Friends,   

Due to the dangerously cold weather on Wednesday, we will be cancelling our group.  We’ll still be here Friday, just make good decisions on dressing warm enough.  I’m hoping to bring my new knee in and have some fun with it.  It’s getting better each day…slow but sure.

Linda will be leading another painting class this Friday.  Here’s a note from Linda:

Sounds like balmy weather for this Friday,  2/1, so join us for Introduction to Alcohol Inks, Part 2 where we play with metal and metallics! Newcomers are welcome.  $1 or $2 donation appreciated.  11:45 to 1:15 in the breakroom.

INDOOR TRIATHLON – I’m thankful that Jerry, Mary Jo and Lowell are making the indoor triathlon at Westwood possible for us again this year.  This is the event that gave birth to all we are doing 6 years ago.  Jerry sent out an informative e-mail last week that answers lots of questions.  Please consider doing the indoor triathlon this year.  Be not afraid…please keep in mind that there will be many people to help you and it brings them great joy when you share your journey with them.  I’ve attached Jerry’s information in case you didn’t get it or didn’t consider it.  Please consider it!

Let’s hope for some better weather and have some fun again this week!

We all need to “Just Keep Moving”!  It doesn’t matter where we start.  We can start with laughing which is great exercise in itself.  Other than that, we start with the body parts that will move and keep moving them as much as we can.  Let them rest and then move them again.

I know there are still many of us going through other life challenges in addition to our challenges with MS.  Let’s stick together, keep our chins up and keep sharing our journey.  Better days are ahead.  For those of you who haven’t been able to make it by us on Wednesdays and Fridays lately, please know you are missed and in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope you’re able to make it back soon!

I hope you’ll join us both Wednesday and Friday again this week.   Remember…consistency is key.  With MS, it takes a lot of consistent effort every day to make small improvements.  Yes, it’s frustrating so be patient and consistent and you’ll be amazed how your quality of life will continue to improve.  It’s been about 17 years of exercising just about every day for me and I’m still making improvements (encouragement, love, support, nutrition and proper rest help immensely too).  It takes time so please be patient.  It sure is better than MS getting worse.  I really don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t do this (nor do I want to find out).  I’m so thankful you are all joining me on this journey of making progress with our MS and quality of life…THANK YOU!  We’ll continue to learn together…there’s so much power in the love and support we all share with each other.

In the past, I’ve been telling you to bring a friend.  Unfortunately, we’re going to need to start a waiting list for new people.  Please feel free to continue to share your experience and what we’re doing together.  Let me know of anyone who would like to join us.  I’ll communicate with these people through e-mail or phone and help them any way I can.  When we have room for them to join us, I’ll encourage them to do that.  If you’ve joined us in the past, please continue to join us.

We are here to help you and anyone with MS…no strings attached (well maybe an occasional story about the progress you’re making, smile, high five or a hug).  I remember how challenging life used to be when my MS was bad.  I get great joy sharing what I’ve learned and feel blessed with the progress I’ve made.  I hope you make progress in some way too!

Place:  W228N791 Westmound Dr.
Waukesha, WI

When:  Wednesday morning from 9:30am – 12:30pm (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)

              Friday morning from 9:30 – 12:30pm  (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)

Any questions?  Give me a call.
Dan Erschen
Cell:  414-305-0418

Westwood Tri,

YES, it’s time to really get thinking about the Indoor Triathlon at West Wood. So mark your calendars, Sunday, March 17th

As was done in the past, there will also be a 6 week training program leading up to the race.  The training will be on Thursday mornings at West Wood, 10-11:30.  It starts Thursday, February 7th. As was done last year, it will be 30 minutes in the cycle room, 30 minutes for run/walking and finishing with 30 minutes in the pool.

Information sheets and signup sheet are at the gym. I’ve also attached a copy.  

For those who have done it in the past, currently there are no plans on changing things.  For those who have not done it, here are a few answers to questions you might have.

Q. What am I getting into? I’m not a triathlete!

A. You will be.  The event is 10 minutes of swimming, 20 minutes on the bike (same bikes as are in Dan’s gym) and 15 minutes run/walk on the indoor track at West Wood.  Your distance traveled is your race result.

Q.  What time is the race?

A.  Participants are assigned to a wave, 8 per wave.  First wave starts at 8:00 AM and every 30 minutes after that.  As best as possible, the MS athletes will be grouped in the last waves.  Based on prior years, your waves will start around 10 or 10:30.

Q. I don’t like water.

A. Use Club Soda.

Q. No, I mean I’m afraid of water.

A. During the training, there will be volunteers to help you overcome/handle that fear.  Ask Shannon.  What a trooper.  Yes, Dennis said he would help again.

Q. Can I swim with a life preserver or noodle?

A. Yes.  We’ll figure out what works during training.

Q.  What if I only make it to the end of the pool?

A.  Then you will have 25 yards for your swim distance.  Good job!!

Q.  What if I can’t even make it to the end of the pool?

A.  Then your swim distance will be . . . zero.  We’ll get your hair wet to make it look like you swam and then you head to the cycle room.

Q.  I can’t get on and off the bike by myself?

A.  That’s what volunteers are planning to help you do.

Q.  I can’t bike 20 minutes?

A.  Then you ride for as long as you are able to in that 20 minute period.  You can start and stop peddling as often as you want.  We’ll work that out during training. 

Q.  How do I know how far I rode if the bike hasn’t moved.

A.  The distance for your ride is determined by the watts measured on the bike.  A conversion table determines how many miles you traveled based on the watts energy you put into the ride.

Q.  I can’t run.

A.  Who says you have to run.  Walk just like you do at Dan’s, . . . except there will be no fork lift trucks or loud machines banging around you.  Volunteers will keep track of how far you go.  If needed, volunteers will also be allowed to walk with you.

Q.  Do I have to do the training to do the race?

A.  No . . .  but it’s very highly recommended.  Also, if you just want to do the training but don’t want to or can’t do the race, that’s okay too.  If you can’t make all 6 training sessions, that’s okay too.   

Q.  Ah,  what does this cost?

A.  NOTHING!  You just have to show up.

Q.  Where do I sign up?

A.  Signup sheets for training and/or the race are attached and at Dan’s gym.

I know there may be a few more questions out there, so ask me or any of the other people who have ventured outside their comfort zone to do it.  Kathy Korn has done it every year. Ask her.

In the meantime, see you at the gym.

Jerry Huhn