Savage Sunday: Building Community Through Type Two Fun

In a world where social media often substitutes for genuine human connection, Savage Sunday emerges as a beacon of community, fitness, and shared struggle. This grassroots fitness initiative, spearheaded by Katie Tansey, brings together like-minded individuals in the Saratoga Springs region to engage in challenging outdoor workouts that foster camaraderie and personal growth. Described as “type two fun”—the kind of activity that’s grueling in the moment but immensely rewarding upon completion—Savage Sunday is more than just a workout; it’s a movement to build a supportive community through shared physical challenges.

The Genesis of Savage Sunday

Savage Sunday was born from a simple desire: Katie Tansey’s wish to work out outdoors with her husband, Bill. It quickly evolved into something much larger. As Tansey explains on the Buying Local Podcast recorded on May 13, 2025, “It started with Bill sending me a workout and saying, ‘Okay, that looks kind of cool.’… I couldn’t leave it at that. I sent it to a few friends and Savage Sunday was born.

Tansey’s vision was to create a space where people could come together to exercise and grow as a group. “For me, it’s about finding other like-minded people who want to exercise and work out outside, and experiencing what might be considered type two fun,” she says. The term “type two fun” encapsulates activities that are challenging and uncomfortable during execution but leave participants with a profound sense of accomplishment. Unlike “type one fun” (easy, leisurely activities like throwing horseshoes) or “type three fun” (life-risking endeavors), type two fun strikes a balance—pushing boundaries without extreme danger.

The inaugural Savage Sunday workout in 2024 drew an impressive 16 participants, including children, despite less-than-ideal weather. This turnout underscored the appeal of Tansey’s vision: a scalable, inclusive fitness event that welcomes everyone, from seasoned athletes to beginners. “I was blown away at the first workout… to have 16 people show up,” Tansey reflects, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm.

What is Savage Sunday?

Savage Sunday is a group fitness initiative held at a local high school track, designed to challenge participants physically and mentally while fostering a sense of belonging. The workouts are varied, often incorporating elements like farmer’s carries, burpee broad jumps, walking lunges, and bear crawls. One signature workout, the mile-long farmer’s carry, requires participants to carry heavy weights (44 pounds per hand at the “RX” level) for four laps around the track without setting them down. If the weights are dropped, participants must run a 400-meter lap before continuing. During the interview on the Buying Local Podcast Michael Nelson the host admitted, “I ran 16 laps the first time we did this”, laughing about the 4 miles he ran to complete the workout. 

The workouts are intentionally scalable, ensuring accessibility for all fitness levels. Participants can choose lighter weights or modify movements, making Savage Sunday welcoming to newcomers. For instance, Tansey encourages parents to bring their children, who can walk the track or simply absorb the positive energy. “Kids watch what their parents are doing… how you interact with people, how you talk to people,” she says, emphasizing the role-modeling aspect of the event.

A unique aspect of Savage Sunday is its “bring your own stuff” (BYOS) model. Participants must supply their own equipment, such as kettlebells or dumbbells, which Tansey acknowledges could be a barrier to growth. “Bill thinks that might be an inhibitor… people have to find their own stuff,” she says. However, she mitigates this by offering to bring extra weights for those in need, ensuring inclusivity.

The Philosophy Behind Savage Sunday

At its core, Savage Sunday is about more than physical fitness; it’s about building a community of “good people” who uplift one another. This emphasis on camaraderie mirrors the best aspects of group fitness that creates lasting bonds. “You have a shared experience of something that you overcame together,” Tansey explains.

Savage Sunday also encourages participants to push their limits in a supportive setting. Tansey emphasizes the importance of having a goal to chase. Having something to strive for—whether a race or personal fitness—drives progress. For Tansey, Savage Sunday is her way of creating that “chase” for herself and others, without the need for a formal competition.

Katie Tansey: The Force Behind Savage Sunday

Katie Tansey is no stranger to challenging herself. An Ironman finisher, ultra-marathoner, and nutrition coach, she has a storied athletic background that informs her approach to Savage Sunday. Raised in Texas, Tansey grew up swimming and later found her passion for endurance sports in New York City. She ran multiple marathons with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, completed an Ironman in Lake Placid in 2008, and tackled the Marathon des Sables, a 160-mile staged ultra-marathon in the Sahara Desert. “I’ve just found… anytime I find myself in a place of discomfort, I have to investigate it,” she says, reflecting her curiosity-driven approach to life.

Professionally, Tansey is an entrepreneur who owns HR Resolved, a company providing outsourced HR services to small and medium-sized businesses. Her background in human resources, coupled with her nutrition coaching certification earned four years ago, reflects her passion for helping people. Post-COVID, she pivoted to focus on health and wellness, driven by a desire to pursue work that aligns with her core values. “Health and nutrition is at my core, who I am,” she says.

Tansey’s personal experiences, including navigating health challenges in 2023, shaped her 2024 focus on “curiosity, connection, and community.” These themes are evident in Savage Sunday, which she founded to fill a void in her social network after the isolation of COVID. “When COVID happened… the people who were working for us took opportunities elsewhere… The letdown for me was, like, super devastating,” she recalls. Savage Sunday became her way of rebuilding community, one workout at a time.

The Impact and Future of Savage Sunday

Savage Sunday is gaining traction, with participants like Austin and Annie expressing gratitude for the community it fosters. “Austin sent me the nicest note… saying thank you, and how much he enjoyed the community,” Tansey shares. Even strangers are talking about it, as evidenced by a coach overhearing a conversation at the YMCA. “They were like, ‘Hey, do you know about this thing called Savage Sunday?’” Tansey says, delighted by the organic buzz.

Looking ahead, Tansey has a schedule of varied workouts planned for 2025, including tougher challenges like the “toughest mile.” She’s also considering a second weekly workout to test new routines, though she’s wary of overcomplicating the process. “I don’t want to not do a workout because I haven’t tested it first,” she says, embracing the spontaneity that makes Savage Sunday unique.

For those interested in joining, Tansey invites everyone to follow her on Instagram (@KatieTanz) or visit KatieTansey.com for updates. “Bring friends. Invite friends,” she urges, emphasizing the inclusive spirit of Savage Sunday. As the movement grows, it stands as a testament to the power of community, shared struggle, and the pursuit of type two fun.