I used to think of myself as an average person: working day in and day out, hardly sporting except for the extra pounds around my belly, always wanting to improve myself without a clue as how to go about doing it. I had outlandish dreams while sitting in my office, one of which was to climb mountains. And one day I got it into my head that it was something I was going to do. It seemed fate had it in for me because right around that time, in March, I met Shelly. My purpose with Trail Training was to get physically ready for the rigors of mountain climbing, but over time, Shelly taught me a great deal more than that. Together, we sprinted up hills over and over until I thought my legs would give and my lungs would collapse; then we would do it all over again. We climbed a million stairs, biked hundreds of miles of trails, and paddled end to end of Folsom Lake. It seemed we did more before 7 am than the average Joe would do in a lifetime, but it was always in good company and in the quiet surroundings of mother nature. It paid off in the end when I summitted my first peak in July. I realized, that along with some muscles I had and a few I didn't know I had, my confidence grew in leaps and bounds. With quiet assurance I stood on my perch on Mt. Shasta and saw for the first time I had the ability to do anything I wanted to do. Later in August, I saw the expanse of the Cascade Mountains from Mt. Rainier's snowy glaciers fields and I realized I was a different person than when I started my journey. Never would I go back to average--Trail Training had opened the doors of all my potential.

Shelly (Trail Training) has taught me that exercising can be fun. Hiking, kayaking and cycling are just a couple of activities she offers. The thing I like most about Shelly is that she can work with you know matter what physical level you are at. I started with Shelly in January 2000 and I could barely get to the corner without getting breathless. In July 2000 I walked from San Jose to San Francisco (60 Miles) for Avon Breast Cancer. Shelly was with me every step of my training, giving me constant support and encouragement. Thank You Shelly!!!!! You're Awesome!!!!

My name is Brian Weber. I'm a 47 year old guy who's always done multiple sports but couldn't quite put it all together. When I started training with Shelly Alves and Trail Training I was finally able to achieve my goals. Such as Adventure Racing and finally competing in the Eppie's Triathlon after thinking about it for ten years. I did the Iron man portion and had a blast! I'm now setting new goals such as Mt. Bike racing and Sea Kayak racing and long distance touring. I'm sure with Shelly's expert coaching I'll be able to do it. She is an awesome motivator!

I dumped the slug and called Trail Training. My new goals: 1) Become a better mountain bike rider so I could keep up and 2) Enter Eppie's Great Race as an ironwoman contender. The appeal of Trail Training was to get in shape with the great outdoors as my personal gym. Not being a part of the rich & famous club, I was a little intimidated about hiring a personal trainer. Was I worthy? How much would this cost? Could I keep up with the others? And, what if it rains? I met Shelly Alves, and instantly wanted to give trail training a try.

Shelly was very interested in my personal goals and took the time during our first few sessions to see how far I could run (actually how fast I got winded), how easy (or difficult) it was to climb hills - both on wheels and my own two feet, and what was my general level of strength (how many sit-ups and pushups were within my comfort zone). From there, she started working with me to build a solid cardio base that would then become the foundation for any sport I chose. Fun runs and weekend races were gentle milestones for which to measure my success. After only eight weeks, I ran my first 10K, with Shelly by my side encouraging me every step of the way. Increasing one's distance or time is often more a mental challenge rather than a true physical limitation. I continue to increase my distances and decrease my times. Trail Training even provided the perfect opportunity for me to enter the California International Marathon as part of a four-person relay team.

After two months of subliminal talk about how morning workouts were really the easiest way to keep a consistent workout routine, I became the first participant in Shelly's early morning group. It takes about two weeks to adjust to waking up at 5:30am to begin exercising before dawn, but once the initiation is over, it is all down hill - and up hills, and over rocks, and through the woods - from there.

We then concentrated on my mountain biking - skills and hills. Hills that I had always walked before were now ride able. Rocks and logs that I had always avoided were now jumped over. Streams that were carefully stepped through were now crossed by tire tread only. Night riding (or riding before dawn) became a new love of mine and Shelly and I rode the entire winter - rain or shine, light or dark, mud or sand. There is such a powerful feeling knowing that you can weather the conditions no matter what Mother Nature expresses each day.

In the summer, the kayaks came out and I learned a new sport. Of course Eppie's great race includes running, biking, and kayaking (instead of the swimming that usually accompanies a triathlon). I had wanted to enter Eppie's Great Race for over four years, but knew I could never finish the running portion let alone have the stamina to complete all three events. The training for Eppie's included workouts of biking and running to practice transitioning. Shelly even guided us through the actual kayaking course prior to the event so we would be familiar with the eddies and rapids. While I was nervous on race day, I made it through each event with what seemed to be ease and finished under my goal time. While I never really race to win, races are a great opportunity to have fun and measure your success. This year I entered my first duathlon (12k-mountain bike/8k-run) which was my toughest race ever.

Trail Training has provided me with the confidence to do more than I ever expected and provided the forum for me to do what I love and enjoy doing without having to beg or bribe friends that are only half hearted with interest. In addition to the personal training, I have met many others with similar interests and now have expanded my group of friends that will embark on outdoor adventures with me. Come join the fun and see what a lifestyle change you can make.