February 8, 2018 · mccsokinawa.com
Camp Hansen Mud Run
No Pain, No Gain
Sarah Head, Roderica Mathis
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he Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run, the dirtiest, clean fun you can have on the island, will be happening on Sunday, April 15 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Camp Hansen Parade Deck. Adults can compete in 5K or 10K competitive or fun runs either as individuals or in 3-person teams. Both 5K and 10K courses feature grueling hills, trails, valleys, gravel and, of course, some of the longest and muddiest mud pits to test the mightiest. While the adults are getting down and dirty in the mud, the kids can have some clean and safe fun on the 1K Kid’s Challenge and the 3K Kids Fun Run. Their challenge will be running through a water-filled obstacle course minus the mud. The kids will jump, climb, duck under and run through obstacles like a wall climb, cargo nets, hurdles and beams—all handcrafted and donated by the Single Marine Program. They'll also face inflatable obstacle challenges. This course features a grass terrain with no pavement or rocks. The 1K Kid’s
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Challenge is open to ages 5 to 8 and the 3K Kids Fun Run is open to ages 9 to 14. The registration period runs from February 9 to April 13; kids can enter for $10, adults for $35 and teams for $90. Also, the first 350 to register will receive an exclusive Mud Run t-shirt different from standard issue shirts. The 2018 Camp Hansen World Famous Mud Run is sponsored by United Airlines, California Sunshine, Dydo Drinks, ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, Hotel Moon Beach, Moon Ocean Ginowan Hotel and Residence, Kafuu Resort Fuchaku CondoHotel, Okinawa Grand Mer Resort, Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort, Red Lobster, BSN Sports, Mattel Toys and Boingo. For more information on this event, call 6453521/3522 (English) or 098-970-3534 (Japanese) or email Semper Fit Athletics at mccsmudrun@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org.
No Pain, No Gain | 1 & 3 Taiyo Challenge Day Tournament | 3 Ichigo Picking Tour | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
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ike to pick up really heavy things and put them down? Then show off your strength and prove poundfor-pound who's the strongest on Okinawa at the Camp Hansen Powerlifting Competition! If you're a pro, you're well-acquainted with the addiction of stepping onto the lifting platform to compete. If you're a beginner, the best way to improve is by putting yourself on the line. Plus, you'll get an honest critique of your technique that you can use to assess your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also find that the strength community accepts all comers and is very supportive. (cont. on page 3)
Food Truck Fair | 7 Healthy Heart Spinathon | 9 MCCS Tours+ | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge No Pain, No Gain
(cont. from page 1)
Every lifter had to start somewhere, and most were weak in the beginning. So, even the best lifters can relate to those who are new to the sport. They’ll also be quick to tell newcomers that powerlifting is more about competing with and bettering yourself than it is about actual strength. It’s about lifting the bar and testing your limits in a competitive environment, and noth-
ing gives you the incentive to train with a higher degree of intensity than an upcoming competition. The Camp Hansen Powerlifting Competition will be held on March 18 at 10 a.m. in the Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center. Those interested can register at any MCCS Athletic Facility for $25. The deadline is 11 a.m. on March 16. Lifters can either
weigh-in early, on March 17 between 10 a.m. and noon, or the day of the event between 7 and 9 a.m. Also, there will be a mandatory brief at 9:15 a.m on event day. For more information, call 6234831 or email adultsports@okinawa. usmc-mccs.org.
events&happenings
Roderica Mathis
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CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Mike Daley ART DIRECTOR | Catherine Newquist CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Hector Nieves, Jongeun Spencer WRITERS/EDITORS | Amanda Carrasquillo, Ashley Sablan DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER | Thomas Alan Smilie SOCIAL MEDIA | Shelbie Thilmony PHOTOGRAPHER | Roderica Mathis AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Yoriko Yamashiro, Angela Neal, Athena Garcia DISTRIBUTION | Kelli Kreider, Desiree Adams MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Ashley Herring, Kristen Wong, Secoya Holmes, Ashley Snipes, Erin Hotson BROADCAST | Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer, Emi Komiya INTERNS | Koby Karl, Bailey McLauren
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Taiyo Challenge Day Tournament
o you think you have the fastest swing? The best accuracy? The longest drive? Then put your money where your mouth is and tee it up at the Taiyo Challenge Day Tournament on Saturday, February 24! Consider yourself warned: This challenge is for serious golfers and hardcore hitters, as tournament rules will have you playing from the tips—the black tees farthest from the green. Handicaps will be adjusted. If you truly think you have what it takes, then come out and flex your golf game! Register by February 21 at Taiyo Golf Club where the tournament will take place. Tee time begins at 7 a.m. The entry fee for this event is $30 per player. Green and cart fees aren’t included in the registration fee. For more information, call Taiyo Golf Club at 622-2004/2006 (098-954-2004/2006 from off base) or visit mccsokinawa.com/golf.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase of the week
Ichigo wa ima ga shun desu. Strawberries are in season now.
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For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs-Resources at 645-2104/2106.
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Ichigo Picking Tour
ou may not know this, but Japan is actually one of the largest producers of strawberries in the world. It's no surprise then that ichigo, or strawberry season, starts as early as December the prior year (although it truly rolls from spring through summer). This leaves plenty of time for local farmers to carefully tend to the popular fruit, so that by the time February comes around, they're bright and blushing and in their prime—ready to be picked, sold and devoured. On Sunday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., join Tours+ on an ichigo picking tour at one of Okinawa’s local strawberry farms! Pick strawberries straight off the vine and stuff your face with as many as you can in 40 minutes. Don’t worry, you can also take some home for just ¥150 per every 100 grams (a much better deal than what you’ll find at the supermarket).
But that’s not all! Afterwards, the tour will take you to Nago Pineapple Park where you can have lunch and more fruit-filled fun. Prices are $33 for adults, $23 for children 7–12, $20 for children 2–6 and FREE for children under 2. You'll need
yen for lunch and any additional purchases. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 646-3502 or visit MCCS Tours+ online at mccsokinawa.com/tours.
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pickoftheweek
nomnom nom!
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Don’t forget to hashtag your food truck finds with #okinomnoms!
Food Truck Fair
eef brisket, cheesy pizza, big burgers, super-stuffed burritos—sometimes choosing just one type of food is impossible. On February 25, satisfy ALL your cravings at the Food Truck Fair on Camp Foster! Enjoy live entertainment and a beer garden while indulging in all your food fantasies from an array of vendors, such as Hickory All-American BBQ, Captain Kangaroo, Guacamole Burrito Truck and many more. Smoked for 16 hours and dryrubbed with a secret blend of spices, the hickory-smoked beef brisket at Hickory House is almost surreally delicious. They also serve rich and tender pork shoulder and moist barbeque chicken. All menu items come with a side of creamy coleslaw. If you're a voracious eater, stop by the Captain Kangaroo truck. They're well known for their extra-large and extra-juicy burgers that are packed
with flavor and served in fresh and warm toasted buns. Choose from a variety of exotic burgers and you’ll probably be full for a week. Guacamole and burrito lovers should head to the Guacamole Burrito Truck. All the ingredients are fresh and the guacamole is made every day! The menu includes carnita (pork) with pico de gallo, picadillo (ground beef) with sour cream and chicken with pico de gallo and sour cream. There are also vegetarian and vegan options! The Food Truck Fair will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the field adjacent to Gunners Fitness Center. This event is open to everyone island-wide. There will be a mini Fun Land for the kids, and blankets, chairs and strollers are welcome! Please leave pets, coolers and bottles at home. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/festivals.
Roderica Mathis
photooftheweek
Get your #okinomnoms at the Guacamole Food Truck!
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didyou know?
commons.wikimedia.org, luckybusiness/bigstock.com
The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.
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Healthy Heart Spinathon
ardiovascular diseases remain the biggest cause of deaths worldwide. One in every three deaths in the United States is from heart disease, which amounts to about 2,200 deaths per day. More than 25 percent of heart-related illness and death is completely preventable with lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining an exercise routine will greatly reduce and even eliminate your risk of heart disease. All you need is at least 30 minutes of physical activity three to four times a week, but as we all know, kick-starting a new routine is the hardest part. To commemorate Heart Month and to help you kick-start a new fitness routine, MCCS Health Promotion is having a Healthy Heart Spinathon Saturday, February 24 at the Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center. The spinathon is broken up
into three sessions: 8 to 8:50 a.m., 9 to 9:50 a.m. and 10 to 10:50 a.m. Whether you’re fresh on your trail to a healthier lifestyle, or you were planning on a spin session that day anyway, this is an event guar-
anteed to get your heart pumping. This FREE event is open to everyone island-wide. Space is limited; call 645-3910 to reserve your spot. Visit mccsokinawa.com/healthpromotion for details.
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tours+
adventure begins here Kinoshita Circus February 10 & 11 (Times Vary) Adults $45; Children (3–14) $28, (Under 3) FREE (No Seat) Experience Japan’s oldest and most famous circus! Enjoy and marvel over the “Miracle Wild White Lions,” “Artistic Spectacle of the Double Flying Trapeze,” the “Sliding Tightrope,” the “Russian Aerial Acrobatic Trapeze,” the “Death Defying Motorcycle Globe,” wacky clowns and much, much more. Whale Watching Tours February 11 & 17, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Adults $53; Children (4–11) $36 Watch these mammoth-sized aquatic mammals surface around the Kerama Islands as you enjoy the beautiful scenery and ocean breezes. This is an experience of a lifetime! After a morning on the seas, you’ll head to Kokusai Street for lunch and shopping. Bring yen for lunch and purchases.
Polynesian Dinner Show February 16, 4:30–8:30 p.m. Adults $73; Children (6–11) $40, (3–5) $28, (0–2) FREE Enjoy flavorful Pan Pacific foods and the World Dinner Buffet at the opulent Renaissance Okinawa Resort’s Sailfish Café while watching the dancers showcase unique Polynesian cultural dances. Bring yen for spending. West Coast Tour February 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $43, Children (6–12) $26, (3–5) $11, (Under 3) FREE Visit Manzamo, one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on Okinawa. After Manzamo, visit the Okinawa Marriott Resort for a delicious lunch buffet. The last stop will be the Okinawa Sweets Factory where you can enjoy sweets while enjoying the view of the East China Sea.
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744
upcoming semperfitevents Kickball Tournament February 16, 6 p.m. February 17–18, 9 a.m. Camp Foster Gunners Fitness Center Register by February 12 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $80. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on February 12. For more information, call 645-4866 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
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Volleyball Tournament February 16, 6 p.m. February 17–18, 9 a.m. Camp Hansen House of Pain Fitness Center Register by February 12 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $100. This event is open to all participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third place teams. By-laws and the tournament bracket will be emailed on February 12. For more information, call 623-5558/5569 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
Open Bike Race February 25, 8:30 a.m. Camp Kinser Register by February 19 (1 p.m.) at any MCCS athletic facility for $30. This event is open to all participants island-wide. The course will be approximately 42.5km with the start/finish line located adjacent to Bldg. 618. Awards will be given to first, second and third place finishers in female and male divisions. A participant’s brief will be held at 7:45 a.m. the day of the event. For more information, call 637-1869 or email adultsports@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. LIFEGUARDS WANTED MCCS Aquatics is looking for dedicated individuals to work as lifeguards for their many pools. As a lifeguard, you can help people safely enjoy the water, learn and build on important skills, make new friends, and, possibly even save someone’s life. Interested? Sign up now for a lifeguard certification course, review course and more at the Foster 50M Pool. Registration is open now for classes that run through May. Visit mccsokinawa.com/lifeguard for a full class schedule and times.
classof theweek
Turbo Kick Sculpt your upper and lower body and burn major calories with rhythmic boxing and kickboxing combinations. The High Intensity Interval part of the class spikes your heart rate and scorches fat. For a full group fitness schedule, visit mccsokinawa.com/groupfitness.