3 minute read
Weekend Warriors – Yvonne Frank Moore, MD, Interval Running and Brisk Walking – Derek Morgan, Runner, Cyclist, Coach
Yvonne Frank Moore, MD, Interval Running and Brisk Walking
67; Gynecologist at Mestemacher Clinic for Women; Blog writer at ymoore4health.com; Volunteer coach for Dreamgirls Healthier You; Admin for “No Gym, No Problem”
THE RACE I WON’T FORGET: The Portland Half Marathon in October. When I was pursuing the 50 state Half Marathon Challenge, my husband traveled with me and was my biggest supporter, even after he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in 2016. We had done 48 of the states before he became too weak to travel. Before he passed, I promised him I would finish. Once in-person races started back, my children accompanied me to the last 2 states. At the last race in Portland, my son wore a shirt with my late husband’s likeness to the finish line. It was a very emotional moment for me, one that I will never forget! MY GROUP: I first started walking and running with Sisters in Motion in 2011. I ran my first Half Marathon as a member of the group when I was 59. I’m currently active with Black Girls Run and with a group of ladies that walk on Saturday mornings. I also participate in several Facebook running groups.
BUCKET LIST: I would love to run a race in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
RECENT WINS: I just completed my 8th consecutive St. Jude Half Marathon as a St. Jude Hero. This year, with the help of my True Light Baptist Church Family, I was able to raise over $2,800 in donations. I also did the Memphis Turkey Trot and the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon where I placed second and third in my age group.
FAVORITE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Since 2013, I have completed 69 half marathons in all 50 States, DC, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. It was a wonderful way to see the country.
SPEED BUMPS: Just before Covid hit, I had lost my mother, my husband, and one of my closest friends in less than eight months. Grieving such close losses is difficult under any circumstances, but was compounded by the loss of any semblance of normalcy. I decided to not allow my grief and isolation destroy my newly found good health. I wrote blog entries about handling stress and ways to stay healthy in a crisis. I took solo walks and runs with Gospel music or sermons in my ear and prayer in my heart. Instead of eating my feelings, I exercised. It was a lifesaver.
BEST EATS: Before I went strictly low carb, my favorite post half marathon celebration food was Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: Bamboozled By Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams by Yvonne Orji
PET PEEVE: When people think they can out-exercise a bad diet. A truly healthy lifestyle includes both a healthy diet and exercise.
EXTRAVAGANCE: My turtle collection. During my 50 state quest, I collected turtle figurines from all over the country.
Derek Morgan, Runner, Cyclist, Coach
36; Medical Dosimetrist at West Cancer Center
Derek Morgan, winner of the 2021 St. Jude Memphis Marathon
FAVORITE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Winning my hometown race, St. Jude Marathon, with a time of 2:36:48!
INSPIRATION: I like to compete. I like to be surrounded by like-minded people and see if we can get the best out of each other.
GO-TO GEAR: Nike Alphafly
MY GROUP: Breakaway Racing Team, Marx-Bensdorf Cycling, and Journeymen Racing Multisport
SPEED BUMPS: In 2016, I was hit by a car on my bike just a few days after winning the Cat 3 State Championship. In 2017, I came back to win the Cat 2 State Championship. Perseverance is key!
FAVORITE JAMS: No music! Memphis is beautiful, soak in your surroundings and listen to your body! I f MY SPORTS: Running and cycling are special to me because of the camaraderie. My closest friends have come from running and cycling.
RECENT RACE: In 2021, my main focus was the St. Jude Marathon, but I was able to run personal bests in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon along the way. The big one was running 1:13:14 at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC Half Marathon. That gave me the confidence to race St. Jude aggressively.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Dirk Nowitzki. I’m a big NBA fan and he was my favorite player.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: I just finished Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and it was a gem!
INDULGENCE: A good cold beer post-run, specifically an IPA.
