December 12, 2008 – To be inspired is somewhat of a gift, especially if inspiration comes from the heart. For several weeks during fall training I had a recurring inspiration. I worked it over in my head while mountain biking, roller skiing, and once in a while in the weight room if I wasn’t lifting too hard. Though the initial inspiration stayed the same throughout, the manifestation changed over and over until it became a tangible reality. What was born of these many thoughts was the desire to reach out with my ability to teach and convey fitness and it’s many functions to the average Joe or Jane in my valley.

Having grown up in the same place my whole life I have become well acquainted with the athletes of the valley. There are those who’ve pushed the limits and attended three successive Olympics. Some of those Olympians have medalled, and there are those who get a real benefit from working out at Curves once a week. But most of the valley skiers fit somewhere in the middle, they love being “outdoorsy” and view recreation as a unique feature of the Gunnison Valley – something to partake in on a regular basis. Some choose to hang it out there and sign up for the plethora of local races, to have a goal and to test themselves.