This summer, we launched a fun wellness challenge for employees to engage in: Be (F)IN,  to win! We wanted to encourage a more active lifestyle, inspire each other, challenge ourselves, and help improve overall wellness as a company. It has been so fun following colleagues on Strava in our FINactivated club, seeing photos, impressive feats of strength and endurance, and increased activity.

We have three challengers who have been on the leaderboard as the top three for most of the summer, so we thought we'd spotlight them on the blog. Meet David, Ashley, and Noe.

David Gits: triathlete, tennis player, and yogi

David Gits is J2's Strategic Key Account Manager and is training for something big: Ironman 70.3 in Barcelona! The race is on October 1, which means he's entering into the last part of his training in preparation. This will be his second Ironman! David lives in Switzerland, and we have been swooning over the gorgeous scenery he shares in his photos! 

Mostly triathlon, swimming in open water, road cycling, and running, but also some weightlifting, yoga sessions, and fun with other disciplines like tennis and padel.

This year, my planning was a bit more of a challenge. The weather conditions also impacted my training schedule. I tried to build up my fitness with longer sessions, and I also better managed the time my body needs to rest.

Biking, but this is the one that requires the most amount of time. I like to work out and do some other sports that are less demanding, such as active recovery sessions.

I particularly love to train in warm conditions. Mallorca in Spain is my favorite destination and, of course, the region I’m living in, in the center of Switzerland, which is also the perfect environment to train with wonderful scenery.

Overall, how has the challenge been for you? Are you enjoying it?

It’s nice to connect differently with colleagues and see pictures of their training environments. It also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for the employees of our company, which I strongly believe contributes to the well-being and productivity of everyone, ultimately positively influencing the energy we put into supporting our customers.

Ashley Ray: triathlete & rock climber

Ashley is a contractor for J2 on the marketing side as a content creator. She's also a triathlete who is training for her third Ironman 70.3! Ashley's race is October 24, a little after David's, so their training has been neck and neck during this challenge. She's also a new rock climber, which she does once a week as a strength-building activity. 

What activities have you been doing as part of the challenge?

As a triathlete, my primary exercises have been swimming, biking, and running, but I also mix in some core work and rock climbing.

Have you found yourself exercising more or longer to compete?

My training schedule is already pretty rigorous, but I've definitely been more focused on getting faster since I know people see my workouts! 

What's your favorite workout? 

It's a tie between biking and rock climbing. I love getting outside for a long ride, but I also love challenging myself in the climbing gym. I climb with friends, so it's fun to challenge each other.

Where is your favorite spot to get a workout in?

I am very lucky to live by Richmond's Capital Trail, which is a paved, 50 mile trail that goes from Richmond to Williamsburg. I also love running along the river in Richmond.

Overall, how has the challenge been for you? Are you enjoying it?

I love seeing everyone's efforts increase, and I also love seeing where people work out - especially the team who lives across the pond! David and Joanna's photos make me want to hop on a flight and go train overseas! 

Noe Rojas: cyclist, soccer player, and walker

Noe is a software developer at J2 and an avid cyclist. He joined our challenge a bit late but as a force! Noe isn't training for a triathlon but has been on the leaderboard with just his cycling and walking efforts. What an inspiration!