INstride - April 2014

04 14

A Grand Journey Hoosier kayaks the Colorado River and makes history

All the President’s Men B-Town runner keeps national fitness program running

199 Miles To Go

Bloomington women to run Hood to Coast

Our team gets you back in the game.

Timothy Steiner, MD, Matthew Reeves, DO and Daniel Lee, DO

The sports medicine physicians and surgeons at IU Health Southern Indiana Physicians understand athletes and the importance of competing in their sport. Whether you simply

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want to stay in shape or you compete locally, regionally or nationally, our team provides comprehensive sports medicine care to keep you in the game. And, with our sports medicine physicians seeing patients at the YMCA, you’ll have access to their expertise with the opportunity to rehab and recover in a sport-specific environment.

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Meet our sports medicine team at SIPhysicians.org/orthopedics.

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04 14 FEATURES

L E A R N

H E A L

L I V E

stride

DEPARTMENTS

03 Editor’s Letter

11 Fresh Pick Cucumbers

15 ACHIEVE Community Spotlight

12

Still confused about ACA?

COVER STORY

16

A Grand Journey

Go Gadgets

Hoosier kayaks the Colorado River and makes history

O4

All the President’s Men B-Town runner keeps national fitness program running

TRX band

18

06

What Moves You? We want your stories about your favorite activity

08

199 Miles To Go Bloomington women to run Hood to Coast

Calendar

20 Spotted Photos of fitness in action

stride Editorial director: Bob Zaltsberg Production & copy editor: Kathryn S. Gardiner Photo director: David Snodgress Senior writers: Jim Gordillo, Carol Johnson Contributing staff: Seth Tackett, Kathryn S. Gardiner, Jeff LaFave, Michael Reschke, Mike Lewis, Brian Culp, Garet Cobb, Rich Janzaruk, Jeremy Hogan and Chris Howell Graphic designer: Stewart Moon Publisher: E. Mayer Maloney Jr. CONTENT: 812-331-4289 kgardiner@hoosiertimes.com Advertising sales manager: Laurie Ragle Marketing manager: Shaylan Owen ADVERTISING/DISTRIBUTION: 812-331-4310 INstride is a monthly fitness, wellness and nutrition magazine serving south-central Indiana with offices in Bedford, Mooresville, Martinsville and Bloomington. It is distributed to more than 90,000 readers and can be found at various locations throughout south-central Indiana. The free publication is also inserted in the Bedford Times-Mail, Martinsville Reporter-Times and Bloomington Herald-Times the second Monday of every month; and the Mooresville/Decatur Times, the second Thursday of every month. ©2014 Schurz Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Coming up in May n Read a profile of a long-time Jazzercise instructor n We’ll answer your questions about allergies n See another installment of “What Moves You”

ON THE COVER Lonnie Bedwell became the first completely blind solo kayaker to go down the entire length of the Grand Canyon. Courtesy photograph for INstride

2 INstride • April 2014

EDITOR’S LETTER

Seeking Stories of Inspiration We’re starting a new feature in this month’s edition and we need your help. The brainchild of writer Carol Johnson, it’s called “What Moves You?” As Carol describes in a story inside, we’re asking readers to answer that question with tales about their exercise passion.

“Whether you love to hike, bike, kayak, lift weights or play volleyball, swim, ballroom dance or do yoga,” Carol writes, “tell us why it’s your activity of choice.” We’ll share your stories in upcoming issues.

Meanwhile, we’ve found some strong stories of perseverence and dedication to share in today’s issue. One is about Lonnie Bedwell of Dugger, who lost his sight in a hunting accident in 1997, but recently took a kayak through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. Another story introduces two Bloomington women, Mindy King and Jill Rensink, who are part of a team training for the Hood to Coast relay coming up this summer. The idea is to race from Mount Hood in Oregon to the Pacific Coast, a distance of nearly 200 miles.

We keep finding interesting people staying fit in south-central Indiana. As with the new feature, “What Moves You?”, the ideas come from loyal readers of INstride. If you know someone who has decided to eat better, exercise more or otherwise become healthier, please let us know. We can always use another inspirational story from the real people who live, work and work out in our area.

Bob Zaltsberg, Editor

April 2014 • INstride 3

Jeremy Hogan | INSTRIDE

Jeffrey McClaine is the assistant director of the President’s Challenge nationwide fitness program, which is based in Bloomington.

All the President’s Men

By Jeff LaFave

B-Town runner keeps national fitness program running

4 INstride • April 2014

In 1993, Jeff McClaine started at the President’s Challenge as a mere customer service representative.

Now, the Lebanon, Ind., native regularly meets with first lady Michelle Obama on the White House’s front lawn, and already has plans set with her in April.

It’s all in a day’s work for the assistant director, who spends his days surrounded by plastic jogging figurines, a Wheaties-brand soccer ball and a joke clock sign behind his desk: “Gone Running.”

It may as well be set for 5:30 a.m., a daybreak hour in which McClaine and his sneakers regularly put rubber to the road.

“I get up before the sun rises,” the former high school track member said. “I’ll run on any street that doesn’t really have cars.”

Before stepping into the office flanked by portraits of the Obamas, Clinton and both Bushes, McClaine can typically log anywhere from 10 to 25 miles on his morning runs. That level of commitment and energy, he hopes, will translate into his staff of approximately 35 in their role of helping children and adults alike realize their physical potential.

At this point, most Americans are familiar with the iconic, five-stage “President’s Challenge” test typically rolled out at the elementary level: There’s curl-ups, a shuttle run, an endurance run (such as a mile), pull-ups and the signature, leg-extending “V-reach” stretch.

Athletes aged 5-12 can then earn one of three physical fitness awards—”Participant,” “National” or “Presidential”—based on their ability to exceed. The Presidential honor is only meant to be earned by the 85th percentile and higher.

In fact, that’s the whole mantra of the President’s Challenge campaign: President Dwight D. Eisenhower instituted the program in 1953 after learning that American youth were severely lacking in physical fitness compared to their Swiss, Italian and Austrian counterparts.

More than 60 years later, that same “best you can be” attitude continues with McClaine and his aspirations for local students.

“Indiana needs to have physical education programs mandated in school,” he said. “We’ve got some incredible physical education coordinators at Bloomington High School South and elsewhere in Monroe County, but we need to look at nearby places like Illinois, which requires students to take phys-ed classes.”

The President’s Challenge office ended up in Indiana by fate—its B-Town roots bloomed in 1988 as a department within IU’s HPER Department of Kinesiology. Since then, it’s been the national headquarters for all things medals and V-Reach.

To McClaine, Indiana’s athletic culture makes the state a perfect fit for the program.

“I’m from Lebanon, a small town in Indiana, so naturally, I fell in love with basketball,” he said.

“There’s also a huge focus on team sports where I’m from.”

The allures of school sports and gym-class games can fade away with students as they progress into adulthood, and the epidemic of childhood obesity is another issue that the President’s Challenge has been working to combat.

And now, the “eighth man on an seven-man basketball team” also works hand-in-hand to promote Michelle Obama’s program, the “Let’s Move” campaign, which aims to ensure children reach adulthood at a healthy weight.

This April, as he has done before, McClaine will attend the famous Egg Roll on the White House lawn, the day after Easter. After the hustle and long hours of standing in secret service inspection lines, he will be among 30,000 in attendance—right next to Michelle Obama, promoting fitness and Let’s Move at the “Egg-tivity Center.”

“Michelle Obama is the real deal,” he said. “Everything you’ve heard about her is true. She believes in the power of fitness and the potential of our youth, and you’ll see it through her efforts in Let’s Move.”

And when he comes back, McClaine and company will aim to keep Bloomington and the rest of the United States on par with our global counterparts, regardless of age.

“There will come a time when you realize you need to switch your physical activities to be more about endurance,” he said. “You wake up sore, and your body doesn’t recover like it used to. It’s best to take care of yourself as soon as possible.” n

About Let’s Move Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the first lady, dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation.

Combining comprehensive strategies with common sense, Let’s Move! is about the following five initiatives: n Putting children on the

path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. n Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. n Providing healthier foods in our schools. n Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. n Helping children become more physically active.

For more information, including information on childhood obesity, nutrition information, guidelines for physical activity and helpful tips and step-by-step strategies for families, schools and communities, go to www.letsmove.gov.

April 2014 • INstride 5

t a h W s e v Mo You We want your what stories about ing gets you mov

?

What Moves Shona Duncan (Bedford)

C

ompetitive by nature, it’s no wonder I love playing volleyball, coaching it, and watching it. Volleyball is a great workout disguised as a fun game. It’s a great way to firm up, be active and social. Whether you’re playing on two-man teams or teams of six, it’s definitely an exciting and beautiful sport to play.

Here’s my story...

Four years ago I was invited to play with a tight-knit group of women who gathered weekly to play volleyball at the Boys Club in Bedford. I was elated by the invitation and gladly accepted. Excited, I ran home and couldn’t wait to tell my husband I had made a new friend and she invited me to “come out and play.” I felt like a little girl who just made friends on the playground.

I convinced him to take me shopping for equipment; I needed knee-pads. I had to look cute for my premiere.

Reality soon swooped in. I was frantic. I hadn’t played in over 20 years so I was apprehensive of my abilities and scared I’d embarrass myself. However, excited by the invitation and the challenge, I enthusiastically went and played. I played hard and I played my

6 INstride • April 2014

By Carol Johnson

Y

our co-worker is training for her first half marathon and she can’t stop talking about it. Tempo runs, group training and the 10 pounds she’s lost have turned her into a running nut.

Your brother-in-law just got a new road bike and he can’t wait to start putting on the miles.

Your wife goes to three Zumba classes a week. Her only lament is she doesn’t have time for four.

You? Well, you’re still on the couch, not having found the thing that moves you. The treadmill didn’t do it and neither did the latest DVD workout craze.

heart out. It was so much fun, I kept going back. Week after week I’d wake up and spring out of bed with the excitement that, “I get to go play volleyball today!”

However, there were consequences—great ones.

I was getting back into shape and I didn’t even realize it. I was feeling great and was told I was looking good too.

It brought me closer to my husband who had also been a player in earlier years. And I gained a whole new group of friends.

Playing soon turned into a passion. I joined two leagues—one all ladies, the other coed, both through the Bedford Parks Department. My husband and I began coaching at St. Vincent de Paul School. We were either playing or coaching six days a week. I guess you could say we’re obsessed. That obsession continues on to this day. I plan to play as long as I can, as long as my body allows it.

I encourage anyone to come join us at the new Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County from 10 a.m.-noon every Wednesday. There is a $2 fee. See you on the court!

What Moves Susan Blythe (Bedford)

Making exercise a habit is as much—maybe more—about finding what you love as it is having the discipline to stick with it.

Nicole Simmons, personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Healthy Balance in Bedford, said “finding your passion” will go a long way in making physical activity something to look forward to, rather than something to dread.

“It’s all about trying as much as you can. Whether it’s joining a club and taking classes, or seeing a personal trainer and have them develop something for you,” she said. “If you are more independent in your approach, go online and find a video or whatever will motivate you.”

Simmons also said it’s not unusual to find something you love and then get bored with it.

“If you get bored with running, pick a different distance, set a new goal,” she said. “It also helps to restate your goals every year.

“If you hit a plateau, try doing your workout at a different time of day. Your body gets accustomed to a routine and a different time will throw your body off a little.”

Simmons also said pay attention to your mindbody connection.

“Someone with a stressful job may not want competition in their exercise. They want stress relief. But a stay-at-home mom may feel she needs that competitive drive,” she said. “A lot of people come to the gym with an idea of what they want to do based on other people. They see others have success with running, so they want to run. I tell people to be open minded and willing to try a lot of different things. Be open to your own experience and what works for you.”

Another way to add life to exercise is to do it with a friend.

“It really does help to have a buddy,” she said.

Send us your stories INstride would like to help you find your exercise passion. We’re asking readers to send us their stories of “What Moves You?” Whether you love to hike, bike, kayak, lift weights or play volleyball, swim, ballroom dance or do yoga, tell us why it’s your activity of choice.

We’ll share your stories with our INstride readers in hopes it helps readers find what moves them.

Send your story to rzaltsberg@heraldt.com. n

B

eing physically active brings me a lot of joy. My activities provide opportunities for me to enjoy the outdoors and spend precious time with family and friends. I co-teach Zumba classes with my good friend Dr. Deborah Craton three times a week. The class situation motivates me to work hard as a good example for others, and I appreciate the opportunity to make new friends.

I love to hike with family and friends. Last year on spring break, I hiked to the top of Mount LeConte with my husband Dennis and our two oldest grandchildren, Collin and Elsa Spear, 10 and 7.

This was a big achievement for our grandchildren since this hike [is] 6.9 miles each way.

We prepared for this hike with them by walking the trails at Spring Mill State Park. Our journey up the mountain was especially challenging as several inches of snow fell during our hike. We spent the night in a cabin at the top of LeConte and awoke the next morning to 18 inches of snow and a temperature of 8 degrees. Thankfully we were well prepared for the weather and the children embraced the challenge. Dennis and I had hiked Mount LeConte several times in past years, but sharing this experience with our grandchildren was a milestone.

I started running in 2010 with a goal of completing a 5K with my daughter Michelle Spear.

We eventually trained for and finished the Derby Half Marathon in Louisville. We have registered to run the Bedford Half Marathon in October.

I also take part in a tap dancing class at Kat’s Studio. I also enjoy riding my bicycle and I’ve participated in several rides.

I am very grateful my health allows me to participate in all these activities! Being physically active enriches my life in so many ways.

What moves YOU?

April 2014 • INstride 7

W A S H I N G T O N

199 Miles To Go

Oregon

FINISH

Seaside, Ore.

START

O R E G O N

Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood

Exchange points Portland

Bloomington women to run Hood to Coast

By Michael Reschke

T

wo Bloomington women plan to join a 12-person team in a relay race from Oregon’s Mount Hood to the Pacific Coast this August. The race is called Hood to Coast and each team member must run three legs of the 199-mile course.

Participants will face a variety of obstacles, including considerable shifts in elevation, areas of little to no shade and some will even have to run in the middle of the night. It will be challenging, but the two women know having a team can make all the difference.

“I would never do anything like it if I was on my own,” said Mindy King.

King and her friend Jill Rensink are both group exercise instructors at the Bloomington Body Bar on Piazza Drive, and they understand the motivational power a group of people can have when it comes to physical performance.

“You have a huge support system,” Rensink said, referring to the other team members and the team drivers that transport members between legs of the race. “That’s important not just for that event but exercise in general. You need a person behind you.”

The group dynamic is what has helped make the event so popular. It began when race founder Bob Foote, a 35-time marathoner and 17-time

8 INstride • April 2014

Chris Howell | INSTRIDE

Local runners Leigh-Ann Cochran and Jill Rensink represent the range in age on their 12-person relay team training for the Hood to Coast race.

ultramarathon runner, and his friends were looking for a new challenge in the early 1980s, according to the Hood to Coast website. Foote came up with the idea of running from Mount Hood, outside his home in Portland, Ore., to the beach. Eight teams of 10 people embarked on the first Hood to Coast relay in 1982.

EVENT IS GROWING As word got out, the event grew. It’s become so popular the team limit has been filled on opening day of registration for the past 16 years, according to the event’s website. This year’s event will include 12,600 runners, but not all are as hardcore as Foote.

As shown in the 2011 documentary of the same name, the event attracts a wide range of individuals, from a 67-year-old heart attack survivor to a group of

Chris Howell | INSTRIDE

Runners Mindy King, Leigh-Ann Cochran, Becky Rose and Jill Rensink are training for a 12-person relay from Mount Hood to the Pacific Coast.

utterly unprepared animators testing their athleticism, or lack thereof. Teams come up with quirky names and sometimes adorn themselves with unique accessories.

Thanks to the event’s popularity, everyone who registers is entered into a lottery to be selected for the race. King said it took two years for her to get selected.

Now, King, Rensink and 10 other people will have 36 hours to run from Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood to Seaside, Ore. Most of the other 10 people have ties to Indiana University’s women’s water polo team, of which King’s husband Barry is the coach. And all of those other team members are younger than King and Rensink.

The two women, who are in their 40s, will have to cover just as much ground as people 10 years younger than they are, like Leigh-Ann Cochran. However, she doesn’t think age will make much of a difference for her teammates.

“They’re both really energetic, fun and positive,” Cochran said.

Cochran said she is also a group exercise instructor at Bloomington Body Bar and attends Rensink’s classes.

As fitness instructors none of the three are out of shape but they’ll have to adjust their workout routines to prepare for the unique challenges of running Hood to Coast. They’re not too worried about the distance they’ll have to run, but getting used to running multiple times a day and at odd hours is a concern. To prepare, Cochran said she might show up late one night or early one morning at one of her friends’ houses.

“I was thinking about showing up at Jill or Mindy’s house, giving them a head lamp and pulling them out of bed for a run,” she said.

Rensink acknowledged completing the entire course without sleep might be more difficult for her and King than their younger teammates, but she’s hoping if those runners try to show off by staying up, she and King can show them up on the road.

“Hopefully we’ll get to sleep and the younger ones won’t and they’ll start to fade,” she said. n

April 2014 • INstride 9

10 INstride • April 2014

FRESH PICKS

By Bob Zaltsberg

Gadzooks!

It’s Cukes

Water-filled gourd packs in nutrition

There are a lot of reasons to eat cucumbers. Here are several, according to nutrition-and-you.com: n They are a very low-calorie vegetable, providing just 15 calories per 100 grams, and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. The peel is a good source of dietary fiber and offers some protection against colon cancers by eliminating toxic compounds. n They are a very good source of potassium, a heart friendly electrolyte that can help reduce blood pressure and heart rates. n They contain antioxidants in moderate ratios, which can help act as protective scavengers to help combat aging and various disease processes. n They have mild diuretic property which helps in checking weight gain and high blood pressure. n They have a high amount of vitamin K, which has been found to have a potential role in strengthening bones. n You can eat cucumbers raw, and they are particularly good in salads.

Cucumber Salad The key to this recipe is leaving everything alone.

Tossing cucumbers with salt and then letting them drain prevents their moisture from diluting the flavors of the finished dish. A long, unattended marination enhances the sweet-sour blend of sugar and white vinegar that makes this salad especially refreshing.

2 seedless cucumbers (11/2 to 13/4 pounds total) 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 2 teaspoons grainy mustard Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves 2 tablespoons mild extra-virgin olive oil Preparation Cut cucumbers into thin (1/16-inch) rounds with slicer. Toss with 2 teaspoons salt in a colander, then drain 30 minutes. Squeeze excess liquid from cucumbers. Whisk together sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a large bowl, then stir in cucumbers.

Marinate, chilled, at least two hours. They can be marinated up to a full day. Drain cucumbers, reserving marinade, and mound on lettuce. Whisk oil into reserved marinade and drizzle over salad.

Makes 8 servings Source: epicurious.com

April 2014 • INstride 11

A Grand Journey Hoosier kayaks the Colorado River and makes history

By Seth Tackett

T

hree months after a hunting accident took Lonnie Bedwell’s sight, his 5-year old daughter Taylor gave him a gift that he will never forget.

Confidence.

Bedwell, of Dugger, was trying to adjust to his new life in the darkness and became frustrated

because he could no longer find his way out to his barn due to the high grass. His daughter noticed her father’s anguish, took his hand and led him out to the barn so the pair could mow the grass together.

Bedwell sat on the mower with his trusty guide sitting comfortably on his lap.

Stop. Right. Left. Back up. His daughter shouted.

The memory and the love and support from all three of his daughters brings tears to Bedwell’s eyes.

A daughter guided him through the backyard and, 17 years later, a group called Team River Runner guided Bedwell down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon—in a kayak—where nobody held his hand.

Bedwell’s first foray into kayaking was in a pool at a Disabled Americans Winter Sports Clinic in 2012. He enjoyed it so much that he joined Team River Runner, a non-profit organization that introduces veterans to paddle sports. In May of that year on a trip to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Bedwell got his first taste of white-water kayaking.

The director of Team River Runner, Joe Mornini, took Bedwell back to the airport after the trip and, before saying goodbye, asked the Navy veteran if he would like to

COURTESY PHOTO

12 INstride • April 2014

make history as the first blind person to kayak through the Grand Canyon.

“When we left, I think we both thought this would be several years down the road,” Bedwell said.

Just a year later, Bedwell was asked if he would like to raft down the Grand Canyon. He declined the offer, stating he wanted to kayak down it, but was told he needed more experience, particularly on his Eskimo Roll, which is a technique to right a capsized kayak.

“I did 100 rolls that very next day in my pond,” Bedwell remembered.

Knowing he would need more experience to conquer the Colorado River, Bedwell set out to get it.

“So I just started chasing rivers around and got 14 days of whitewater experience,” Bedwell said.

“Knowing that I was going to go down this river with nine other post-9/11 veterans really drove me.

“That was my driving force, the sacrifice that these men and women do. I owed them, to let me know that life doesn’t have to stop. I told them every paddle stroke I make is an effort to pay them back. That was my driving force.”

On Aug. 5, the 48-year-old carpenter and 15 other members of Team River Runner began the 226-mile trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

The trek lasted 16 days as the group traveled four to 12 miles a day, with the most being 28 miles.

Instead of his daughter, this time his guide was Alex Neilson, who Lonnie Bedwell became the first completely blind solo kayaker to go down the entire length of the Grand Canyon. He traveled along the Colorado River with 15 members of Team River Runner, a group of veterans who participate in paddle sports.

COURTESY PHOTO

April 2014 • INstride 13

guided Bedwell the entire way backwards. Neilson relied on a system of voice commands to guide Bedwell.

“A lot of times I would tell them not to describe what I was going through,” Bedwell remembered.

“Because it won’t matter to me, since I can’t see it. I won’t know when I am going past it.

“Once we went through something, I would have them describe it.”

Words can’t begin to describe what Bedwell experienced when he

went through some of the river’s most notorious rapids—Lava Falls and Crystal Rapids.

“Having had my eye sight, I remember Lava Falls from the Wide World of Sports commercials that they had from years ago,” Bedwell recalled. “Where it showed a rubber raft going over Lava Falls and exploding, all the rigging, all the food, the coolers, all the gear come flying out and people flying out, and it flipping and tumbling through Lava Falls. I remember that vividly in my head. I kind of knew some-

COURTESY PHOTO

Bryan Brown in Byers Canyon near Hot Sulphur Springs, Colo., on the upper Colorado River.

Hoosier Historymakers Lonnie Bedwell was completing the first-ever run through the Grand Canyon by a blind person at the same time Columbus native Bryan Brown, 57, was completing the first-ever solo, unsupported kayak descent of the entire Colorado River watershed (2,400 miles).

Brown’s journey started on June 1, 2013 at Green River Lakes, Wyoming and ended on Sept. 18 at Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.

“Two Hoosiers were in the same watershed at the same time, setting world records and we had no idea,” Brown said. “We had never met before.

“This guy is the real deal. No blind person has ever done this through the Grand Canyon in history. It is mind boggling. By comparison, what I did was small potatoes.”

14 INstride • April 2014

what what I was getting into.”

At mile 98 of the river, Bedwell met Crystal Rapids.

“I flipped upside down and rolled, and I could feel it working me,” Bedwell recalled. “I can describe it as being upside down in a washing machine on agitation mode on steroids. I thought steroids were illegal in sports, but I guess not for the river.

“I was just violently getting jerked. I was upside down long enough, to think, ‘It’s not going to let me roll, it’s not going to let me roll.’ I was thinking the whole time, ‘they are right, it’s cold and this will be brutal if I have to swim this.’ I was running out of air.”

After trying another roll, Bedwell was able to get a small breath of air, but was immediately sucked back underwater.

“So, I sat there and I am thinking, ‘Come on, come on, and I felt it. There it is,’ and I rolled,” Bedwell said with a grin.

Bedwell was underwater for 20 seconds, and then after going back under, spent another 15 seconds underneath the rapids.

Before the trip even began Bedwell was warned by Mornini that he might have to portage (to carry the kayak over land or around an obstacle in a river) a lot of the rapids and that he would also have to expect to swim several times throughout the trip.

“When we completed the trip I ran every rapid, and I only swam twice,” Bedwell said. “It brought Joe to tears. I told him, ‘You were right I had to portage this,’ and he said, ‘Well, this is your first time I wanted you to get a feeling for it,’ and then I said, ‘Joe, I lied to you. I only swam twice and I ran everything,’ we went up the road and he pulled over and he said, ‘Do you realize what you just did? And I said, ‘Yeah I had a lot of fun kayaking down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.’” n

ACHIEVE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

By Nancy Woolery

Still confused about ACA? If you haven’t signed up for health insurance this year, you must now wait until open enrollment to get health insurance coverage in 2015. The open enrollment period for 2015 begins Nov. 14, 2014, and ends on Dec. 15, 2014.The Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) requires everyone to have health insurance or pay a penalty. There is much confusion about this law, but there are people in our community who can help people understand and assist with choosing a Qualified Health Plan.

A certified Indiana navigator is qualified to assist people in navigating the Department of Health and Human Services federal website, healthcare.gov. Navigators are available to answer questions people may have about health insurance in general. Once an individual becomes a certified Indiana navigator he or she is able to assist people in choosing a Qualified Health Plan through the Marketplace.

Indiana navigators were required to complete an online application with the Indiana Department of Insurance, pass a pre-certification course approved by the Indiana Department of Insurance, obtain a criminal background check and then become certified by passing an exam. IU Health Individual Solutions and the city of Bloomington staff navigators are available to educate residents in our community about the new health care law and assist in enrollments. There are other navigators in Monroe County listed on the Indiana Department of Insurance website, www.in.gov/healthcarereform/2468.htm A navigator can spend anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours helping an individual or family apply for health insurance. Education is a major component in this process. Those who never had health insurance may not know some of the terminology, let alone which insurance plans to select.

For example, explaining health insurance terms such as deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, in-network, out-of-network and common health insurance terminology is important education a navigator can provide.

The Marketplace in Monroe County provides 18 qualified health plans to choose from. Certified navigators can assist people with the application process, however, they cannot select a plan for the client.

A navigator provides education and answers questions so that a person has more knowledge and understanding before choosing a health plan. Navigators can also help people enroll in government sponsored health insurance programs such as Medicaid, Hoosier Healthwise, and the Healthy Indiana Plan.

March 31 was the deadline to enroll in the new insurance exchanges, although many people will still be able to take advantage of extensions announced by the government.

There have been ongoing Affordable Care Act outreach efforts in the community. The Affordable Care Act Volunteers of Monroe County have concentrated their efforts on Health Insurance Community Fairs and Health Plan Comparison Forums. These events were held at the Monroe County Public Library and will be scheduled again before the next open enrollment period begins.

The Affordable Care Act allows all Americans to make health insurance choices that work for them while guaranteeing access to care. No longer can people be denied access to health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and insurance companies cannot charge women more than men, and overcharge those who need care the most. Children can stay on their parents’ health insurance policy until they are 26.

The new law gives working Americans tax credits to lower their monthly health insurance premiums and cost-sharing reductions to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Certified Indiana navigators are located at IU Health Individual Solutions, 413 Landmark Avenue, Bloomington, and at the vity of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, 401 N. Morton Street, Suite 260. To schedule an appointment during the next open enrollment period you can contact IU Health Individual Solutions at 800-313-1382 or the city of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department at 812-349-3851. Navigators from IU Health Individual Solutions and the city of Bloomington do not charge a fee. n

April 2014 • INstride 15

go gadgets: Equipment to get you moving

Tuck In In this monthly feature, INstride and local fitness experts introduce you to different accessories for an active lifestyle.

This month, Kerri Hojem of Next Generation Personal Training in Bloomington highlights the TRX band.

Jerilyn Crowe demonstrates.

TRX BAND The TRX push-up with knee tuck is an advanced compound exercise that targets the chest, shoulders and core. n Place your feet in the TRX straps. n Lift knees from the floor and assume a push-up or plank position. [A] n Lower yourself down towards the floor, bending at the elbows. [B] n Push back up to the plank position. Keep your torso erect and core tight. Knees and hips should be extended and spine neutrally aligned. n Pull your knees towards your chest. [C] n Return to the starting position.

A

B

Do in tabata intervals 20 seconds of work, 10 seconds of rest for 10 sets. Â

C 16 INstride • April 2014

By Kathryn S. Gardiner

Off-the-gadget option Stability or balance ball push-up with knee tuck. This is a great modification to the TRX push-up knee tuck. n Put feet on the ball and assume the push-up or plank position. [A] n Lower yourself down towards the ground, bending at the elbows. [B] n Push back up to the plank position. Keep your torso erect and core tight. Knees and hips should be extended and spine neutrally aligned. n Using your feet, roll the ball in, pulling your knees towards your chest. [C] n Return to the starting position.

A

Do in tabata intervals 20 seconds of work, 10 seconds of rest for 10 sets.

B

C

April 2014 • INstride 17

CALENDAR

April

and awe. Vicious 600-foot ridges, breathtaking natural beauty and wicked trails abound.

Gnaw Bone is about one mile out of Nashville, Ind. Back for 2014—the world’s most difficult 10K. Expect double your road time and triple the effort! The other race distances, 13.1, 26.2, 50K, 50 miles and 100K relay courses, are also challenging.

MORE INFO: http://dwd. runningfitsites.com/ gnawbone-home

Friends of McCormick’s 19 Creek 5K Run/Walk WHERE: McCormick’s Creek Park, 250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer, Ind. WHEN: 8:30 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: Enjoy the spring wild flowers and beautiful scenery of McCormick’s Creek State Park. Packet pick up and on-site registration begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Nature Center. This event raises funds for Owen County Family YMCA. MORE INFO: (812) 828-9622 or programs@owencounty ymca.org

Long Fish Dash: Friends 19 of Shakamak 5K/10K WHERE: Shakamak State

Park, 6265 West Ind. 48, Jasonville, Ind. WHEN: 5K Run and Fitness Walk starts at 9:30 a.m. The 10K “Run around the Park” starts at 10:30 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: There is a $5 gate fee to get into Shakamak State Park. All events will start at pool parking lot. Race day registration 8:15 a.m. until 10 minutes prior to event. There is a Junior Mile event for kids 12 and under which starts at 9 a.m. The 5K course is a loop with rolling hills around Lake Shakamak. The 10K is along the perimeter road of the park MORE INFO: Jess Rowe, (812) 798-1260 or longfishdash@gmail. com Live Happy Lupus Run & 26 Walk (5K/10K) WHERE: Bloomfield Town

Library, 125 S. Franklin Street, Bloomfield, Ind. WHEN: 10 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: Bloomfield First Christian Church, in conjunction with the Lupus Foundation, will hold their first annual 5K and 10K run/walk. Starting at the Bloomfield Public Library, the run will take you through the country

18 INstride • April 2014

COURTESY PHOTO

Long Fish Dash: Friends of Shakamak 5K/10K.

side to our historical covered bridge and back. The registration fee is $20.00 ($25.00 with t-shirt) and all proceeds will go to the Lupus Foundation.

MORE INFO: Email cinda1@ comcast.net or call (812) 320-0526 Brownstown Volksmarch WHERE: Ewing. 1105 W. Spring Street, Brownstown, Ind. WHEN: Start anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

DESCRIPTION: The 5 and 10K walks are in conjunction with the Brownstown/Ewing Artsfest.

The 5K will include a walk through the country and observe furnaces of an old brickyard company. The 10K will start and end at the History Center.

MORE INFO: www.bedford hikingclub.com

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May 3

Bulldog Dash 7K WHERE: Patricksburg

Elementary School, 9883 Ind. 246, Patricksburg, Ind. WHEN: 9 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: Event includes a 7K run/walk and 1-Mile Fun Run MORE INFO: mag7raceseries.com Harmonie Hundred Bike Ride WHERE: Holy Angels Catholic Community Center, New

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Harmony, Ind. DESCRIPTION: There are rides both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, there is a 50- and 27mile ride, with lunch provided.

On Sunday, there is a 50-, 38and 16-mile ride, with brunch provided.

MORE INFO: http://harmonie hundred.net

OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon WHERE: Downtown Indianapolis WHEN: 7:30 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is the nation’s largest halfmarathon, having sold out with 35,000 participants for the past 12 years. The course for the Mini-Marathon begins near the intersection of Washington and West streets, heads west toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway along Michigan Street and does a complete lap around the 2.5-mile track before heading back down New York Street to the finish line.

MORE INFO: www.500festival. com/mini-marathon

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Dances With Dirt 10 Gnaw Bone WHERE: Mike’s Music and

Dance Barn, 2277 Ind. 46 W, Nashville, Ind. WHEN: 5:30 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: For those of you unfamiliar with Brown County, the terrain will bring you shock

Fallen Officers Memorial 5K WHERE: Liberty Christian Church, 1600 Liberty Church Road, Martinsville, Ind. WHEN: 8 a.m.

MORE INFO: mag7raceseries.com

10

Invitational 5K 10 Artesian Fun/Walk Run WHERE: Martinsville High School, 1360 East Gray Street Martinsville, Ind. WHEN: 9 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: This event supports music and the arts in Martinsville schools Registration at 8 a.m. Race starts at 9 a.m.

MORE INFO: Register online at www.artesianinvitational.org/ funrun.behalf

Be a Hero for Zero 5K Run/Walk WHERE: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1503 West That Road, Bloomington, Ind. WHEN: 9 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: Bloomington Meadows is excited to announce that registration is now open for our 2014 Run/ Walk/Relay in collaboration with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Monroe County Suicide Prevention Coalition. This year the event will be hosted at a specially designed outdoor grass track in Bloomington, Ind. MORE INFO: mag7raceseries.com

10

Mustang Miles 17 5K Run/Walk WHERE: Edgewood Intermediate School, 7600 W Reeves Road, Ellettsville, Ind. WHEN: 8:30 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: This event is raising funds for Edgewood Boys & Girls Tennis Teams MORE INFO: mag7raceseries.com

Chevy Run Club 5K WHERE: Bedford National Guard Armory DESCRIPTION: This hilly 5K will begin and finish at the Bedford National Guard Armory. 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit that provides services to veterans injured since 9-11. There is also a 1-mile fun walk.

MORE INFO: mag7raceseries.com

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June Ride in 15-20 Touring Rural Indiana’s Bicycle Rally WHERE: Lincoln and Harmonie

State Parks, in Lincoln and New Harmony, Ind. DESCRIPTION: TRIRI® Bicycle Rallies explore Indiana through a series of loop rides from one or two state parks. For 2014, we will ride in southwestern Indiana, where you can stay in a motel or

camp. Partial week (three-day) registration will be available for new riders or those with time constraints. Routes will focus on the sites of Abe Lincoln’s childhood, the Catholic heritage of the region, and the two utopian communities that were the foundation of present-day New Harmony.

MORE INFO: www.triri.org

July Ride Across INdiana: Same Thing, Only Ride More (RAINSTORM) WHERE: Starts and ends in Richmond, Ind., using Earlham College as a staging area.

DESCRIPTION: RAINSTORM offers an intensive, yet friendly and non-competitive week of cycling for riders preferring longer distances; several of our alumni have gone on to complete coast-to-coast cycling tours or long-distance triathlons. Each day’s route is approximately 100 miles, and there are no layover days. RAINSTORM travels over hard-surfaced back roads in southern Indiana. Terrain ranges from rolling to hilly; expect to be challenged. Lodging in Indiana State Park inns (three nights) and nice hotels (two nights) is included in the tour fee. All accommodations

7

offer comfortable beds, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Four breakfasts and three dinners are included; menus are carefully planned for sound nutrition and variety, and include options for vegetarian and diabetic participants. At the Indiana State Park Inns, buffets are served in the inn dining rooms. Dinners in Bloomington and Terre Haute (carbo loading the night before RAIN) are on your own.

MORE INFO: www.triri.org

Aug. for the Hills’ 23 ‘Head Patoka Lake Triathlon WHERE: Patoka Lake, 3084 N.

Dillard Rd., Birdseye, Ind. WHEN: 8:30 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: All proceeds from this event will go to support Patoka’s non-releasable raptors; a red-tailed hawk, eastern screech owl and bald eagle.

Swim 500 yards in open water at the beach. Bike 12.8 miles along ‘hillacious’ paved roads within the property. Run a 5K along groomed gravel roads and a paved bike trail. If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring this event please contact the race director, Dana Reckelhoff, at (812) 685-2447 or by email at dreckelhoff@ dnr.in.gov.

MORE INFO: http://triathlons.dnr. in.gov/ or call (812) 685-2447.

Oct. Bedford Half Marathon, 5K and 1-Mile Family Fitness Walk WHERE: Boys and Girls Club, 2009 19th Street, Bedford, Ind. WHEN: Half Marathon 8 a.m., 5K 8:30 a.m., Family Fitness Walk 8:45 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: The inaugural Bedford Half Marathon offers a challenging course that starts and finishes on the town square.

The rolling course will keep you in check as you head south from downtown. The Bedford 5K offers a shorter distance for those interested in a 3.1-mile race. The Family Fun Walk is open to dogs and strollers but no skateboards.

MORE INFO: www.bedfordhalf marathon.com

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Looking for more activities and events? Check out myINstride.com/calendar or add your own

April 2014 • INstride 19

SPOTTED Runners take off in the Lions Club 5K on March 15 in Bedford.

Leading the charge is eventual male winner Kyle Stansbury (458).

GARET COBB | INSTRIDE

Create your own photo galleries at myINstride.com

Jeremy Hogan | INSTRIDE

Bill Wylie walks at the Northwest Monroe County YMCA. Jeremy Hogan | INSTRIDE

Kendra Banion stretches at the Northwest Monroe County YMCA.

20 INstride • April 2014

ALL THE KNOW-HOW

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