Reflection on the 2014 Challenge

Now that the 2014 Chippewa Valley Challenge is in the books, we would like to take a moment to reflect on how amazing this year was for us and for many of our Participants.

The Challenge started January 6 in the midst of one of the coldest winters in the record books. We extended the weigh-ins due to the sub-zero temps many of us faced here in Wisconsin. Almost 600 determined individuals braved the cold and weighed in for the Challenge.

This year, with the expansion of the Challenge to cities outside of the Chippewa Valley, proved to be a challenge for us as well. We give a special thanks to Midwest Physical Therapy & Fitness Center, Snap Fitness Rice Lake and Losing it with Lisa at Riverfront Athletic Club for bearing with us despite the distance.

This year was a year of many firsts for the Challenge. 

• It was the first year we had clubs participate outside of the Chippewa Valley. 
  
• It was the first year we were able to help support two great local youth organizations that are focusing on getting young people active. These organizations include the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentors in Motion program and the YMCA Camp Wabi program.
• It was the first year we had a seminar open to the public. The seminar was held in February with special guest speaker Lisa Rambo from "The Biggest Loser" Season 14. 
• It was the first year we were able to give back over $3,000 to local nonprofit organizations.
• It was the first year we had 3 people lose over 100 lbs. 
• It was the first year we had 5 people lose over 30% of their starting body weight. 
• And this was the first year we were able to give away a one-year lease on a brand new car.

And the biggest first of all...we had our first male champion. 

Congratulations to Scott Smith of Chippewa Falls! 

Scott is the 2014 Chippewa Valley Challenge Champion, losing 40.68% of his starting body weight. Scott is the first male to be crowned the Champion of the Chippewa Valley Challenge. On January 6, 2014 he weighed in at 256.40 lbs. At the Grand Finale Weigh-in, Scott weighed in at 152.10 lbs. In the words of Scott, "You are never too old or too big to change your life."

As a whole, the Challenge Participants lost over 2.86 TONS! Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2014 Chippewa Valley Challenge.

The 2015 Challenge will begin on Monday, January 5. We have some exciting changes coming up for 2015.

• resident certified personal trainers
• custom food and fitness journal
• monthly seminars/webinars
• opportunities to meet other participants
• new fitness apparel line
• ambassador program

Thank you again to all of this year's Sponsors and Participating Locations!

Sponsors

• Promotional Partner, WEAU News 13
• Media Partners, WAXX 104.5 and 1-94
• Country Jam USA
• Eau Claire Ford Lincoln
• Gordy's County Market
• L.E. Phillips Career Development Center
• SUBWAY
• "I AM AN OVER EATER!!"
• Sam's Club
• Dasani
• GNC
• Cody Limousines

Participating Locations

• Anytime Fitness Eau Claire
• BodyWorks Athletic Club
• Curves Eau Claire
• Highland Fitness
• Losing it with Lisa (Riverfront Athletic Club)
• Midwest Physical Therapy & Fitness Center
• Snap Fitness Rice Lake
• Chippewa Valley Family YMCA
• Eau Claire YMCA

For those of you who have completed the Challenge in past years or are new to the maintenance realm and looking for continued motivation, we have an option for you! 

Starting August 11, the Challenge's very own Jen Bailey, CPT will be hosting a 10-week training program for those who wish to run a half marathon on Sunday, October 19! Yes, you CAN train for a half marathon in 10 weeks! You can do this!

Already registered for the 5k? No problem. You can either change your category to the half marathon, or train with us anyway and dominate your 5k!

The Challenge Running Group
Train to complete your first half or push for a PR!

August 11-October 19, 2014
Sundays at 6 p.m.
Meet at Braun's Bay (by Carson Park)

$5/session or $40 upfront ($10 savings!)

Those who register for the first training run on Sunday, August 17 
will receive a print out of the 10-week training program on Sunday, August 10. There will also be a pasta feed and team 
t-shirt decorating party on Saturday, October 18 for those who have completed 5 or more session. More details TBA.

Want extra motivation on the day of the half? 
Join team CHIPPEWA VALLEY CHALLENGE when registering for The Biggest Loser RunWalk Eau Claire and save $5 on your registration fee! Jen will run with those who want support throughout the half.

BONUS!
We have 10 race bibs to give away! 
We will choose two winners each Sunday evening except on October 19. The winners for the evening will be randomly chosen from those who attend that session.
(NOTE: Session participant may win only one race bib.)

Watch for more details on how to join The Group!