaraderie is incredible! There is nothing else quite like Tri-Fitness!

.

BSR: Would you like to add anything else for our readers?

Tracy: I would encourage others to grab your life and enjoy what God has given you! Start wherever you are because it is never too late. You are worth it and being healthy is a gift you give yourself.  Anything worth having requires work. Don’t be afraid of the work. Sometimes it’s in agony where we find exactly what we’re made of! Tri-Fitness is an event anyone can do. Trust me, if I can do it , you can too! No time like the present. Train!

 

Feature Athletes – Whitney Gladden and Chantel Schultz

Feature Athletes – Whitney Gladden and Chantel Schultz

Mar 12, 2016 | Blog, Fitness Articles, Tri-Fitness Athlete Spotlight

Whitney Gladden

 

ATHLETES OF TRI-FITNESS

By Bernadette Rosen

Photos by: Ed Johnston, Rick Schaff, Greg VanderWel, Jay Ronca, Marianne Johnston

Each month we will feature Tri-Fitness athletes who have competed and performed at the

highest level. What is an athlete? Well, a Tri-Fitness athlete is one who demonstrates strength

(bench press), speed (obstacle course , true grit challenge and shuttle run), flexibility (routine),

agility (shuttle run and obstacle course), and endurance (box jumps, obstacle course, routine,

shuttle and bench). Through a healthy diet (eating as an athlete) and extreme training, these

athletes achieve a fit, athletic physique which enables them to succeed in our event.

This month we will feature athletes Whitney Gladden and Chantel Schultz who achieved

success at the 2015 Tri-Fitness World Challenge.

 

BSR: Please tell the readers about yourself and your past:

Whitney: I’m a 39 year old mom of 7-year-old Tucker and 5-year-old Macy. I am a

former attorney and now Diamond Distributor with AdvoCare. I have never been

particularly athletic, but I have always enjoyed fitness; in high school I played softball

and was the captain of my cheer leading squad. Through college I taught fitness classes,

but had to stop upon admission to law school due to time constraints. It was exciting to

find a company like AdvoCare because it allowed me to have health and wellness back

as a focus in my life after putting it to the side for several years.

 

Whitney - monkey bars

BSR: How long have you been doing the Tri-Fitness and what got you started?

Whitney: 2015 was my first competition! I didn’t know much about it until my friend

and fellow AdvoCare Diamond Liz Cort invited me to participate with her. I fell in love

with the training right away. After I was introduced to it by Liz, I found out that my

personal trainer, Laura Lord, was a multiple time Tri-Fitness Competitor and has been

featured in this very magazine! She helped so much with the training for that first event.

I could not have done it without her.

 

BSR: What do you like best about Tri-Fitness?

Whitney: I love that Tri-Fitness is all about personal empowerment. It’s not about being

the best or beating everyone else. It’s about being your best self. It’s about being better

at competition than you were at the beginning of training. It’s about commitment,

consistency, being brave and overcoming the seemingly insurmountable. It’s everything

I try to stand for in my own life!

Chantel Schultz

BSR: How did you go about training for the Tri-Fitness?

Whitney: I leaned on the experience of those who had gone before me! I followed a

training program written by Liz, which called for more athleticism than I had ever been

asked to deliver. It was a challenge for sure, with sprints, pull-ups, box jumps, bench

presses, many many plyometric exercises, dive rolls – truly things I had not done since

high school and possibly even elementary school. It really awakened the athlete in me

and I loved every minute of it. I stuck with it and pushed my own limits 6 days a week. It

was worth it, because at the competition I performed better than I ever had in practice

and was stronger than I’d ever been in my life. At 39, that is a real treat.

 

BSR: Would you like to add anything else for our readers?

Whitney: After completing Tri-Fitness, I was in awe. I couldn’t believe the things I was

able to do as a result of consistent training and proper nutrition. I couldn’t believe I

conquered an overwhelming fear of heights and not only jumped a 5 foot wall, but also

scaled a 10-foot rope wall and even climbed a 15-foot cargo net wall…and flipped over

it! The feeling of accomplishment was real and cannot be overstated. The support from

Al Rosen, my fellow competitors, and friends in attendance encouraged me to do things

I was sure I couldn’t. They believed in me until I believed in myself. I am proud to be a

part of the Tri-fitness family.

Chantel - over the wall

 

BSR: Please tell the readers about yourself and your past:

Chantel: I am a 38 year old mom of 3. I have a step-daughter who is 18, a daughter who

is 14, and a son who is 6. We are a household of Athletes and are always on the go! I am

a personal trainer at various gyms in NY and a group fitness instructor at Fitness Fusion

of the Hudson Valley (FFHV) in Red Hook, NY. I teach bootcamps, TRX, CRT Method, Real

Ryder Cycle, and Kickboxing. I am a coach for Team Fit Mom/Team Fit Girl. I coach

hundreds of girls all over the United States with our online prep program. I have done

multiple fitness competitions, Tri-Fitness (my favorite), The  NPC and The WBFF, where I

won my ProCard in back in April of 2012. I have always been athletic. Fitness is truly my

PASSION! I think the most rewarding part of what i do is watching my clients make

change….. The journey starts out with physical changes, but socially and emotionally my

clients grow as well and I love seeing them break out of their shells. I am also an Advisor

with a company called AdvoCare. We are a wellness and performance supplementation

company that focuses on clean eating with supplements to fill the gaps with nutrition

that our bodies need so that we can perform at top levels.

 

BSR: How long have you been doing the Tri-Fitness and what got you started?

Chantel: I did the Tri-Fitness Worlds Challenge for the first time last year in May 2015.

My friend, Liz Cort whom I also work for at FFHV had taken a group of ladies down the

year before. Unfortunately, I could not make it that year but every single person had

raved about what an incredible experience it was. I started following the founder, Al

Rosen on Facebook. His dedication to this Tri-Fitness challenge and his competitors is

like NO OTHER you will find out there!! I was blown away last year when I competed….

the Rosen family is incredibly inspiring and they have a heart of gold.

 

BSR: What do you like best about the Tri-Fitness?

Chantel: I love how personal Tri-Fitness is. IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU……even though there

are a hundred other competitors. This competition is YOU vs. YOU. You leave there

feeling beyond accomplished. The friendships you make, the tears of joy you have, the

memories you make, the obstacles you overcome makes it an incredible experience! . As

far as the challenge itself I have 2 favorites, I loved the stage (it was so different than my

past experiences with other federations) and I had a love/hate relationship with The

Bench Press (this was by far the biggest challenge during training but the most

rewarding when I finished it on competition day)!

BSR: Would you like to add anything else for our readers?

Chantel: I challenge anyone to “friend” Al Rosen on Facebook and turn down his Tri-

Fitness Challenge …. haha! ….it just won’t happen! You will be so inspired and intrigued

at the level of professionalism, commitment, and dedication that him and his family

have. The friends that I made while in Tampa, Florida and the group of girls I went down

with – we just have a special bond that no one can understand, unless you have

experienced Tri-Fit. I refuse to miss another year! I cannot wait to see everyone and

beat my placings from last year! I have a feeling the competition is going to be extra

hard this year!!! I can’t wait for June 2016…. BRING IT ON!!

My 10 YEAR TRI-FITNESS JOURNEY

My 10 YEAR TRI-FITNESS JOURNEY

Aug 10, 2014 | Blog, Fitness Articles, Fitness Models

Bernadette Schimnowski-Rosen (My 10 YEAR TRI-FITNESS JOURNEY)

By Bernadette Schimnowski-Rosen

Photography by:  Ed Johnston, Greg VanderWel, Marianne Johnston, Sarah J. Porreca, R. Schaff,  Anne S. Boyko

My mom’s nickname was Sunshine as she always made each day of my life seem brighter.  In 1998, I read an article in Oxygen Magazine about a Fitness Challenge which included an obstacle course.  Wow, how cool would that be, I thought.  Unfortunately, I was in marriage at the time where there was no support.  As my mom became sicker with cancer, she made me promise I would do this competition, the Tri-Fitness Challenge.   She believed in overcoming obstacles, but unfortunately, she couldn’t overcome her cancer-ridden body, no matter how hard she tried.  I promised her I would one day make it to Las Vegas to challenge myself in this event.

The only thing we had in Winnipeg, Manitoba was a fitness organization that included a figure round, as well as a fitness routine.  As I was competing in this organization, the president  told me that if I went to the States and competed I would be barred.  In 2004 I contacted Al Rosen, Tri-Fitness president, via email about competing and about the barring that other organizations impose on other competitors and he laughed.  He explained Tri-Fitness welcomes everyone and doesn’t care if one competes in anything else.  I started thinking:  I am being controlled in my marriage and even the organization where I have been competing is also trying to control me;  wow, I finally found someone who doesn’t want to control me.  I really needed to do this! Since it was in Las Vegas and my ex was a gambler, he informed me that if I did away with protein and the internet then he  would allow me to compete.  It was July 2004 and little did I know at that point my whole life was about to change.

“little did I know at that point my whole life was about to change.”

When I boarded my flight to Las Vegas, Bob Kennedy and Tosca Reno were on the plane as they too were headed to the Tri-Fitness event.  The Tri-Fitness event was held at the Monte Carlo, but I was told I had to stay at the Luxor about a mile down the strip.  When I went to the registration, I was made to feel very welcome and couldn’t believe how all the athletes (more than 200 of them) were so friendly!  At the athletes’ meeting, Al Rosen addressed the entire group and I was able to see how passionate he was about the event.   I thought to myself, how proud my mom would be of me.  There I was, an elementary school teacher of 45 kindergarten children from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada sitting in a room with such great fitness athletes.

 

The next morning, I walked, by myself, down the strip to the Grace & Physique event; I was awed by how the stage at the Lance Burton Theater looked so elegant and large.  I made it through the Grace & Physique event as I thought of Sunshine and I couldn’t wait until we went out to the Obstacle Course on that Friday night (even though my total training preparation was only my school’s monkey bars and running through some tires).   The first obstacle on the course was the 10 foot wall and I took a penalty since I couldn’t get over it; the next major obstacle was the incline- decline monkey bars with 16 rungs.  I dedicated each rung to one of my 13 siblings plus my  mom and dad and saved number 16 for me.  I made it through, but slow isn’t the word as I double grabbed each bar (with a smile on my face).

 

Next I climbed up the cargo net and stepped over it (most people flipped over) but it didn’t matter (I was over it).  I made it through the course, ok so I knocked over the under bar and over bar but I did made it through!  My time: One minute and fifty four seconds!  I was in the bottom 10% but it didn’t really matter, because I crossed the finish line!  My ex then said, let’s go, you embarrassed me. I said but I can run it again, yet he wouldn’t let me. The next day, I competed in the bench press, shuttle run and box jumps (oh well, I got last place in box jumps despite being a good jumper since my days as a high school point guard in basketball).

 

In my heart, I knew I had to escape my dysfunctional marriage of 17 years.  I had found a new home in Tri-Fitness.  I competed the following year (2005) in Tampa and went back to Vegas in 2006.  By the fall of 2006, I was separated and decided to do a camp in Tampa to actually learn the Tri-Fitness the correct way from the expert himself, Al Rosen.  Little did I know,  October 6, 2006 would be a special day.  Within one hour and 20 minutes of practice, I was able to fly over the wall, flip over the net, and actually learn how to run hurdles.  The following weekend was the Fall Challenge and I did the Obstacle Course in one minute twelve seconds.  In addition, I found someone (Al Rosen), who truly believed in me. A friendship/relationship followed and on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10) we were married!

 

My passion for Tri-Fitness grew even more as our lives evolved around all the athletes.  Each time a new girl or guy starts, I tell them of where I started in 2004 – dead last on box jumps!  On November 16, the Tri-Fitness held it’s Sunshine State Challenge in Tampa.  Despite the threat of rain, the event went on as scheduled.  The first event became the Box Jumps (in 2004 my time was 1 minute and 46 seconds) and I accomplished them (50 jumps) in 36.3 seconds (perfect score is 37.5).  As it was raining (forecast of 80% chance of rain all day) my brother James, sister Anne, texted me and said “Sunshine will stop the rain, everyone will run the course.” As soon as the last competitor did their box jumps, Coach  Al declared: “Everyone on the field, it has stopped raining and we will go for it (the Obstacle Course)!”  After I ran (did a 53.6 seconds), I was able to cheer on all the new athletes and tell them my story.

 

My time held up for first place as did my time in the True Grit.  Some of the new people asked me when was the last time I won this event.  Never…the last time I won an event was a 3rd grade spelling bee!  But, to be honest, the smile on my face was the same as it was in 2004 when I was last.  When I was last, I still felt the Power of Accomplishment, as I did now being first.

 

What is Tri-Fitness?  It is an event which empowers people.  It makes people believe that they can do anything they put their heart and mind to.  Al Rosen convinces 60 year old women to flip over nets, jump on boxes, and dive roll over 40 inch bars.  Why….because he knows they can.  It is an event which has changed my life and it can change anyone’s life.   During the past 10 years of competing I have encountered many obstacles including:  vicious divorce, immigration problems due to my ex husband’s control, my dad’s death, diverticulitis prior to an event, shingles, lump in breast (surgery) and being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease.  But, I keep telling myself that life is just like the obstacle course – keep on attacking each one and stay positive.   I have every intention of improving my performance despite any obstacle which might stand in my way and I encourage others to do the same!

 

I will continue training with intensity and use clean eating (stay away from foods with hormones, antibiotics, etc) and using my Advocare Sports Performance Supplements.  I’ve learned that you can’t control the wind, only the direction of your sails. I think, how did I, a 45 year old woman from the prairies of Winnipeg accomplish the Tri-Fitness Challenge?  The answer is:  Believe you can, fear no obstacles and have some Sunshine looking down on you!

 

Check out youtube.com/trifitnesschallenge

Along with Dan Brienza, I have been able to create wonderful videos for https://trifitnesschallenge.com

http://advocare.com/130826085

Fish Oil Benefits for Athletes

Fish Oil Benefits for Athletes

Sep 7, 2012 | Blog, Fitness Articles, Health Articles

Athletes tend to stay away from oils and fats. But, remember that there are good fats and bad fats.

Fish Oil facts
Our diets need to include essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids come in two varieties: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.

Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Physicians and scientists agree that an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs is linked to an increase in heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer.

Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils, like corn oil and soy oil, both of which, contain high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970’s, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).

The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Making the Heart Healthier

Your heart is one of the most important parts of your body. Having an unhealthy heart probably means having a rather limited lifespan. So, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts healthy. One way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.

In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.

Fish oil

Fish oil (Photo credit: ArtsieAspie)

Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.

Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.

University of Wyoming conducted a study of children. They started one group of children on a high-fish diet while the other group continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.

Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Remember, nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status. Your health and life depend on making good decisions, like proper nutrition, exercise, and rest, while avoiding those things that tear-down our health, like alcohol, smoking, drugs, sugar, junk-food, fast-food, etc.

 

 

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