A Husband’s Take on
NW SUP & Fitness
A Husband’s Take on
NW SUP & Fitness
By: Jeremiah Doty
Why We Do What We Do, A Note From The Husband Behind NW SUP & Fitness
Balancing NW SUP & Fitness with Personal Life
On June 27th at 6pm I was paddle boarding across Vancouver Lake in the rain AFTER starting work at 6am and bustin’ my butt all day. I had just finished helping pack down 12 paddle boards, paddles, life jackets, etc in preparation for my Wife’s weekly Women’s Paddle-Fit Class. Even tho it was raining, I was sweating from packing boards & gear, and I was tired from a long work week at my “Real Job” as a gas pipe fitter for J&M Services. June 27th 2018 also happened to be our 19th Wedding Anniversary.
My phone was showing me memories all week of our past Anniversary adventures, including week long paddle trips to Bend Oregon, awesome weekends up in the Puget Sound paddling the big open waters and enjoying the local nightlife together, Mt Biking the Gorge and eating in our favorite restaurant in The Dalles, etc. In 19 years of marriage we have always managed to make time for just the two of us on our anniversary, and it means alot to me.
The Paddle-Fit group had left the shore without me, which is the norm as it takes me awhile to pack up all my camera gear. As I was paddling as hard as I could to catch up to everyone, I had a brief moment where I thought to myself “So why the hell am I paddling in the rain on our 19th anniversary with a group of random Women while my Wife leads her Paddle-Fit Class??”
As soon as I caught up to the Paddle-Fit group, I quickly remembered why I was on this lake in the rain today.
Because this is what my Wife has worked towards all of her life.
Before we started dating, Michelle and I were best friends all thru highschool. Even back then, she always told me she wanted to be a teacher. Sharing her fitness journey with other women has always been very important to her (and me), as both of us were “pudgy” kids growing up and know all too well the pain and shame that comes with poor self image. Michelle has supported my dreams, been an amazing Mother to our 2 kiddos, put up with my “crazy 20’s” younger self, been thru a home remodel with me, and just generally put everyone else first. I’ve never met someone who gives of themselves like Michelle. I had to look up this word so I could put my thoughts into written words:
altruistic
Someone who is altruistic always puts others first. An altruistic firefighter risks his life to save another’s life, while an altruistic mom gives up the last bite of pie so her kid will be happy
altruistic
Someone who is altruistic always puts others first. An altruistic firefighter risks his life to save another’s life, while an altruistic mom gives up the last bite of pie so her kid will be happy
Michelle took her NASM Fitness Trainer Classes at nights after already working a long day at her job and gave up many weekends to complete her training. She’s achieved her life-long goals of being a teacher / trainer, all while still raising a family beside me and working full time!
Michelle took her NASM Fitness Trainer Classes at nights after already working a long day at her job and gave up many weekends to complete her training. She’s achieved her life-long goals of being a teacher / trainer, all while still raising a family beside me and working full time!
Seeing my amazing Wife smiling while leading a Paddle-Fit Class in the rain on our 19th anniversary instantly reminded me why I was there. I am there to support my Wife just as she has supported me and so many others, and I am there to support all the other women who showed up to improve themselves and take a chance on a rainy summer day.
I have so much respect for anyone willing to risk exposure to better themselves. We had a few ladies who had never even been on a Paddle Board before, but they were giving it their all (and doing great too!). I am constantly amazed at how supporting and non-judgemental all of our Paddle-Fit groups have been. I’ve seen every fitness level, body type, skin color, paddling experience, etc, and all the women have treated eachother with total respect and not even the slightest hint of judgement. Bravo ladies! YOU are why I am willing to donate my time and even my 19th anniversary to NW SUP & Fitness. I am blessed to be a part of something so awesome, and am so proud of what NW SUP & Fitness stands for.
And to my amazing Wife, Michelle, I love you and happy Anniversary!!
Check out our Paddle-Fit Class Schedule and start your own fitness journey
You guys are amazing! I had so much fun paddling with you, and I could feel the positive energy coming from you guys!