Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Weekly Update 6/13/2007

"A hug is a great gift, one SIZE fits all”
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DIVA QUOTE FOR THE WEEK: As you know I love giving and receiving hugs. I am so proud of all of you Divas. You have been working very hard and accomplishing so much in such a short period of time I am inspired by each of you. You deserve a hug today--- and lots, lots of hugs in the future. So please play it forward.

These hugs, that I hope you will give out generously ( play it forward), can take many forms. The physical hugs may range from the slight pat on the back to a DIVA HUG which is a full-strength bear hug. But other ‘hugs’, while more subtle, can be just as effective. You can share an emotional hug when you offer a kind word to a friend or a family member or even a stranger. You can share a spiritual hug when you offer a quiet prayer for a person in need. You can share a hug of faith when you offer a word of encouragement to someone who is discouraged or fearful or both. In short, you can share feeling of love and affection through words, through your actions, and through your prayers.

Everyday (including this one) provides opportunities to give hugs and to receive them—opportunities to share smiles, to offer kind words, and to perform small acts of kindness that can make a difference in someone’s life. Remember a hug is a great gift where one size fits all. So without further delay, let the hugs begin!

WELCOME: Welcome to the five new women who joined the Red Power Divas last week. This brings the total membership to Red Power Divas to 170. Please continue to reach out to women whom you believe would benefit from the support and commitment to fitness they will find in the membership of Red Power Divas. Special congratulation to Judge Erica Y., Judge Y. has recruited six new members in the last few weeks. She even had her husband training on the Campbell Community track last week.

RED POWER DIVAS BLOG: Thanks to Red Power Diva Sabrina F. a Red Power Diva Blog is coming soon.

THURSDAY’S CAMPBELL COMMUNITY CENTER TRAINING: The Campbell Community Center (CCCT) appears to be a great recruiting ground for the Red Power Divas. CCCT is a very popular track and many community members and other running clubs use it. These individuals are so impressed by the examples of “beautiful walking or running form” displayed by the Divas and the amount of fun Divas are displaying, they are constantly asking “who are those women?”

Last week one such community member is Druscilla. Druscilla is deaf. She had limited speech but we were able to communicate because she can read lips. I explained to her who the RPD’s were and gave her a red RPD booklet. She appeared to be eager to join. I hope we see her on the CCCT again this week, ready to join a community of women who will embrace and support her.

CAMPBELL COMMUNITY CENTER LEADERS: Four outstanding Divas will be leading the Campbell Community Center training starting Thursday, June 14, 2007. These leaders include Toni T., Yvette K., Celeste M., and Michell P.. I want to thank them for their contribution.

DIVA LOCATION LEADERS: Other outstanding Divas leading Diva Training Locations include Zelda Z. at Cuesta Park, Jennifer G. at Willow Glen High School, Monika D. at San Jose State University track, Sandra W. at the Santa Clara County Probation Department, and Penny D. in the San Francisco bay area, the site is yet to be determined.

DIVA PARTNER SPOTLIGHT FOR THE WEEK: Red Power Divas gives members the opportunity to meet new friends and for those new friends to join together to learn, train and support each other as they move forward toward the goal of walking or running the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon. This spotlight this week is on Divas Joan L. and Lorena C.s who are great examples of a Diva partnership. Lorena sent out an email requesting a partner to train with in East San Jose. Joan, who lives in Sunnyvale, responded to the email. Joan and Lorena worked out a schedule so they now walk and train together 3 days a week, email each other several times a week, support each other with Weight Watchers and have become fast friends. Congratulations to both for their commitment to training and support of each other.

SATURDAY’S TRAINING: We had another excellent turnout on Saturday, June 9, 2007. We had sixty-five Divas in attendance. It was a beautiful sunny day on Saturday and we opened our training with an excellent seminar on proper shoes and socks for training athletes (and other subjects) by Heidi one of the owners of Running Revolution a top rated specialty store. Saturday was also special because a number of Divas reached their mileage best by completing 3 miles or 4 miles for the first time in their lives. I want especially congratulate two middle school Divas 12 year old Arthur S.s, son of Level 1 Diva Karen R., and 14 year old Diva G., daughter of Diva Rolanda P., who completed four miles which was their personal best. And to top off this beautiful day, five year old Diva Gabrial ( recent proud graduate of Kindergarten) completed four miles pushing her scooter. Gabrial's mother, Cynthia R., also deserves congratulations for completing four miles which is a personal best.

SPECIAL DIVA KUDOS OF THE WEEK: Diva Judge Carrie Z. Each year 4 million people enter Yosemite Valley and everyone of them sees the Half Dome. A very small percentage of them consider hiking to the top. Of that small percentage, an even smaller percentage make it to the top. On Saturday, June 9, 2007 Judge Carrie Z. hiked to the top of Half Dome. This is how she described her experience: This feat is the most physically and psychologically challenging experience of my life thus far. I thought I was in good shape before I left, but apparently not. I did make it to the top, but the last two miles to the top were so difficult. When I first saw the cables, which I had heard a lot about, "Holy Shit" was all that I could say. The steps" approaching the dome were at some parts close to a foot and one-half high. I had to get my short legs up there one at a time. My thighs began to cramp. At the last rung of the cables my legs were cramped so bad that my ankle was turned sideways and I could not move my legs. You know the images of marathoners who are delirious as they cross the finish line and their legs look deformed, that's how I felt and my legs looked.

On the last 1.9 miles down (the entire trip is 18 miles) we took the mist trail rather than the John Muir trial we had taken up. Some man told us if our knees could handle stairs the mist trail was better and shorter. The .5 mile "short-cut" was horrendous. The steps were incredibly difficult and major distances apart. We were so pissed. I told Ann it was our fault as we had broken the woman's cardinal rule by listening to a man's directions!

I am sore and when I sit too long very stiff. While I am disappointed with my overall performance, I made it! All in all, I am glad I can cross this off my list of things I wanted to do before I die.

I think Carrie Z. efforts are absolutely inspiring. Setting a goal and despite the physical, emotional, and psychological odds she accomplished her goal. She is awesome. I am proud to call her a friend and a Diva

A look from the bottom to the top where the "death" cables were
and Carrie looking up Carrie said "Holy Shit"

The top of Half Dome and "VICTORY"


TEAM EVENT: 2007 RUN FOR THE FUTURE - Our first team event of the year is Sunday, June 17, 2007. This should be a fun and exciting family event. Our goal in participating in this event is the following (1) have fun (2) have a plan before the race in which you will set a comfortable pace for your current fitness level (3) compare your pre-race mile time with your post race time and your goal will be to improve the time even if it is only for a few seconds (4) focus on good walking and running form (5) practice good hydration and drink your water or sports drink every 10-15 minutes even if your not thirsty. (6) Walk or run with a partner. I would like to know the name of your partner.

Date: Sunday, June 17, 2007
Time: 7:30 a.m. (Everyone participating in the Event please be present at that time)
Location: Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto, CA, 1900 Geng Road (at Embarcadero Road, east of Highway 101)
Registration: You can register on the date of the event starting at 7:30:

Based Upon My Current Information the Current Divas Have Indicated They May Participate in 2007 Run For the Future

Karen H. Susan B. Joan L. Jean H.
Tanya B. Emily B. Heidi P. Robin H.
Debbie K.Nevida B. (maybe) Virginia R. Cindy R.
Celeste M. Michelle C. (maybe) Joanie S. (maybe) Marian G.
Erika C. Pamela C.t (maybe) Ginger T.l Craig D.
Heather S. Peggy L. Kimberly T.

I would like to confirm as soon as possible all Red Power Divas who will be participating 2007 Run For the Future. If your name is listed above and you are not going to participate please correct me. If your name is not listed and you intend to participate please email me.

NOTE: EXCEPTION: If you have not registered for 2007 Run for Future, PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT TO REGISTER.

THERE WILL BE A DIVA SATURDAY TRAINING: There will be a training at the Los Gatos Creek Trail on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 9:00 am. I will be there to train with any Diva who is not participating in the Sunday, June 17, 2007 Run For the Future Event. There will be no seminar.

SAN JOSE ROCK & ROLL HALF MARATHON: If you intend to participate in the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon, please register ASAP. The event is limited to the first 15,000 participants. Diva Laura Marroquin who has registered for the Rock & Roll Half Marathon passes on the following recommendation. She recommends that you check the website. There is an opportunity to get a $10 discount if you type in Athletic Performance (as one word) in the coupon section. The discount really only amounts to about $5 since they tack on a fee for entering on-line.

SPECIAL HMR REQUEST: I am trying to confirm the number of Health Management Resources (HMR) clients are members of Red Power Divas. Even though I may know your name, I would appreciate a personal email giving me your name and the name of your coach. For example: Sharon Chatman - Coach Toni T. Thank you.

SPECIAL MOTHER/DAUGHTER OR MOTHER/SON REQUEST: I would like to gather information on the number of mothers who are participating in Red Power Divas with their son or daughter as Divas (or any grandkids). Please email me directly.

APPLICATIONS: I have several Red Power Divas who are on our email list and who are doing Diva training but who have not submitted an application. If that applies to you, please fill out the RPD's application and fax to the number provided. The information in your application is confidential . The only information that is distributed is your email address. I have attached a application for your convenience.


RED POWER DIVAS TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 11-JUNE 17, 2007
Week 5
Jun 11
Pace Day
Jun 12
Recovery Day
June 13
Pace Day
Jun 14
Technique Day
Jun 15
Rest Day
Jun 16
Long Distance Day
Level 1
3 miles stroll
Recovery
3 miles easy
3 miles brisk
Rest
3-4 miles easy
Level 2
35 mins easy
Recovery
30 mins easy
35 mins brisk
Rest
5 miles easy
Level 3
40 mins easy
Recovery
35 mins easy
40 mins brisk
Rest
5 miles easy






If you are participation in the 2007 Run For the Future you should rest or do no more than 1-2 miles

1 comment:

JHejza said...

What a great idea, a Blog. The RED POWER DIVA BLOG! I LOVE IT!

Thank you for so much effort!

Judy