SBQ #16

+ MAYMONT X‑COUNTRY FESTIVALʼS NEW JAMES RIVER LOOP 8 MILER FREE

HOOPLA 3 ON 3 HEATS UP FALL BASKETBALL PAGE 12

RVC MASTERS IN THE HUNTSMAN WORLD SENIOR GAMES PAGE 16

FRAN GILDAYʼS 50 MARATHONS IN 50 STATES PAGE 30

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This September, a new breakfast menu debuts at Tropical Smoothie Café.

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The Classic™ breakfast ciabatta & orange juice.

TropicalSmoothieCafe.com

sep | oct VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 6 • 2010 • NUMBER 16

INSIDE THIS ISSUE JUMPSTART .............................................................................. 5 Could Richmond Be The ʻ2010 Best Tennis Townʼ?; RVA Firmʼs iPhone App Puts Real‑Time Race Results In Your Hand; Capitol 10M October 2nd Events Offer New Take On Special Olympics & New 1‑Mile Kids Race; Henricus Dauber Dash Registration Breaks All‑Time Record; SportsQuest Grand Open‑ ing and Fitness Festival; Over 1500 Participants Attend Anthem Moonlight Ride; Must‑Attend Upcoming Fall Events.

SBQ

Sports Backers Quarterly: Athletics, Recreation & Healthy Living

Enter The Dragon ......................................................................8 Thousands of people descended upon Rocketts Landing to launch Richmondʼs first WhatIfCreditUnions.com Dragon Boat Festival.

3 on 3 Family Affair ................................................................12 When this yearʼs Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen Hoopla 3 on 3 Tournament kicks off on October 9th at the Dominion campus in the Innsbrook Office Park, one Goochland family will feel right at home.

VAIL B‑Ball: A Season of Serious Fun ......................................13 With a goal “to provide the fun, the energy, and the opportunity to remove yourself from the everyday stress in your life,” the Virginia Adult Intramural League (VAIL) is attracting basketball athletes from novice players to local high school and college standouts.

James River Loop 8 Miler ........................................................14 Maymont X‑Country Festival will feature the new course.

Overseas Tour Offers Fierce Competition ................................16 This summer, Richmond Volleyball Club (RVC) members Jerry Morris, Bob Sesterak, Tehshau Luan and George Grant participated in the Huntsman World Senior Games (HWSG) in Qingdao, Weifang and Jinan, China.

The Richmond Trifecta ............................................................18 The half marathon has been the fastest‑growing event distance in the United States. Ginny Heatwole and others offer McDonaldʼs Half Marathon insight.

The Home Team: Family Fitness ..............................................20 SBQ discovers in profiling active families, parents̶as athletic role models for their kids̶often have a healthy influence. But sometimes, children can even inspire the parents.

Passages & Peaks ....................................................................26 Peak Experiences director Kevin Tobin discusses the origins of Passages Ad‑ venture Camp where 8‑14 year olds rappel, rock climb, & whitewater kayak.

Recreate to Motivate ..............................................................27 Stephen P. Sowulewski, M.A. an associate professor and department chair of Health & Physical Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College offers ideas to motivate your family toward healthy entertainment.

8 Training Tips For A Better 8k ................................................28 The HCA Virginia 8k is coming up on Saturday, November 13th and weʼve got 8 great tips to help you get moving again.

Re‑Ignite Your Workout Passion..............................................29 A trainer and his client discuss how they are working together to re‑capture the fitness bug.

Fran Gilday, 50M/50Sx60 ........................................................30 One womanʼs journey through 50 Marathons in 50 states by the time she reached 60 years old.

SBQnow.com | 3

SPORTS BACKERS QUARTERLY Athletics, Recreation & Healthy Living

SEP|OCT VOL. 3 ISSUE 6 NUMBER 16 Publisher | Executive Editor

Dave Smitherman Publisher | Art Director

Ted Randler Contributing Writers Caroline Gecker Fran Gilday Taylor Hodge JC Poma Stephen P. Sowulewski, M.A

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Photography Jillian Chilson Sarath Nathan Chris Owens Julieanne Stanley

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“Kicking Off the Marathon Season� Movie Night

Spirit of the Marathon

featuring –an inspiring journey of physical endurance and personal achievement

To Advertise in SBQ Contact Dave Smitherman 804.355.1035 Office

Dave@palaribooks.com

WWW.

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Sports Backers Quarterly: Athletics, Recreation & Healthy Living is produced six times a year (4 regular issues and two special event issues) by Palari Publishing LLP (P.O. Box 9288, Richmond, VA, 23227 Phone 804‑355‑1035), Sports Backers (100 Avenue of Champions, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23230 Phone 804‑285‑ 9495). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

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SPORTS BACKERS QUARTERLY SEP|OCT 2010

J U M P S T A R T

Could Richmond Be The ʻ2010 Best Tennis Townʼ?

RVA Firmʼs iPhone App Puts Real‑Time Race Results In Your Hand Located in Glen Allen, RaceIt.com̶ the on‑line registration, event mar‑ keting, and membership administra‑ tion firm that provides services for events like the Ukropʼs Monument Avenue 10k̶has recently licensed RaceIt Mobile, an iPhone app that is sure to become an invaluable tool for future events.

With the final results still pending at press time, Richmond is among the top three finalists for ʻthe commu‑ nity that best exemplifies the pas‑ sion, excitement, community spirit and impact tennis brings to mem‑ bers of the community.ʼ Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the acco‑ lade earns the winner a $100,000 grand prize to be used for commu‑ nity‑wide programming or tennis fa‑ cility enhancements.

“Richmonders have known for a long time that we have the best tennis town in the U.S, and thanks to the USTA, we now have an opportu‑ nity to show it to the world,” said Eric Perkins, Vice President of the Rich‑ mond Tennis Association and who appears in the entry video (top photo). “Given the scarcity of avail‑ able funding in today's economy, $100,000 will go a long way toward supporting current city tennis pro‑ grams and funding some exciting projects on the drawing board.”

The search began on April 7th, and 82 towns across the country sub‑ mitted entries in hopes of claiming the title of “Best Tennis Town.” The 2010 Best Tennis Town will be re‑ vealed at the 2010 US Open in Flush‑ ing Meadows in early September.

Entrants were judged based on an official nomination form outlining local community and tennis demo‑ graphics, a video showing the com‑ munity's spirit and passion for tennis, and five letters of support from gov‑ ernment leadership, park directors, business representatives and other community members.

“Tennis is an important part of our community,” said Perkins.

“Being recognized as the 2010 Best Tennis Town in America would not only reward our community for our commitment to the sport, but would also enable us to provide ad‑ ditional programming and en‑ hancements to our facilities to be enjoyed by current and future ten‑ nis players.”

The free app (now available through the iTunes Store) keeps tabs on run‑ ners during tracking‑enabled races through the built‑in GPS technology of the iPhone. With capabilities to lo‑ cate contacts and Facebook friends within the database of race regis‑ trants, RaceIt Mobile also tracks splits and finishes in real‑time, as well as provides race results as soon as they are posted.

Also in real time, you can track your friendsʼ progress on a map; view a count‑down clock of a participantʼs run to the point of crossing in front of you; and get live notifications as par‑ ticipants reach race milestones. No longer will you have to ʻguesstimateʼ a participantʼs progress during a marathon or wait for race results.

With plans for implementation in up‑ coming Sports Backersʼ events like the SunTrust Richmond Marathon in November, youʼll be able to use your iPhone iOS 4.0‑compatibale iPhone or iPod touch and RaceIt Mobile as your total, real‑time source for run‑ nersʼ progress in events.

October 2nd Capitol 10 Miler Offers New Take On Special Olympics & New 1‑Mile Kids Race Designed for runners, the Richmond Road Runners Club (RRRC) Eastern Regional Championship Race course is a single loop through Richmond streets.

Beginning and ending at the State Capi‑ tol (9th and Grace Streets), the course fol‑ lows west on Grace Street, running through Byrd Park and passes Hollywood Cemetery.

The leg through Oregon Hill offers a great view of the James River and then up Second Street to Franklin Street finishing on Bank Street at the foot of the Capitol.

With a USATF certified course, the event

features disposable‑chip timing and awards three deep in five‑year age groups.

RRRC Race organizer Ed Carmines ex‑ pects this the second year for the event to gain more participants. “Last year we had over 700 people competing and this year we are looking for over 1000,” he says.

The charity for the race is Special Olympics Virginia. “We are doing something very unique at this race,” he explains. “We are having a race for Special Olympics athletes.

Normally Special Olympics events are com‑ pletely separate events. We are mainstream‑

ing here. From what the Special Olympics people tell us this is the first time this has ever been done.”

Other events include a 1‑mile kids race sponsored by Chick‑fil‑A. “This race is the only chip‑timed kids race on a USA Track and Field Certified Course in Richmond,” Carmines says.

The cost of the kids race is $10 and all participants get a shirt and medal. A spe‑ cial discount code SBQ10 will save $5 on kidsʼ entrance fees when participants reg‑ ister online at www.rrrc.org.

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J U M P S T A R T

Henricus Dauber Dash Registration Breaks All‑Time Record

PHOTO: SPORTS BACKERS

More than 500 people traveled to Henricus Historic Park on August 7th to run in the second annual Henricus Dauber Dash̶ breaking last yearʼs total of 462 partici‑ pants. Sixty‑five kids competed in the one‑ mile Mud Guppies race. Both events took place on courses that incorporated the nat‑ ural features of Henricus and the Dutch Gap. Other obstacles included hay bales, a cargo net and a final mud pit at the finish line designed to challenge the participants.

PHOTO: JILLIAN CHILSON

SportsQuest Grand Opening and Fitness Festival

Lacrosse on the newly installed fields is one sport of the 20 Olympic and amateur offerings for recreational enjoyment, youth develop‑ ment, and high performance athletes on the 250‑acre campus located in Chesterfield County at the intersection of Route 288 and Powhite Parkway.

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On Saturday, October 16th, SportsQuest will host the Fall into Fitness Family Festival featuring friendly competi‑ tions in walk, run, ride or skate races for all ages.

Offering a $12,500 purse divided amongst the winners, events will range from family‑fun 1‑milers to competitive 10k races, pro‑cycling and inline skate relay races.

The festival celebrates the on‑time completion of 9 out of a total 17 syn‑ thetic‑turf fields on the SportsQuest East Campus. When all fields are com‑ pleted this winter, it will be the largest turf field in the country. Six of the fields̶the most at any facility in the world̶feature the latest in high per‑ formance, shock absorbing technology and all 17 fields have NCAA approved lighting for the most effective illumina‑ tion for nighttime play.

Also on site for the festival will be the SportsQuest coaching staff to an‑ swer any questions regarding their team programming. Featuring an array of ex‑ pertise, the SportsQuest staff includes notables from professional teams and national competitions like: the NFLʼs William Henderson a12‑year veteran of the Green Bay Packers, Pro Bowl Captain,

and Super Bowl Champion; Sue Murphy a US National Team Program lacrosse coach 1998‑2005; Scott Koons, an Olympic Short Track Speed Skating team member as well as coach/director for US Speed Skating Team; Kelly Springer, a former high performance inline skater and founder of Synergy; Jack Cooksie is the holder of multiple US Records in disc sports; soccer coach Tim OʼSullivan, who has over 25 years as head coach/di‑ rector of VCU and UofR soccer programs; Dudley Duncan has over 30 years as Di‑ rector of Aquatics programming and rec‑ ognized by USA Swimming as a top‑level coach; coaching cycling, track & field, Dan Ward has over 35 years of leader‑ ship involvement with high school and college athletics; and with over 20 years of developing youth basketball pro‑ grams, Dave Anderson also established the Foundations Basketball Group.

Registration for the morning races is required, and forms can be down‑ loaded on www.sportsquest.biz. All other activities are open to the public and free of charge.

The race events begin at 8 a.m. and run thru 1pm. The Grand Opening festiv‑ ities are from noon until 4:00 p.m. with the Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m.

Must‑Attend Upcoming Fall Events

Over 1500 Participants Attend Anthem Moonlight Ride August 21st brought over 1,500 participants for the 2nd annual Anthem Moonlight Ride, marking a new entry record. The Anthem Moonlight Ride is a family friendly bike ride under the full moon. It began at Sports Backers Stadium, which was also the site for the post‑ride party with food, drinks, and a live con‑ cert by Farm Vegas. More than 100 riders registered for the Best Costume contest and the Tacky Light contest. Prizes were awarded in both the group and individual/duo categories. First place for best cos‑ tume was awarded to Cliff and Joyce Frank who dressed as “Tropical Pair‑a‑Dice.” [photo right].

Premier Cup October 15th‑17th The great‑ est players currently in the game of Platform Tennis will be heading to historic Rich‑ mond, Virginia for the 2010 Premier Cup. In its 6th year, this event showcases the top 8 teams from all over the country and will be making its first ever trip to the south converging on The Country Club of Virginia.

The Premier Cup is the only money tournament an‑ nually held in the sport and helps kick off the Plat‑ form season nationally each year. This yearʼs total purse will be between $6,000‑$7,000.

STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND www.ymcarichmond.org

Join the Y and become a member of a community that’s committed every day to helping you and your family learn, grow and thrive.

Visit our website to learn about membership features, calculate your rate and join. Financial assistance is available.

SBQnow.com | 7

PHOTO: APTA

PHOTO: SPORTS BACKERS

Maymont X‑Country Festival September 24th‑25th Maymont provides a spectacular setting for one the premier running festivals in the country. Youʼll run in the shadow of the opulent 1893 Maymont House, over tree‑lined hills and fields and past wildlife areas filled with bison, deer and other animals. The beau‑ tiful estate allows spectators great visibility and easy access to multiple points along the course. See page 14 for news about the eventʼs newly‑added James River Loop 8 Miler.

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Thousands of people descended upon Rocketts Landing to launch Richmond’s first WhatIfCreditUnions.com Dragon Boat Festival.

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Over 2,000 people witnessed the Dotting of the Eyes̶or awakening of the dragon̶the opening ceremony led by notable figures in the Chinese community including James Cheng, Secretary of Commerce & Trade. Traditional Chinese culture performances like kung fu and folk dancing provided entertainment for race‑goers.

Dragon boats are 40‑foot human‑powered canoes decorated with ornate Chinese dragon heads. Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams consisting of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer, and one steersperson race the canoes 500m down the river.

PHOTOS: SPORTS BACKERS

The official event charity was the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. In commemoration, those who have been touched by breast cancer as well as survivors filled boats to toss pink carnations into the James River.

Of the thirty teams that competed on July 31st, Charlotte Fury captured first place in the mixed divi‑ sion while DC Dragon Ladies took the title in the womenʼs division. As part of the first place prize in the WhatIfCreditUnions.com Dragon Boat Festival, Charlotte Fury will be given a free entry into the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival held at Walt Disney World in October.

The second annual WhatIfCreditUnions.com Dragon Boat Festival will be held on July 30, 2011.

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RACE RESULTS* Division A Mixed Championship: 1. Charlotte Fury 2. Booz Allen BetaďŹ sh 3. DC Dragon Boat Club 4. Baltimore Dragonboat Club 5. BB&T

Division B Mixed Championship: 1. Scott & Stringfellow/BB&T Division C Mixed Championship: 1. Snagajob.com

Women's Division Championship: 1. DC Dragon Ladies 2. Healing Dragons 3. GoPink!DC *Complete race results available at www.sportsbackers.org

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3 ON 3 FAMILY AFFAIR

BY JC POMA

WHEN

THIS YEAR ʼ S A LLEN , A LLEN , A LLEN & A LLEN H OOPLA 3 ON 3 T OUR ‑ NAMENT KICKS OFF ON O CTOBER 9 TH AT THE D OMINION CAMPUS IN THE I NNS ‑ BROOK O FFICE P ARK , ONE G OOCHLAND FAMILY WILL FEEL RIGHT AT HOME .

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he Williams have made the annual basketball tournament a family af‑ fair. Jeff Williams has coached his daughter Meganʼs team, the Rockville Ex‑ treme Blue Team, for the last three years.

“I decided several years ago to enter a team because this type of tournament really teaches great team work and emphasizes the fundamentals of basketball,” said Jim. But, it is not the coaching aspect of the weekend that he looks forward too every year. “I look forward to spending quality time with my daughter doing something we both love to do.”

The Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen Hoopla 3 on 3 was originally scheduled for July 24th‑ 25th, 2010, but was rescheduled for October 9th‑10th after record temperatures were forecasted for that weekend.

With the postponement of the tourna‑ ment, the Williams have had a little extra time to prepare Meganʼs team wardrobe.

“We always make cool t‑shirts for the girls to wear,” said Jim. “It really gets them excited and motivated to play.”

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This yearʼs Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen Hoopla 3 on 3 offers competitive games to players of all ages and skill levels. The three skill levels offered are the elite, competitive and recreational divisions, with male, female, and co‑ed teams in both. Co‑ed teams must have one player of each gender on the court at all times. There will also be three age divi‑ sions: Youth (Ages 8‑13), High School (Grades 9‑12), and Adult (Ages 18 & older).

Williams enjoyed watching Megan take part in the competitions and hopes to see Megan defend her title in the spot shooting contest.

The tournament features a double elim‑ ination format, with a consolation bracket for teams that lose their first two games, guar‑ anteeing each team at least three games throughout the weekend. There are also sep‑ arate shooting competitions, music, food and great sponsor giveaways.

To register a team for the Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen Hoopla 3 on3 on October 9th‑10th, visit www.sportsbackers.org.

VAIL B‑BALL: A SEASON OF SERIOUS FUN W ITH A GOAL “ TO PROVIDE THE FUN , THE ENERGY, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE EVERYDAY STRESS IN YOUR LIFE ,” THE V IRGINIA A DULT I NTRAMURAL L EAGUE (VAIL) IS ATTRACTING BASKETBALL ATHLETES FROM NOVICE PLAYERS TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STANDOUTS .

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e launched our first season of VAIL basketball last summer with a small 10‑team menʼs league. A year later, weʼre in our fourth sea‑ son and are up to 43 menʼs and coed teams,” explains Reid Martin co‑owner with Brad Turner of the league. “Brad and I are happy with the growth so far and believe the prod‑ uct we provide on and off the court has helped to make it a success.”

With teams featuring inspired names more appropriate to roller derby̶Death From Above, There Is No Competition, Na‑ palm, Funky Town̶and the more straight‑ forward brands of local businesses, make no mistake the competition is serious fun.

“Itʼs the players and the competition that drive the league,” Martin says. “We have ex‑ panded our menʼs league into two divisions, and our recently‑launched coed league is going in the same direction.” Though highly competitive, Martin emphasizes the league is open to all levels of ability and experience. “We have a place for players with all different skill levels and draw players from all over by using

different facilities throughout the Richmond area.” Local venues for games are at local schools and organizations with gym facilities.

Opportunity for participation is ongoing.

“By offering three seasons a year, there is no off‑season. Our fall league tips off the first of October,” he says.

The co‑owners have high hopes for the basketball league. “We are confident through our hard work and dedication we can make VAIL a success,” Martin adds.

And if the roster of recent high school and college star players who have joined the ranks of VAILʼs teams is an indicator, it seems both Martin and Turner are on the right track.

A survey of local standouts includes: Brian Henderson (Varina High, Old Dominion Uni‑ versity); Reid Augst (Benedictine High, UNC ‑ Asheville); Matt Murrer (Benedictine High, VMI); Brett James (Mills Godwin High, Elon University); Kenny Thomas (Highland Springs High, Radford); Avis Wyatt (Petersburgh High, Virginia State); and Narissa Suber (Atlee High, Drexel) are but a few of the top athletes on the VAIL courts.

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The loop is a well‑ known course commonly used by runners.

JAMES RIVER LOOP 8 MILER MAYMONT X‑COUNTRY FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE THE NEW COURSE

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ew this year to the popular Sports Backers event that incorporates touring the beauty of Maymont Park as part of the race, the 8-mile trail run starts and finishes on the grounds of the park.

This unique course features the Buttermilk and North trails as the loop through the James River Park.

The new route replaces previous years’ half marathons. The loop is a well-known course commonly used by runners.

The Maymont X-Country Festival September 24th-25th competitions also include an open 5k as well as divisions for participants of all ages including shorter-distance courses for elementary, middle school kids, and events for high school teams.

Participants may choose between a 5k on Friday and an 8 Miler on Saturday. There is a 1mile run for elementary school students, a 3k for middle school students and a 5k for high school students.

For more details and complete registration information check out www.sportsbackers.org.

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COURSE ROUTE Starting in Maymont Park inside the Hampton Street entrance on the paved road immediately adjacent to the finish line. Runners will head east out the Hamp‑ ton Street entrance and make a right turn heading south on Hampton Street.

Runners will turn left onto Kansas Avenue and then a right turn on Texas Avenue.

They will turn left into the Texas Avenue parking lot before entering the North Trail heading east. The trail loops under a bridge (turn right) and continues east for the entire North Trail. Underneath the Lee Bridge you will make a right turn on a small wooden pedestrian bridge. Follow this trail down to Tredegar Street.

Make a right on Tredegar Street and then another right onto the Belle Isle Foot‑ bridge.

Take the bridge across the river and make a sharp left‑hand turn at the bottom of the ramp on Belle Isle to a trail leading across the east side of Belle Isle. At the end of this trail make a left turn and cross the emergency access road bridge to the south side of the river. Take the trail adjacent to the fence until the 22nd Street stairs.

Go up these stairs and make a right turn onto the Buttermilk Trail heading west.

Continue on the Buttermilk Trail all the way until you reach the Boulevard Bridge. Turn left and run on the sidewalk across the Boulevard Bridge.

Turn left at the end of the bridge toward a parking lot and then turn left again onto the North Trail. Just after crossing a small wooden bridge, you will enter Maymont Park through a gate that is normally locked. You will go left on the paved path past the bear habitat and continue on this paved trail to the Aviary.

Here you will turn right and follow the last ½ mile of the cross‑country course in Maymont to the finish.

COMPETITION IN QINGDAO Players on the US team [l to r]: Bruce Stanley spiking (Hershey, PA), Jeff Kryszak (Hamburg, NY), Tehshau Luan (Richmond, VA), Bill Scalise (St. Louis, MO), Lu Kormeluk (Rockville, MD).

THIS SUMMER, RICHMOND VOLLEYBALL CLUB (RVC) MEMBERS JERRY MORRIS, BOB SESTERAK, TEHSHAU LUAN AND GEORGE GRANT PARTICIPATED IN THE HUNTS‑ MAN WORLD SENIOR GAMES (HWSG) IN QINGDAO, WEIFANG AND JINAN, CHINA.

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egun in 1987 as the World Senior Games founded by Daisy and John H. Morgan, Jr., and later rebranded in 1989, the Huntsman World Senior Games has become a renowned event among serious athletes from Japan to Russia and from Alaska to Australia.

This past summer, three teams or1 6 | SBQnow.com

ganized by the HWSG were recruited through volleyball clubs from across the nation. Competitions were set-up by age bracket (50, 60 and 70 year olds) in the multiple-city tour.

After a welcome by President Zhang of the Qingdao Chinese Overseas Friendship Association, and an evening cruise around the Qingdao Bay, Monday, July

26th, kicked off the first day of volleyball.

“The first event was spectacular,” says Sesterak, who plays in the RVC Master’s League as well as other RVC teams and is on the RVC board of directors.

“1500 spectators, attended. Players paraded into the sports center, as both national anthems were played, and medals were presented at the end of

QINGDAO ACTION SHOTS BY JULIEANNE STANLEY

OVERSEAS TOUR OFFERS FIERCE COMPETITION

QINGDAO CLOSING MEDAL CEREMONY SILVER MEDALISTS [l to r]: l Moret (Excelsior, MN) middle blocker; Jeff Kryszak (Hamburg, NY) outside hitter; Tehshau Luan (Richmond, VA) libero; Bill Scalise (St. Louis, MO) setter; Bruce Stanley (Hershey, PA) outside hitter Jerry Morris (Richmond, VA) sette; Lee Clauss (Fenton, MO) middle blocker; Lu Kormeluk (Rockville, MD) Coach, setter.

the competition very similar to an Olympic event.”

“At the first competition with all of the pomp and circumstance it really sunk in that I was playing for my country,” adds Morris, an RVC board director who also coordinates the Innsbrook volleyball league and referees. “The ceremony was a very moving experience.”

The US teams went up against a younger China contingency in Qingdao.

USA Team 3 made the medals stand with a silver medal performance in the round robin tournament.

More intense competition continued on Friday, July 30th, in Weifang, but the Americans overcame new line-ups to once again make the medals stand.

Team 2 scored the third place position with a strong performance, once again against younger Chinese teams.

On August 1st, in Jinan, the capitol

Players on the US team [l to t]: Stanley, Kryszak, Luan, Scalise, Kormeluk and Lee Clauss (Fenton, MO) competed before 1500 spectators at the opening games.

city of Shangdon Province, the American delegation participated in their last day of volleyball for the tour where every American team left the court with at least one win. The USA Team 3 ranked second place between the Chinese teams at the end of the day’s competition.

For more info Masterʼs League of the Richmond Volleyball Club contact Darcy Carroll at dcarrol@rvc.net

The Qingdao opening ceremonies offered Olympic‑style presentations that included a Tai Chi demonstration by over 100 Chinese senior citizens.

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discovered that she had a severe stress fracture and was unable to train for six months.

Despite the setback, Heatwole was undeterred, still determined to prove that she could handle all 26.2 miles. She returned to complete the SunTrust Richmond Marathon at 51 and then again the following year at 52.

It was the next year that she finally found her favorite distance when she decided to run the marathon’s companion event, the McDonald’s Half Marathon.

“The full marathon is a huge time commitment. I am glad I did it, but the half—although it still requires time for training—is much more manageable for me at this time,” said Heatwole, who has since run more than a dozen half marathons.

It was the next year that she finally found her favorite distance when she decided to run the marathon’s companion event, the McDonald’s Half Marathon.

“I love running in Richmond because of the fan support,” says Heatwole.

THE RICHMOND TRIFECTA BY

CAROLINE GECKER

FOR HER FORTIETH BIRTHDAY, GINNY HEATWOLE GAVE HER‑ SELF AN UNUSUAL PRESENT .

PHOTO:

BRIGHTROOM.COM

I

started running again!” says Heatwole, who ran competitively in high school but hadn’t trained in over twenty years. “I decided to do an 8k race and get back in shape.”

For the next few years, Heatwole, now 53, continued her return into the running world, training diligently and racing 8ks and 10ks. But as her fiftieth birthday crept closer, Heatwole felt inspired to take on the competitive runner’s most daunting challenge: a marathon.

“For my fiftieth, I decided to do a full marathon, mainly to prove to myself that age was just a number, and I could do it as a 50-yearold,” Heatwole explains. But, at the thirteenth mile of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, her femurs “pretty much gave out,” and she was forced to drop out halfway through. She later 1 8 | SBQnow.com

Words From The Veterans RUN RICHMOND BECAUSE: “Iʼve lived here almost all of my life, and some parts of the course are very familiar, but there are other areas that I donʼt know very well. This race is a really interesting way to see the city, even for a local.” Nicole Harris

BEST TRAINING ADVICE: “Be realistic about your train‑ ing plan and how it fits into your lifestyle. My trainer helped me come up with a training schedule that puts my long runs on lighter work‑ days and quick gym or inter‑

According to the 2010 Running USA State of the Sport report, the favorite race distance continues to be the half marathon, reflecting why the event has been the fastest growing distance in the United States since 2003 and why for four consecutive years (2006-09) the 13.1 mile distance has grown by 10% or more in this country.

The McDonald’s Half Marathon is known not only for its fun, fast course through historic downtown Richmond but also for its festive and supportive atmosphere. Features such as Party Zones for spectators and family, numerous water stops along the route, and even postrace massages for all participants make the course enjoyable for veteran runners like Heatwole as well as first-timers.

“I love running in Richmond because of the fan support,” says Heatwole.“It is amazing to me how many people endure all kinds of elements - rain, extreme heat, humidity and, on several occasions, frosty temperatures, to offer support to the runners.”

For Ginny, “distance running is a gift of time and health.” That’s a quote she read and, after battling injury, now lives by. “I cannot tell you how much I missed running [when I was out with a stress fracture] and how great it feels to be on the road again. I am reminded daily not to take those gifts for granted,” she says.

val runs on longer workdays,

For more information or to register for the McDonald’s Half Marathon on November 13th, visit www.richmondmarathon.org.

know that you will have brag‑

making the training manage‑ able.” Shanna Follansbee

WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE QUITTING: “Once you put in that much training, not finishing is really not an option. Thinking about the effort it took to train and prepare for the race is a big motivating factor not to quit.”

Pat Dumais

BEST MEMORY OF THE COURSE: “The fact that the end is downhill is something you al‑ ways keep in the back of your mind. It helps you push a little harder towards the end.”

Scott Call

IF YOU'RE A FIRST‑TIMER: “Be proud of yourself when you cross the finish line. Most importantly, have fun and ging rights when you com‑ plete the race.”

Micaela Shaughnessy

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Recent media attention on the rise of childhood obesity, may have you wondering about the well being of your family. Are we raising a generation of technologically-savvy but dangerously sedentary children?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as kids spend time on computers, texting, watching TV, videos, DVDs and gaming (slightly over 3 hours per day among children aged 8–18 years) opportunities for physical activities are diminished.

What’s more, the CDC maintains this apathy of activity is contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity.

But just how do you get your kids away from tapping fingertips on keyboards in favor of kicking soccer balls, riding bikes or participating in athletic activities? You may be surprised how straightforward —and fun—the solution can be.

2 0 | SBQnow.com

ALL PHOTOS FOR ʻFAMILY FITNESSʼ COURTESY OF THE EVENT PARTICIPANTS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED.

[opposite page]: Mandy and Kyla participate in the First Market Mile Kids Run [this photo]: Mom and daughter at the finish.

The Palmores Run For Fun Like many parents, Mandy Palmore—a 29 year-old GIS Technician for Dominion and single mother of Kyla, age 9, and 5 year-old Dylan—juggles family responsibilities with her career. “Having a limited schedule due to working from 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. each day and taking Kyla to karate up to 3 times a week leaves me with not much time to spend with my children and also exercising,” she says.

Wanting to teach her kids about a healthy lifestyle, Mandy who runs in the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k, works out with Kyla and Dylan. “Lately, we have been going to Thomas Dale High

School in Chesterfield. We used to go to Iron Bridge Park, however, at Thomas Dale I can let Kyla and Dylan run at their own speed and I can run at my speed and keep an eye on them at the same time. We

also race up and down the bleachers to see who can go to the end and back.”

Mandy sees her participation in athletics as a way to inspire her children. “As a parent you are a SBQnow.com | 2 1

child’s role model. Kyla and Dylan know I enjoy running in races for charities or just running around the block. They see how I love participating in races and how I am passionate about running,” she notes.

In fact, as a role model, parents’ participation in sports is a strong motivating factor for kids’ involvement with athletics. In a 1990 article in The Journal of Pediatrics regarding the influence of parents' physical activity on the behavior of young children presents children of active mothers were 2 times as likely to be active as children of inactive mothers.The relative odds ratio of being active for the children of active fathers

was 3.5. And when both parents were active, the children were 5.8 times as likely to be active as children of two inactive parents.

And you don’t have to be a top athlete to inspire athletics in your kids.

While the study also acknowledged genetics can predispose the child to increased levels of physical activity, the influence of parents by example and through including their kids in activities as well as their support of their children’s participation in athletics were cited as other significant factors beyond a child’s DNA. With the Palmores this seems to be the case. Mandy’s children have begun

to follow in her footsteps. “In 2009, Kyla trained and ran in the First Market Mile Kids Run and we ran together,” Palmore says. “She also ran in the same event this year.”

Dylan’s pre-school, Guardian Christian School, had a race this past May that his running with his family help prepare him for. In 2011, Mandy, Kyla and Dylan will run together in the kid’s mile.

Ultimately, the family workouts for the Palmores offer opportunities to bond.

“It is about the quality time and positive feedback we give each other. I could go to a gym, however, I wouldn’t be able to have the fun I do with Kyla and Dylan,” Mandy says.

The Herrings, a Tri‑Sport Family

Herring has watched Abigail follow in his footsteps through the sometimes grueling challenges of tri‑sports events. “Her mom and I have encouraged but not pushed. My wife and family are truly supportive of the time it takes to train and weekends filled with racing,” he says.

For those parents who are avid athletes, a child who takes up the same sport offers each a unique opportunity to bond and truly appreciate the other’s efforts and challenges. Dr. Marion “Moose” Herring, 43, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine has been competing in tri-sports (TRI)—in events such as ITU Half Ironman World Championships,Virginia Tri Series, and Watauga Lake Triathlon where he was the overall winner-—for 10 years.

Now his oldest daughter Abigail, age 12, has “caught the TRI bug as well.”

Abigail According to Marion, “started her career in a jogging stroller doing races sitting and watching.”

He notes she has really excelled with her training with Endorphin Fitness.

“Much to my delight, her involvement with Michael Harlow and his crew has given her good fitness and life skills,” he says. “Michael has been and is a great role model for the lifestyle of multisport.”

Marion knows firsthand what Abigail is achieving.“She has learned to set goals,work hard toward those goals and

2 2 | SBQnow.com

then suffer on race day to reach these goals,” he says. And as for Abigail, her appreciation of her father’s efforts is apparent in her own dedication. “I think she has seen fitness and TRI as a big part of my life and she has really embraced this lifestyle as well.”

While anyone who has attempted tri-sport competitions knows it’s certainly a demanding sport requiring extensive training in running, swimming and biking, Marion and his wife, Libby, have supported Abigail’s involvement. “Her mom and I have encouraged but not pushed. My wife

and family are truly supportive of the time it takes to train and weekends filled with racing.”

Then too there is the perk of touring with dad to see him compete with other top athletes.

“Recently, she traveled with me to Perthe, Australia for ITU ½ Ironman World Championships,” Marion says, of which he participated in the 40-45 age group, finishing 10th for overall and was the second American to cross the finish line. “Abigail was able to meet people of all ages and from all over the world that embraced this lifestyle.”

Marion competes in Perthe Australia.

Besides learning from her dad, Abigail has beneďŹ tted by training with Endorphin Fitness.

SBQnow.com | 2 3

Amanda, Liz, Jerry and Susan Hill at their early‑morning training.

“We all motivate each other,” Liz says.

HILL FAMILY PHOTOS: CHRIS OWENS

The Hills & McDonaldʼs Half Marathon 6:15 a.m. finds the Hill family running on a local school track or around the neighborhood.“We work out at different times throughout the week, but our morning runs are the one time during the day we all have to do it together,” explains Liz, a 22-year-old marketing assistant. Interestingly, the family members’ shared enthusiasm for the upcoming McDonald’s Half Marathon came about from different motivations.

Jerry, 50, a vice president of sales and marketing of the Americas and Canada for Drytac and his wife Susan, 58, a director of the

2 4 | SBQnow.com

Creative Learning Center preschool at Second Baptist Church, ran their first Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k in 2009. Susan started

running as a young adult looking for an inexpensive sport rather than joining a gym. Her interest in the 10k came about from her

“Our competitive spirit helps us moving forward, because no one wants to be the one who quits.” church’s training team.

Though Jerry had run on and off in his thirties, he didn’t get into a regular schedule of training until he joined the church team.

Of the two daughters, Amanda a 24year-old speech pathology graduate student at the University of Virginia, demonstrated the earliest interest in athletics. She began running in high school on the winter track team in order to stay healthy. She continued training at the gym and on outside trails in college.

2 5 | SBQnow.com

For Liz, it’s a different story. “I didn’t become involved in running until I got to college,” she explains.“It was the first time I had access to a gym, and I ran on the indoor track, as I preferred that to treadmills—I hate treadmills.

Gradually, I moved to running longer distances outside.”

Those longer-distanced stints helped prepare her to join her sister in events like the Corporate 4 Miler in Innsbrook.

In 2010, the whole family partici-

pated in the 10k along Monument Avenue. Next up for the Hills: the McDonald's Half Marathon in November. “After running the 10K together, this was the next step up and a bigger challenge for us to try,” Liz explains.

As for the benefits of family participation in these events she says,“We all motivate each other; it’s a shared interest so when one is down we encourage each other. Our competitive spirit helps us moving forward, because no one wants to be the one who quits.”

SBQnow.com | 2 5

PASSAGES & PEAKS PEAK EXPERIENCES

DIRECTOR KEVIN TOBIN DISCUSSES THE ORIGINS OF PASSAGES ADVEN‑ TURE CAMP WHERE 8‑14 YEAR OLDS RAPPEL, ROCK CLIMB, & WHITEWATER KAYAK. BY TAYLOR HODGE

2 6 | SBQnow.com

PEAK EXPERIENCES

How did you become interested in climbing?

Tobin: I donʼt know another person who loves their job as much as I and it all started by chance. As the climbing center was being built I worked part‑ time at Peak Experiences putting climbing holds up on the wall. I was drawn to the culture as well as climb‑ ing. Rock climbing, both indoors and outdoors, offers something few other endeavors can.

The rock face is a flawless mirror.

If you are committed, focused, pa‑ tient, strong and smart̶all those things will be instantaneously re‑ flected right back at you as you prob‑ lem‑solve your way up a climb. Rest assured, if you are impatient, dis‑ tracted or uncommitted̶those things will be reflected right back at you in real time!

There are no bells to ring or prizes at the top of a climb̶only per‑ sonal satisfaction. Iʼm not into the tallest climbs; Iʼm into the climbs that are the very edge of my abilities where I almost fall off of every foothold and handhold . . . almost.

My most enduring and strongest friendships have been a result of Peak Experiences. My affinity for mountain biking, ultra‑running and adventure races all began here. I simply canʼt imagine my life without this place.

OF

Does Peak offer more than wall climbing?

Tobin: Peak Experiences has so much more than rock climbing. High School Clubs are popular for both the social aspect, and for the more com‑ petitive climber.

We also consider ourselves a fitness center and offer the wildly popular TRX Suspension Training (inside and outside) and an Adult Training Program which entails

climbing, TRX, and field drills̶all taught by certified personal trainers.

We host several competitions each year and are proud of the success and dedication of our competitive youth climbing team.

For those just climbing for the fun of it, we have several age‑appro‑ priate youth clubs, and have been noted as one of the best places to have a birthday party.

SARATH NATHAN COURTESY

How did the Passages camp come to be? What kind of skills do kids learn from climbing?

Tobin: Passages Adventure Camp is the result of two good friends who met at an adventure camp in North Carolina. They loved kayaking as well as climbing and saw an opportunity to create their own adventure camp as the City of Richmond was seeking proposals to develop Belle Isle. For‑ tunately, for Casey Cockerham and John Wollard, their bid won and Pas‑ sages has since played a vital role in helping to preserve Belle Isle as an ad‑ venture sport playground and escape from the skyscrapers and pace of the City of Richmond.

After five years of growing Pas‑ sages to be a world‑class program, Casey joined forces with Scott Powell and they built Peak Experiences In‑ door Rock Climbing Center in Mid‑ lothian. Passages is now a program of Peak Experiences and there has been tremendous synergy between the two. The bread and butter of Pas‑ sages is the one‑week day camp ses‑ sions on Belle Isle where 8‑14 year olds rappel, rock climb, whitewater kayak and fly across our 350ʼ zip‑line.

A couple years ago we developed a ½ and full‑day Base Camp for 5‑7 year olds at the climbing center.

PHOTO: BY

“The rock face is a flawless mirror.

If you are committed, focused, patient, strong and smart—all those things will be instantaneously reflected right back at you as you problem-solve your way up a climb.”

RECREATE TO MOTIVATE

AS

A PRODUCT OF THE ʼ80 S I HAD THE ATARI GAMING SYSTEM , BUT I ALSO HAD TWO FIT PARENTS WHO INVITED ME TO GO RUNNING WITH THEM WHICH EVENTUALLY WOULD GIVE RISE TO MY LOVE FOR FITNESS AND THE NEED TO PURSUE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. THESE DAYS CHILDREN HAVE A MYRIAD OF TECH‑ NOLOGICAL GADGETS AND TOYS , BUT THERE ARE WAYS TO ENTICE YOUR CHIL‑ DREN TO TRY HEALITHER ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES .

BY STEPHEN P. SOWULEWSKI, M.A YMCA are family friendly and offer youth health and fitness programs.

COACHING

SOWULEWSKI

START OUT WITH EASY & FAMILIAR ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE

VENTURE OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY These days it may be difficult to arrange family time, but look to events in the community so you can plan ahead.

For example, participate in a road race or a fun run. Or join a gym and sign the entire fam‑ ily up. Venues such as the

ilyʼs lifestyle.

Fun and support from family and friends are essential ingredi‑ ents to motivate kids in a suc‑ cessful exercise program.

Stephen P. Sowulewski, M.A. is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Health & Physical Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and an American Council on Exercise (ACE) group exercise certified instructor at American Family Fitness teaching indoor cycling.

KEEP IT FUN Beyond development of a safe and effective exercise program, it is especially important that children be exposed to enjoy‑ able activities that are easily incorporated within the fam‑

We have your rental needs covered: tents, staging, tables & chairs etc.

PUMP IT UP BUT KEEP IT REAL Strength training programs have become increasingly popular with adolescents, but following exercise guidelines for safe, sensible and successful strength training are important.

An article in the Ameri‑ can Council on Exercise Cer‑ tified News (2005), defines youth strength training as the use of progressive resist‑ ance exercises performed with weight machines, free weights, medicine balls, elas‑ tic tubing or bodyweight, to increase childrenʼs muscu‑ loskeletal health and fitness.

Basically, children re‑ quire a lighter resistance and a greater number of repeti‑ tions (10‑20) than adults.

Emphasis should be placed on improving quick‑ ness, speed, endurance, co‑

Call us to get started on your next event.

804-264-6621 CommonwealthEvent.com + MAYM ONT X‑CO UNTR Y

FEST IVALʼS NEW JAME S RIVE R LOOP 8 MILE R FREE

Family walks after mealtime can be a great way to debrief on the events of the day all the while helping to get some fresh air and walking off some of those calories!

You may choose to bicycle with your children or, if theyʼre younger, trot alongside them while they ride the bike.

If inclement weather strikes, keep the fun in doors with Dance Dance Revolution or the Nin‑ tendo Wii (www.wii.nintendo. com) or EyeToy (www.eyetoy .com).

Consider coaching your childʼs tee ball team or offer to help as‑ sist in events at your childʼs school such as field days.

You can become something of a personal trainer at home by supporting your children in the Presidentʼs Council on Physical Fitness and Sports regimen ( w w w. f i t n e s s . g o v / f u n f i t / 10tips.htm). The tips offer simple and straightforward ideas for healthy activities, physical exercise and smart eating guidelines.

ordination, and flexibility be‑ cause these are the basic ele‑ ments for a healthy lifestyle and contributing factors for fu‑ ture sport success.

HOOPLA 3 ON 3 HEATS UP FALL BASKETBALL PAGE 12

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SBQnow.com | 2 7

8 TRAINING TIPS FOR A BETTER 8K

YOUʼRE THINKING ABOUT GETTING ACTIVE AGAIN, BUT ITʼS HARD TO GET THE MOTOR STARTED AGAIN AFTER THE LONG, HOT SUMMER. START BY SIGNING UP FOR A RACE! THE HCA VIRGINIA 8K IS COMING UP ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH AND WEʼVE GOT 8 GREAT TIPS TO HELP YOU GET MOVING AGAIN. 1) Be Specific. “Run faster” or “lose weight” can be too vague. Set measurable targets, such as cutting your 8k time by 1 minute or losing five pounds.

2) …But Realistic. Overzealous goals lead to frustration; easy ones are boring. Aim to cut a minute or two off your 8k time instead of 10—you’ll stay motivated without setting yourself up for disappointment.

3) Give Yourself a Deadline.

The lack of a set end point will lead to procrastination. Don’t wait to see how your training is going before signing up.

Register for the race now and get it on your calendar.

4) Keep Track. On low-motivation days, review your training log to reaffirm your progress. Many online 2 8 | SBQnow.com

running sites offer free running logs that you can use.

5) Make it Public. Tell your friends and family exactly what you plan to do—even post it on your Facebook page! You’ll think twice about skimping on your training if it’s not a secret.

6) Go Soft. It’s hard to stay motivated with shinsplints, so get off the pavement for a few days and run on a cross-country course or unpaved bike paths.

7) Rehearse it. Do a trial run of the HCA Virginia 8k. Being familiar with the course will give you confidence— you'll know where the hills are and when to fire your finishing kick.

8) Embrace Anxiety. Jitters are actually good for a short race.

Adrenaline will rev up your engine.

Think of it as fuel.

Need a training plan for the HCA Virginia 8k?

Go to www.richmondmarathon.org for a free online training schedule.

RE‑IGNITE YOUR WORKOUT PASSION

MOST OF US FIND SOME SORT OF SPORT OR ACTIVITY THAT WE ENJOY AS WE ARE GROW‑ ING UP AND GETTING AN EDUCATION. OFTEN, HOWEVER, LIFE GETS IN THE WAY AND WE LET THAT FITNESS PLAN FALL BY THE WAYSIDE. BUT ALL OF THAT IS CHANGING. MORE AND MORE, FOLKS ARE REDISCOVERING THE PASSION THEY ONCE HAD FOR THEIR FITNESS ROUTINE. WE TALKED TO A TRAINER AND HIS CLIENT TO FIND OUT HOW THEY ARE WORK‑ ING TOGETHER TO RE‑CAPTURE THE FITNESS BUG. D S

BY AVID MITHERMAN

Johnston rediscovered the joy of boxing̶Meissnerʼs specialty.

THE TRAINER Don Meissner is a Certified Per‑ sonal Trainer and former ama‑ teur boxer who specializes in designing individualized boxing and workout routines for people of all abilities. We asked him to give us some words of wisdom when trying to find that fitness passion.

Meissner: Ease into your routines and remember to be patient with yourself. It will take some time to get back into shape.

Having a specific program to follow is a big help because it establishes the routine and habits necessary to get you in shape and more importantly, keep you there! The ultimate goal should be to make fitness part of your lifestyle.

I do believe in muscle mem‑ ory. If a fitness routine or sports

program is part of your past, I believe your body picks up where it left off quicker versus a person who has never exercised or played a sport. I tell people the secret to exercise is “show‑ ing up.”

Warm up properly and fol‑ low a basic program initially.

Simple, easy to do exercises are all that is needed to get you into shape.

Have a plan that sets out a routine and weekly schedule.

Work out with a friend or group if you have a hard time staying motivated on your own.

Whatever works for you, do it!

THE CLIENT Deborah Johnston is an entrepre‑ neur, author, and business owner who used to incorporate boxing as part of her workout program.

Now sheʼs rediscovered her love for boxing and a whole lot more.

Johnston: In addition to working with my trainer, I swim most days and bike on weekends. I realized I needed to add weight and strength training to my schedule.

The only way for me to make myself work out is to hire a trainer who would make me lift that iron̶and he does.

The great thing about him is that he changes the routine all the time, which actually makes it fun. And we do it to music.

I make a schedule to meet him at least twice a week so I have to show up. It would be rude not to.

My advice to anyone who "dreads" weight lifting as I do is get a buddy to meet or hire a trainer̶someone you must show up for.

Here are

5 fast

tips!

1. Have a plan 2. Schedule your workouts 3. Workout with a friend or group if necessary 4. Keep it simple 5. Be patient with yourself Remember, exercise is easy to do.

It’s also easy not to do.

But it’s never too late to start anew.

SBQnow.com | 2 9

FRAN GILDAY, 50M/50SX60:

50 MARATHONS IN 50 STATES BY 60 YEARS OLD THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST AMAZING AND INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE OF MY LIFE. I AM SO BLESSED TO BE HERE TODAY WITH ALL OF YOU. MY HEART IS FULL OF GRATITUDE AND LOVE FOR ALL THAT EACH OF YOU HAVE GIVEN ME FOR I DID NOT GET TO THIS POINT IN MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU. WE ALL GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS, A MOTTO I LIVE BY EVERY DAY. F G

BY RAN

calling out as I ran down the hill towards the finish banner, “I did it. I did it. I did it.”

I guess I can say that again today, but at the time, this 50‑state goal was not even a re‑ mote thought. And as a matter of fact, if any‑ one had told me that I would be here today, celebrating the completion of running a marathon in all 50 states, I would know they were smoking something illegal, or surely talking about someone other than me.

First Steps

PHOTO:

CHRIS OWENS

I

want to take a few minutes to share my thoughts on finishing 50 (by 60 ). A few years ago I was in Fiona Diazʼs office at Circuit City and she and Bob Appleby (an‑ other boss from Circuit City) were talking about my goal. I remember telling them that I doubted I would be able to finish before I turned 60, and both of them assured me that I would. Somehow they knew something that I did not, and that has been so true about the lifeʼs lessons I have learned. They saw quali‑ ties in me that I did not know existed.

Everything that I have learned from this adventure has spilled over into other aspects of my life. That has been the number one les‑ son I learned. Running and setting goals shaped the person I have become. Running kept me young, and setting goals kept me challenged and made me grow, profession‑ ally, personally, spiritually. The more I did, the more I could do beyond that. If you can imag‑ ine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.

When I first started out, during my first marathon in Richmond back in October of 1988, I remember running down Monument Avenue about mile 22 saying to myself, “I will never do this again. This is the stupidest thing I have ever done. I swear I will never, never do this again.”

And then I saw the finish line, elated,

3 0 | SBQnow.com

I took baby steps as I ventured out beyond my comfort zone. I remember my first solo trip to Houston, Texas. This was the first time I would fly and do the race without anyone there to support me. I kept saying to myself, “have courage, have courage.”

I was afraid of being in a big city all by myself; however, I was not completely alone.

Tom Bednardz, a running friend from Rich‑ mond, was there to be with his family and run the marathon. I was able to meet him at the pasta party.

But getting a cab, trusting someone else to get me to the hotel, getting to the race expo, finding my way to the race, getting back in time to fly back home, all these things I doubted I could do successfully. After that experience, I knew I could go on. It wasnʼt so hard after that.

Surmounting Hurdles There were many other challenges and ob‑ stacles that could have tripped me up; but somehow I was able to overcome them: • The frantic trip to the airport so I could catch a flight for the New Orleans marathon after my flight was cancelled.

• The running through the Chicago air‑ port late at night so I could catch the last flight home when my flight connections were delayed. I needed to be back home that night.

• The cancelled Tulsa race when Ray had his heart surgery.

• The horrible rain and humidity in Hon‑

ILDAY

olulu where my feet were so blistered I could not walk without incredible pain for 14 miles.

• The time I fell at the beginning of the Boise marathon, bleeding at the knee, having my hands scraped, feeling the burn all 26 miles. Who could blame me if I stopped?

• The terrible rain and cold in Hyannis in February where I had to wade through freez‑ ing water that flooded the street (twice) and where I thought I was going into hypother‑ mia were it not for Amy and John.

I could go on and on, but the lesson I learned was that obstacles were made to be overcome. Somehow the will to finish was stronger than any one pain or any anxiety I had. When Circuit City went out of business, the lessons I learned from running marathons gave me the tools to start again, the courage to explore new opportunities, the confidence that I could succeed.

Why I Run Running makes me happy. It makes me feel young. Finishing a race, no matter the dis‑ tance, feels satisfying.

Sharing the road with other runners and talking about the race afterwards is fun.

Thereʼs always something to learn, people to meet, places to go.

The people I have met through the 50 States Club and Marathon Maniacs taught me that for every passion, thereʼs probably a group of like‑minded individuals anxious to invite you in. Neither age nor size nor body type should ever be an excuse for not pursuing your dream. Where there is a will, there is a way.

I guess thatʼs enough musing. Thank you for everything. Life is not good, itʼs great. My adventure continues. Party on!

Fran Gilday works for St. Joseph’s Villa for Children; plays the flute with The Richmond Concert Band; is active with St. Michael’s Catholic Church; and volunteers for the Richmond Roadrunners Club as well as the Richmond Sports Backers. For more entries regarding her adventures in marathon competition please visit her blog at www.finishing50.com/Site/My_Blog.html.

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