Friday, January 30, 2009

Grateful

You know, Macae and I have been busy preparing to attend the Polar Bear Run, and training for other races. Something stopped me in my tracks and made me really think.


I have been having some issues with my feet. Poor training on my part. Lack of knowledge about what I needed to do. So now I am dealing with the discomfort and trying to correct it.


I was feeling sort of full of self pity and brooding for lack of words. I can tell you I have had a slap of reality in my frame of mind.


Mary Eblen was my 2nd grade PE teacher, my daughter's PE teacher, a friend-and the most ferocious golfer that Tiger Woods has Never faced!


Mary has been fighting bone cancer for 15 years. She ended up this winter having a partial amputation. And yet-she was at school talking to the kids about the impact of change, strength, and how to go on.


WOW-what a motivating presence. THAT is why we do this ladies-Mary is planning to kick Karla Hinnah's butt in golf this spring-(it is practically a bet-I would go money down on Mary!)


Mary will get fitted for her prosthetic soon. And she is passionate about being back with kids and talking to them about it.


I have a song on my workout during my run-don't take the sideline in your own life-Wow does she embody that.


So step up folks-our trials are trivial-I'm thinking this gal is the most spunky WOW girl in the Burg-I'm hoping to see her at one of our events or maybe con her into teaching me to play golf.

Hope to see you on the trail!

Teri



Meeting at Heroes Tomorrow!

What a beautiful sunny day! Combined with the weather forecast it definitely brings to thought that springtime isn't all that far away.



The WOW is holding it's 1st Annual Luncheon tomorrow at Heroes Restaurant.

We will be meeting at 11:30 to discuss the club, our plans, goals, and mission, and share information while getting to know one another!



I've heard several women the past few days commenting on the power of friendship and a group in helping to motivate us to take a walk, go on a run, or train for a race. I know my friends keep me on track/on "the" track.



We hope you'll take advantage of the chance to join a group of women who are wishing to be a part of such a group so we can cheer, chase, walk, wonder, run, race, recruit, and relish a supportive team of women of all ages, abilities, and ambitions!

RSVP to my cell at 660-909-1767 or our email at womenofwarrensburg@yahoo.com



Hope to see you at Heroes or out on the road!

Teri

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The New Racing Season Has Begun!

I was really tired after doing the Polar Bear run on Saturday and the Groundhog Run on Sunday. I didn't plan to have running on the mind for awhile.

But then I read Macae's blog entry last night and it sort of lit a fire under my tired little Asics!

It occured to me that although it is definitely winter and not really looking like there is much getting out and running to be done, the 2009 Racing Season had officially started!

To have a good run/good training/good racing it does involved some work and planning. So I realized I have to start getting ready for these runs!

I apologize for the errors in dates with the spring events-they were posted that way and I will get them corrected as I remind you to sign up for them.

While I was at the Groundhog Run I met a member of the KC Express Women's Running and Walking Club. They have 200+ members and have been going for over 25 years! WOW! Looking on their website I found some things I thing the Women of Warrensburg might mirror in our club.

I just wanted to remind you that the season for racing HAS begun even though it doesn't appear so outside.

I just finished the book The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women by Dawn Dais. It is hilarious! A terrific combination of good information and humor. The main thing she pointed out was that the marathon itself was only 26.2 miles-in comparison to the hundreds of miles she ran in training to prepare for that day. I am including her website in our links.

As we get ready for this next season, remember each workout is as important as that race day.


And speaking of race day-There are a few coming up in February and March!


The Love 2 Run is a Couples Run on Valentine's Day -registration is at http://www.sportKC.org


Miles for Matt is a 5K walk/run to Benefit Matt Hernan an 8th Grader with a brain tumor. This is on February 21st in Raymore at East Glen School.



There are several races to choose from for some terrific causes on March 7th.

Truffle Shuffle to benefit the Jana Pinker Memorial Organization. Jana died of rare liver cancer.



Vertical Dash for Diabetes is a 34 flight stair climb at the Town Pavillion in downtown Kansas City, MO. http://www.kcfit.net


Drumm Farm Trail Run 5K/10K benefits children who attend Drumm Farm.




So, while you are starting the beginning of a great racing season the opportunity to help others and make some great new racing friends and memories are around the corner! I hope the WOW can plan to send some participants to some of these events.


The best thing you can get from being a part of a community of runners/walkers besides the obvious fitness is FRIENDSHIP and SUPPORT. GOOD LUCK MACAE GETTING READY FOR YOUR 1/2 MARATHON!

If YOU have a friend preparing for a big race let us know so we can cheer her on!


I hope to see you on the road!

Teri

Monday, January 26, 2009

It Just Hit!!

It just kind of hit me the other day -- I am training for a half marathon! I have plans to run 13 miles in April. AND APRIL IS NOT THAT FAR AWAY!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!! It almost boggles my mind that I even believe that this is something that I can do.

But I will put in the time and work and if it kills me I will do all I can to run the entire 13 miles!!!

It seems that a lot of the things we do in life just take convincing ourselves that we can do them. I watch high schoolers everyday look at other FFA members and what they can accomplish and never imagine that they could be "those" kids, but I know they could. So why should I look at myself any differently?

Well I refuse to think, "I can't" and am going to reach this goal!!!

Set one for yourself!!! Run for 1 min, try for 2 next time. Eventually that person that couldn't run 10 yards will be running 10 miles!!!!

Lots of Love!!!
Macae

Friday, January 23, 2009

By the way, why do we do this?

Macae and I came together through a combination of Weight Watchers, working with her mom, our daughters being friends, and running 5K races.

When we realized we wanted to expand things and really get this club going, we sat and literally laughed and cried. A lot of it is for fun, but we also want to do our runs to help others.

Stephanie Krider Vest was a sorority sister of one of my classmates from K-12th grade. This woman was a successful and beautiful wife and mother of 3 gorgeous babies.

She, sadly, passed away in December after fighting cancer. She was dearly loved by all who knew her, and had so much support from her friends.

Along with fitness, the mission of the WOW is support for our friends-women struggling or finding glory in whatever life is tossing their way. We hope to bring together all the fabulous women we know to hold each other close. The good, bad , and the ugly as they say! Through thick and thin-literally!


My inspiration is doing what you can do in life while you can do it. Stephanie lived a vibrant life-she sparkled as you will see from her web site. I know no other person with a pink laundry room!

So my friends-Shine on-live fully, embrace every breath.

To share Stephanie's story and continue her legacy, please visit her link.
http://rainkitephotography.typepad.com/stephanie_vest/
We are planning to attend her Pink Laundry 5K next fall!

Love and Peace to my fellow mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends-
Hope to see you on the road girls!
Teri

I Would Walk 500 Miles!

When I was in high school, my cousin Angie and I used to walk in the morning. She didn't really like it I don't think. I would drag her butt out of bed and my aunt would drive her in town. But she turned me on the the Proclaimers. Particularly, the song 500 Miles. (I'm including a link friends!)

Imagine 20 years later. At the Warrensburg Community Center, they have the 250 mile club. Everytime you walk/swim/run 250 miles, you get a "shoe" on the wall of fame. I earned my first last summer. 250 miles with a combination of running/ walking.

So my friends, I am within 10 miles of my second 250 miles-a total of 500 miles. And it reminded me of Angie and I setting out on our walks listening to the Proclaimers. I have ran/walked 500 miles in deliberate exercise in one year! I have ran to St. Louis and back-
I am a jock!
SO-I encourage all of you finding a reason to go-I was mighty proud of figuring I had earned another shoe and gone 500 miles-
I would walk 500 miles
and I would walk 500 more-

It sure feels great
and that's for sure!

Hope to see you on the road!
Teri
Macae and I are freezing out butts off in the snow tomorrow morning at the Polar Bear Run-Pictures will definitely be there-and I will also post from the Groundhog Run on Sunday!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=46063331

Monday, January 19, 2009

Join us Saturday, January 24th!

There is a great quote that states "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

Next Saturday, January 24th, Macae and several others are going to be at the Community Center for the Polar Bear Run. And yes, it is outside! The cost is $10 and you will get a great t-shirt. Race time is 9 am.

Now, for those of you thinking-I don't run, don't worry! I spoke with WPR and they said it is for runners/walkers. So possibly a good way to get started if you are interested in running is to walk one or alternate walking and running. It will be chilly, but there is also something beautiful about a cold winter morning I know you would love.

We will be there between 8:30 and 8:45 to get ready. Macae and I have both learned through trial and error some key things for preparing for a race. It's always good to have a nice amount of carbs and protein in your diet the day before. Something that makes your tummy rumbly might not be a good idea as there are no Johnny on the Spots during the race! (unless it is a big one like Komen) Also, drink plenty of water so you are fully hydrated. Your body will run so much better if it has water!
Race day it is good to start with a lite breakfast. Breakfast bars, bananas, apples, toast are all good examples of things that give you a little kick start. Finally, drinks such as vitamin water are good to have before and after the race because they replenish electrolytes. Especially so when it is a hot day outside and you are really sweating. Water is good too!

I did my first 5K last March through Park and Rec. It was ALL uphill. My time was 45 minutes and I did a comblination of walking and running. The next race was in April and my time was 40 minutes with more running. By the Fourth of July my time was 36 minutes all running. I think my best time yet is 32 minutes all running.

The first steps are hard-but they will lead you to your goal. I'm doing something I never dreamed I would, and it all started with that one step!
If you have questions or want to join us Saturday, get ahold of us at http://womenofwarrensburg@yahoo.com
Also-Macae noticed that some of the dates are incorrect for future races. Check back as we post the correct information-sorry for the error!
Hope to see you on the road!
Teri

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Working up to the first 5K!!

I have been asked how I got started running, so I thought I would provide you with the training plan I followed before my first 5K!

By the way, I NEVER thought I would be a runner!!!! Not in a million years, but after about 6 months of running I am currently training to run a half marathon this year!!! What a change!

This plan takes six weeks until race day:

Week 1, Day 1: Run 1 min, Walk 1 min. Do 10 times.
Week 1, Day 2:Run 2 min, walk 4 mins. Do 5 times.
Week 1, Day 3:Run 2 mins, walk 4 mins. Do 5 times.
Week 2, Day 1:Run 3 mins, walk 3 mins. Do 4 times.
Week 2, Day 2:Run 3 mins, walk 3 mins. Do 4 times.
Week 2, Day 3:Run 5 mins, walk 3 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 3, Day 1:Run 7 mins. Walk 2 mins. Do 3 times
Week 3, Day 2:Run 8 mins. Walk 2 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 3, Day 3:Run 8 mins. Walk 2 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 4, Day 1:Run 8 mins. Walk 2 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 4, Day 2:Run 10 mins, walk 2 mins. Do twice then run for 5 mins.
Week 4, Day 3:Run 8 mins. Walk 2 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 5, Day 1:Run 9 mins, walk 1 min. Do 3 times.
Week 5, Day 2:Run 12 mins, walk 2 mins. Do twice then run for 5 mins.
Week 5, Day 3:Run 8 mins. Walk 2 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 6, Day 1:Run 15 mins, walk 1 min. Do twice.
Week 6, Day 2:Run 8 mins, walk 2 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 6, Day 3:Run 8 mins, walk 2 mins. Do 3 times.
Week 7 :RACE READY
Be sure to warm up and cool down -- I know you have heard it from every P.E. coach that ever walked the earth, but it is important!!! Oh and drink lots of water! I myself don't like to drink during these shorter runs, but I make sure I have had plenty of water before and after the run!
I purchased a running watch from Wal-Mart (back in the sporting goods section) that I really like. It has a countdown timer, a pedometer, a stopwatch, and it keeps track of mileage, it also has a heart rate monitor that I don't use. You calibrate the watch to your steps and from what I can tell it is pretty accurate for distance. This has been a good way to figure out how far I have gone outside without having to drive the route in my car to use the odometer! Also, I don't have to count my laps at the community center (33 laps are just too many to keep track of without making yourself crazy)!

Have a good run!
Macae

Sign up deadline approaching fast!!!

For anyone that is planning to do the Groundhog Run the deadline for registration is the 20th!!!

Friday, January 16, 2009

80% and 20%

I know on these gray winter days it is hard to get up and get moving. You have to get your running gear on and pile on extra, whether you are going to run/walk outside or heading to the community center. The community center track is usually pretty packed by the time I get there and you spend part of the time dodging folks that are three or four across walking or running and talking -- don't get me wrong a good conversation can make a run go along a lot faster. Anyway, right now it is easy to make excuses to stay on the couch, in a nice warm house, and as my husband likes to say, "eat bon-bons". But once you get it in your head to go, it really isn't that bad -- once you're there you might as well run, and you might as well push yourself to the goal you set out for! They say 80% of the effort is spent convincing ourselves to workout, and 20% is spent on the workout! Remember this the next time you are thinking staying home is the better option!!!

I thought I would also add that probably the song that can get me running when I am tired is "Welcome to the Jungle". Also if you are looking for good workout songs check out the lists on www.fitnessmagazine.com they have tons of very different lists to look at with all different tempos and types of music!!! I have downloaded several songs that I never would have otherwise!

Macae

Adding to Your Wardrobe!

Hello-thank goodness the sun is shining! It might not be at the moment, but the warmer temperatures will be pushing their way back-a great time to get outdoors!

Building a wardrobe is a hassel. We are all women and know that no matter what clothes you have you always wish for something more- smaller, more chic, more comfortable-just more!

I have the solution for you my friends! A lot of these races you sign up for come with the added incentive-a race day shirt! There is nothing as stylish as wearing a shirt you earned for participating in an athletic event-especially if it is for a charity.

In addition to showing off your athletic efforts, you could be advertising for that charity-so spreading the word about a good cause is always a terrific thing to do!

The best part, is that YOU will become more fit and healthy from running or walking in a 5K.

I am so frustrated with my wardrobe, I am doing 2 races next weekend! (Although I don't know how stylish shirts with Polar Bears or Groundhogs will be!)

In all honesty-you do wear your race shirts proudly like a badge of honor. It shows that you have the courage to take a chance and try something daring and new. If you think about it, you grow up wearing your jersey, scout uniform, dance recital costumes, letter jacket, and so on. It's fun as an adult to wear a shirt showing an event YOU were involved in. A lot of times conversations are sparked by your race shirts. But wearing that shirt shows that you care about a cause and you are trying to also be fit and have fun!

So-if you're feeling the winter blahs, in need of wardrobe makeover, sign up! Wearing those race shirts will bring you more self-satisfaction than ANY designer garmet!
Hope to see you on the road!
Teri
:)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Romantic Runner?

Hope everyone is finding a way to get in a run/walk even though we have subartic temperatures. Macae and I are very excited for the Polar Bear Run next Saturday-especially since the forecast is saying it will be 55 degrees next Thursday! Maybe our Polar Bear Run should say "leave the parka at home!"

One thing I've learned about taking up the hobby of running is that you'd be surprised who is, was, or would like to become a runner. (again-we are talking the amateur semi-pro non -professional type of runner!)

I was reading in my Runner's World Magazine and saw an article that I thought was interesting.

Being women, we're suckers for a great romance novel or movie. The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, and Roads to Rodanthe are some of my favorites. All were written by author Nicholas Sparks.

Well, did you know HE was a collegiate level runner and is currently a high school track coach? check out this link!
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-408--12942-0,00.html

I love music- always have. One thing that really gets me charged up on a run is my playlist.
What songs do you listen to to work out? Another interesting fact is that in some organized runs, they will not let you use an iPOD or MP3-they consider the adrenaline rush gained with your power songs to be an "enhancer" of sorts. Strange!
My favorite song to run to right now is "Your Last Day" by Nickelback
What are some of your favorite workout songs? One the website http://www.nikeplus.com the top song listed by runners was "Eye of the Tiger" which I find hilarious since I grew up a Warrensburg Tiger and we played that song at EVERY sporting event.
If anyone is interested in going for a run or attending the Polar Bear or Groundhog Run next weekend, email us at womenofwarrensburg@yahoo.com and we can help get you signed up!
Hope to see you on the road!
Teri
:)

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

First Steps

You know, life is full of first steps.
We obviously start them at a young age. Tripping and falling is honestly what we do through most of our lives. Running to goals, making mistakes, tripping and stumbling.

But isn't it great that no matter what mountains we face, we still get up and attempt to keep climbing?

This goes out to all of us who don't give up, who keep struggling, and climbing.

Isn't there a terrific Dr. Seuss book-Oh The Places You'll Go-and as long as we don't give up whether it's a literal or figurative climb-you can accomplish so much!

So whether you're walking, running, stepping, or thinking about it-remember life is a journey and not the destination. (great quote-it's in an Aerosmith song, but I'm sure coined elsewhere!)
Teri

Let's Get Together

I have talked to a few people and let them know the plan for our first gathering, and others of you I have just told about the blog! We are planning to meet at Heroes at 11:30 am on January 31. Some of us will probably plan on lunch there, others will probably just have a sip of tea or coffee. We need to know what size of table to plan on so if you could RSVP to womenofwarrensburg@yahoo.com we would appreciate it!!! We would love to see you there!
Macae

Monday, January 12, 2009

And They're Off!

As I was running over the weekend I had to stop and think "I've been doing this for a year now." WOW! It is a hobby, and I have Running Friends. I am a jock! For those of you who we are recruiting to join WOW pay particular attention to this blog because it definitely pertains to YOU! I know some of you are runners and some are walkers. But you are all women, you're all wonderful (Macae and I concluded this when making our list), and you're all here, in Warrensburg. So let's get together and hit the road so to speak!

During each of my three pregnancies, I always would say "When this baby gets here I am going to Run! Run like the wind!"
Well, needless to say I've had three beautiful daughters and it didn't happen! I didn 't mention the oldest is 14, so I have been saying this for awhile now! It still didn't happen!

What did get me moving was three of my friends at Sterling. It began in January 2008 when LeAnne was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy on Valentines Day. Another friend, Regina, had found a lump and had to have it biopsied. Luckily it was benign. Then in April, Diane found out her breast cancer had metastized to her spine and pelvis.

I finally hit the realization that your body might not always have the health for you to run , or walk, or even do simple things when you choose. How could I, who was relatively healthy, sit when I did have the health to run?

So my inspiration came from my three friends. And I started running. Needless to say it didn't look much like running. At first, I would go to the Community Center with my friend, Traci, and we would run a lap, walk a lap. Then we worked up to 2 laps. Eventually I could run about 5 blocks. Then it increased from there.

Macae was right with her take on a race. Definitely participate in one to just try it out. When she talked about the KC Komen Race for the Cure, she didn't mention that there are about 25,000 runners/walkers who are there to stomp out breast cancer. That is come girl power!

The St. Louis Race for the Cure is also a magnificent day. My sister in law's Aunt Terry was a survivor of breast cancer and had her gal pals "The Nuts" who had participated for years. They kept up the fight although she was in remission. Sadly, on October 10th, 2007 Terry passed away from pancreatic cancer. But "The Nuts" prepared and fundraised to go back to the St. Louis Race in 08 for the first time without Terry, their leader. She was definitely there in spirit!

Terry's family and friends were all there together again to continue their support for the cause. Her daughter, Tracy, niece Mindy, my sister in law Jen, and I decided to participate as runners. This was a first race for three of us, and Mindy (Marathon Mindy) served as the experienced coach, cheerleader, and tow truck if necessary!

So we ran for Terry with 65,000 other women, families, and friends fighting cancer. That was one of those days you never forget. And as Forrest Gump would say, We just kept on running!

Jen and her cousins are continuing to run and have developed a passion for it also. They are roadtripping to KC to join me in the Groundhog Run. We are also making plans for Komen on June 13th (Jen and I have a goal to raise a combined $1,000) Then there is the PF Chang Rock and Roll Marathon next January 2010. (roadtrip!) That is a longterm goal we are going to work hard this year to reach. Not a marathon, but a half is our hope. (It's still 13.1 miles~!YIKES)

You know there are days I really don't feel like running. But there has never been a run I went on I regretted. I have regetted not taking a run when I am sitting on the couch watching the sky turn pink at sunset thinking "I could be out there! I SHOULD be out there!"

So I run for my friends, and I run for my family, and my three daughters who I hope will take it up.

And there is never a better reminder of why I am doing it than when I am jogging up the street and pass Diane, or LeAnne. They make me feel strong!

I hope that you will consider joining our group. It is for fitness. But more importantly it's for friendship and fellowship with a great group of women! Happy Trails!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Upcoming Races

"Perseverance is not a long race: it is many short races, one after another." -- Walter Elliot
Oh how true that is. If you have not ever signed up and participated in an organized race, please seriously consider it. For me races are about having something to work toward not winning, I am not and have never been fast, but I can finish and that is all I expect of myself. I have improved my time in almost every race I have participated in -- that is my goal and it keeps me running! Set your own goal and join us for one or all of the following races. And for the newbies a 5K is about 3.1 mi.

January 24, 2009 at 9 am
Polar Bear Run 5K put on by our own Warrensburg Park and Rec
for more information and to sign up visit the Warrensburg Community Center or go to the website http://www.warrensburg-mo.com
This race is low pressure, and you get to run close to home. The cost is $10 and will include a t-shirt. WPR provides water for the event.

January 25, 2009 at 9 am (5K) and 10 am (10K)
Children's TLC Groundhog Run 5K/10K
Hunt Midwest Subtropolis, Kansas City, MO
Believed to be the only 5k/10k race in the nation that is totally underground this venue provides a consistent temperature of 65 to 68 degrees year-round. Runner’s World has ranked the Groundhog Run as one of the top 65 races in America. All proceeds raised by the Groundhog Run support Children’s TLC programs and services, directly benefiting more than 500 students throughout Kansas City. Runners are also eligible for a prize drawing for raising sponsor funds. One entry for every $25 raised. All funds raised are tax deductible.
Learn more and enter the race at http://www.active.com (and check this site out for more races)


February 14, 2009 at 8 am
Love to Run 4 mile couples run
KC Downtown Airport
more information and register at http://www.sportkc.org


March 15, 2009 at 10 am
St. Patrick’s Day Run - 4 miles
KC Westport
More information at http://www.kctrack.org

April 5, 2009 at 8 am
Panther Prowl 5K
Cross Country Raymore Peculiar HS
more information at PeculPetes@aol.com

April 19, 2009 at 8 am
Tortoise and the Hare 5K
Excelsior Springs
more information at http://www.goodsamaritancenter.com

April 20, 2009 at 8 am
Broadway Bridge Run for Special Olympics 5K/10K
City Market
more information at http://www.bridgerun@kcpd.org

April 27, 2009 at 7:45 am
Trolley Run 4 miles
KC Wornall
I hear this run is a must do! Yes it is a little longer than a 5K, but I have heard it is all downhill!!!! What can beat that? Not the hills in Cave Hollow!!!
more information at http://www.trolleyrun.org

I will post more races in the future, this just covers the ones Teri and I were looking at up until April. Please mark your calendars for the St. Louis and KC Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events June 13th and August 10th respectively. It is a site to see so much pink and so many remarkably strong women who are not just survivors, but fighters!!! We know that many of you have been touched by breast cancer and if you have not experienced this event you need to -- you will not forget it! There is nothing like running along up Hospital Hill (look it up, it's a doosie) and thinking you'll never make it until a woman with no hair and a pink shirt runs past and you realize that the little hill that you are facing is really nothing. It is inspiring!

When you are looking at these races you will notice that many are benefits for charities. You can't lose, except for maybe pounds (if that's your aim) -- you get fit and you get to contribute to a charity at the same time!!! What a great thing to do for you and others!!!

I hope to see you at a few races!!!
Macae

Getting this thing going!

Teri and I met today. We have been discussing for several months the fact that we would like to start a women's running club in Warrensburg. As we talked we realized that the women we felt might be interested in joining were of all ages, all fitness levels, and would have all kinds of reasons to be part of a group like this. We also decided that limiting the group to runners would be a disservice to the group and to the women who could join. We would like the group to meet at least once a month to every several months to talk about running and walking events to help us keep moving, to have a chance to share knowledge and wisdom that we have gained, to have a chance to sit down with women with like interest and goals, and to just have fun. Running and walking offer a great opportunity for stress relief, reflection, fitness and the chance to help others through fundraising races. If you are interested in going to some races this is a great opportunity to go with a group and join the fun. If you have already been to some races this is a great opportunity to check out some new ones. Just from Teri and my conversations I have already learned some new things, about workout wear, about some of the races I haven't been to yet, and a few other things. I figure if I can get that much just from talking with one other person -- what could I gain from 10 or 20 other people.
This group is not about winning races, this group is about women being empowered by other women, about gaining knowledge from those who have been there before, and having a good time. It was inspiring to hear Teri say that she had broken away from the old New Year's resolution of "I want to lose XXX number of pounds" and has found the new goal of improving her mile time. I think that says a lot about how running and walking can remake a person and shift your mind set. Running and walking is not expensive -- you don't have to spend a lot of money to do it and enjoy it and it can be for any age.
Whether you want to start walking and transfer into running, or you want to be a better runner, or want to find a walking or running partner, or just make new friends I feel this group will be a great opportunity for many women from Warrensburg and the surrounding area (We figured WOW could be transformed to WOWSA- Women of Warrensburg and the Surrounding Area if you didn't feel you could be classified as from Warrensburg!-ha ha!) to be a part of something. We have invited women of all ages, background, professions, and fitness levels to join us in this quest for fun and fitness. I hope you will be as excited as I am!!!
Macae