Basic Training

Supporting our veterans is one of the reasons that drew me to the event Swim With a Mission (SWAM).  It’s an event like no other because, not only is your challenge to swim in open water (with different distance options), but it’s a full day of supporting our veterans. And in a surreal way, they actually support you.  I’ve participated in this event twice now and I’ll never forget the first time coming out of the water after swimming my first 5K.  I had a hard time walking out of the water, and as I tried running through the finish line, I saw my parents, my husband, and my kids.  They were cheering me on from behind a group of Navy Seals…also cheering…for me?  These are some of the most badass people in the world who put their lives on the line for us.  I felt like it should have been the other way around, but there they were cheering for me.  Amazing experience.

Veterans Day has always held a special place in my heart.  My father was a veteran and his service is something he was beyond proud of.  Something I’m beyond proud of him for.  My father was my biggest fan and never missed a softball, basketball, or volleyball game growing up.  He also didn’t miss the two SWAM events.  Sharing that experience with him is something I’ll never forget.  He was a proud man, and a tall man. But when at military events, he always seemed to be standing a little taller. I loved to see him in his element.

In 2020, due to Covid-19, I didn’t participate in SWAM even though they had a virtual option.  I decided to run a program through NE360Fitness that I would share proceeds from with Veterans Count (one of the organizations that SWAM supports).  I created an image to promote it.  The image was a photo of my Dad in Vietnam with a quote from JFK.  When he saw it he told me he really liked it.

As embarrassing as it is to admit this, no one purchased last year’s program.  I was bummed but I knew there would be another year.  Another chance to raise money for our vets.  Unfortunately this is the first year we’ll be celebrating Veterans Day without my father.  I’m hoping his pride in his service is something I can continue to share with others.  I will always support our military heroes.  I’ve got another program for this year and I’m asking for your support too…

The program is called Basic Training.  It’s 11 days of basic, bodyweight workouts you can do anywhere in less than 30 minutes.  Some will be more intense than others but all workouts will have modifications so they are suitable for ALL levels.  The cost of the program is $11.00 - just $1.00 per day.  Proceeds will be going to Veterans Count of New Hampshire.  Workouts start November 1st and run through November 11th (Veterans Day).

How it works:

Sign up using this link or visit this webpage.

You will receive an activation email from us within 24 hours to get into Coach Catalyst, our online platform.  Once activated, you can also download the My Coach app to take the program with you anywhere.

There will be lessons to help you learn where things are before the workouts begin.

Each day (starting November 1) you will be able to access that day’s workout.  As the program goes on, you can access that particular day’s workout and any previous day’s workout.  But settle down Solider! There’s no skipping ahead!

There will also be a private community for you to share photos and comments from your workouts…and you can even share stories of your favorite veteran with others in the program.

I hope you’re ready to support our Veterans and for some Basic Training.  I’ll see you there!