Review of the 2007 Los Gatos Jungle Run

It takes courage to push yourself to places you have never been before, to test your limits to break through barriers.”

This summary is primarily devoted to the comments of Divas highlighting their experience in the July 15, 2007 Los Gatos Jungle Run. This race event was a great experience for the Divas who participated. Many of the comments below will reflect that sentiment. Two of the most experienced and largest running clubs in the bay area, San Jose Fit and Team in Training, also participated in this event. But the Red power Divas had the greatest impact.

The event director was so impressed with the Red Power Divas, he wants to discount our team for all his future events. Many of the Divas pushed themselves to physical limits where they have never gone before and as a result set personal records (PR's) i.e. the best time they have ever done at that distance. We had three Divas win trophies. In the female 50 and over category Diva Diana O placed first and Diva Pamela C placed third. In the female 70 and over category 72 year old Diva Joan W placed second. As I watched our Divas walk around wearing their medals and giving each other high fives with big grins on their faces I was filled with such joy I thought my heart would burst. Although it has been over a week, I am still on a "high." I am so proud of all of you Divas.

DIVA COMMENTS:

DIVA HEATHER S.

Completing the Los Gatos Jungle Run 10K today was absolutely amazing. Crossing the finish line side-by-side with my walking buddy… hearing all the Red Power Divas cheer from the bleachers… giving and receiving support along the route… knowing that all of our training and hard work IS paying off… I am just incredibly proud of all my Diva sisters, Devo brothers, and even myself! There’s no doubt about it now… WE ARE ATHLETES! Bring on the half marathon!! Thank you, Sharon, for being there for me with your great big Diva hugs and high-fives. You're the best.

P.S. I know that you are # 1 on the list of Curves biggest weight losers but I have now climbed to #7 on the Top 10 List at Curves this month... I'm gaining on ya, sister! He he... Heather


DIVA DEBBIE K.

Another great day for the Diva's and a big high 5 to the Diva's who placed - outstanding! As our coach, I know this was a very special day for you! You envisioned bringing together women to feel stronger, healthier and it is happening.

For me, participating in the Jungle Run took on a different element than what I had planned. I started my morning awakening with anticipation, feeling confident on the race that was only a couple hours away.

Walking toward the track I smiled when I saw all the Divas in their red shirts sitting on the bleachers. I stepped out on the track in route to the registration area, the next thing I knew I was down on the ground and sliding across the damp lawn - the pain was tremendous. Face down on the lawn I remember feeling stunned, in disbelief I had fallen. I knew I was hurt. When I looked up a nice young women helped me get up, she smiled and said in a caring way "Just try to shake it off". Well shake it off is exactly what I did. I knew the race ahead was not going to be one of my "personal bests" it was going to be more about being present, participating and knowing I had my coach and teammates to support me.

Every step was physically a challenge for me during the event, but when I would see one of the Red Diva shirts it inspired me. Tanya, who I connected with during our first "team event/race" in June, was moving strong during the Jungle Run, for most of the race she was 100 yards or so ahead of me - this kept me going. At one point when I caught up with her it gave me the opportunity to give her support - she is a true inspiration. I knew the race on this given day was not about me or finish time but more just in being present. I was able to cheer on a lot of the Divas during the event - they all inspired me with their spirit. There is no way I would have not participated today, as a Diva we train together and support each other. When I look at my giraffe medal I smile. I am so happy to be a part of Red Power Divas! Debbie

DIVA LAURA M.

Per our Diva leader here are my thoughts of my Jungle Run experience. Wow! I really didn't really think I could do it. I have been having foot problems for the past few weeks. I thought it was the shoes and exchanged them twice. I finally found a good pair. But I was still having some problems. I also went to the doctor. The doctor said "rest" my feet. I told him I was doing 3 miles on Saturday and 6 on Sunday. He said "good luck" and here's the number to physical therapy and a prescription for Naprosin. He said take the Naprosin before the race. At the Saturday race I saw a fellow Diva. I knew I wasn't that crazy for doing it instead of following the instructions of only 1 mile and rest. After the race, I really took care of myself. I slept, iced my foot and stayed off my feet as much as possible. I even went to bed early, which did not help. I was nervous about the Jungle run and could not sleep.

Once I got to the race, my nervousness disappeared. Seeing all the red Diva shirts in the bleachers made me excited. Once the race started I was nervous again. I wasn't sure if I could keep up. But seeing all the Divas on the trail kept me motivated. Especially watching Joan (our over 70 Diva) leave me in the dust! Joan was concerned about being left behind and wasn't sure where the trail was going. I figured no problem. I walked with her before and kept up. Wrong! As soon as the race started she took off. I figured no problem; my partner and I would catch up when she stopped since I figured she would be slowing down soon. Wrong- Joan just kept speeding up. My partner, Carolyn and I watched her pass several Divas. We figured Joan would find a Diva that could walk at her pace, which she did. As for me, I struggled several times and thought that I couldn't make it. I was glad my partner kept me going. I ended up jogging the last few miles. It was great entering the field and hearing the Diva cheers at the finish line. That was the best. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you Diva leader for encourage us to push ourselves! Laura


DIVA SABRINA F.

Before/During/After the Fun Run, I couldn't help but think about, "Next time I'll have to do twice the distance...." I really wasn't sure that I would be able to; I mean a 5K was the farthest I've ever run before. Then last Saturday I ran 7 miles and felt good at the end, and Sharon told me I looked great...What a boost!

Then I started the race this morning, and man was it tough. I was so glad to have Joanie as a running partner because she ran the first two miles without a break and I was determined to not leave my partner. It was also so great to have all the divas cheering us along, "Go Diva!" "Divas Rock"... Thanks to everyone for that. After Joanie and I walked a bit to the third mile marker, Joanie said, "we've been walking to long" and that was it, I hit my stride. Joanie and I made it to the 4th mile marker and we knew we were almost done. I was thankful that Joanie led the way in the beginning and now it was my turn. I made it a goal to not stop the last mile and I did it. Running through the finish line with the Divas cheering was a great feeling. I had done something that I didn't think possible a few months ago and I owe that to all of my fellow divas.

Now I've been questioning whether I'll be able to do twice the distance....but I'm putting away those doubts because I'm a Diva now. Sabrina

DIVA DEBBIE M.

The Jungle Run on July 15 was a moment in my life I'll always treasure. Not only did I actually walk a 10K (my first) with my daughter and run the last few yards across the finish line with a sea of red shirts cheering me on in the stands but I heard my daughter say ........

You have to understand my daughter is 15. Somewhere along the way I was no longer the center of her life. Sound cliché but somehow it is easy to feel like your daughter sees you as the embarrassing, knows nothing mom who is your source of wheels and money. But I still like her company and had 'bribed' her to do the 10K with me. I told her this was important to me. She is a soccer player and dancer in excellent shape. This would be easy for her. Response was an eye roll, but she got up with me at 5:30am. I walk slow and told her to go ahead if she wanted. She insisted on walking with me. Slowly conversation started (could be the hill in the beginning had me breathless). Half way she said "this is such a great morning, this is fun".

At the end of the 10K, after we got our awards she turned to me and gave me a hug (in public). She said “I get this. I see why this is so important to you. I didn't realize. I am so proud of you. Maybe I can do the half marathon with you". Mom (me) faints with large smile on face. Debbie

DIVA JODY C.
Just a few things to share with you from yesterday. I was very proud to represent the Divas and finish my first 10K. That first hill was a little daunting, but once we made it up, it got easier. We paced ourselves and finished strong, even running to the finish line. Not only did we receive encouragement from our fellow Divas along the course, but we also received encouragement from total strangers who were running the half marathon. They would pass us and say "Good job" or "Go Divas, you can do it!” One lady even said "I like your name, it's cute". Those red shirts definitely make us stand out. I also passed a personal milestone last week; I hit my 100 lb weight loss mark at Weight Watchers and was very excited, it has taken me a while to get there, but since joining the Divas, the weight has started coming off faster. If someone had told me two years ago that I would finish a 10K while training for a half marathon, I would have laughed. But finishing yesterday make me think that maybe I CAN do this. I had a sense of accomplishment I haven't felt in a while and physically I felt really good. Thank you Sharon for this opportunity, I have enjoyed meeting all the wonderful Divas and hope to get to know them better as we go along. Big Diva Hugs. Jody


DIVA ERICKA C.

I am so glad I did this race. My mother and I were undecided up until the night before. When we tried to register on race day they said it was closed because they ran out of timing chips. We were so bummed! We decided not to let it dampen our Diva spirit and walked it anyways. It turned out to be our best time yet thanks to two of our fellow divas, Heather S. and Jessica H. We were determined to stay right behind them and were inspired by their strong and consistent strides. We knew we couldn't go wrong by sticking with them. This also helped since we didn't have timing chips...we could measure our time by theirs. This is the hardest we've pushed ourselves thus far. We walked a little over seven miles last weekend, but at a much slower pace due to injuries both my mom and I have. This time we meant business. I felt like we really were wild animals in the JUNGLE!

It was an amazing experience crossing that finish line! Not only because I was accomplishing this with my mother, but because we had a bunch of crazy ladies in RED cheering us on in!!! I loved it! So much emotion came over me all at once. And just like Diva Sabrina F., I too kept wondering if I could do double this amount in October. But no matter how many uncertainties I had, I knew that I wasn't alone. Being a Red Power Diva means I will never be alone in this training and knowing that makes me feel like I can accomplish anything! Thank you Divas! Erika

DIVA NANCY B.

Kudos to all of my Diva Sisters (and Diva Dudes)for a race well run (and/or walked)and a Special thank you to our Diva Queen mother who has inspired us all to venture where we thought not possible!! Nancy

DIVA CELESTE M.

I can’t get over how participating in the Jungle Run with the Red Power Divas could be so much fun. The support from the Divas not only helped me get me to the START LINE, it got me through the FINISH LINE with a BIG HUGE grin on my face. Our Diva greeting rituals, Diva hugs and high fives along with constant Diva encouragement just amaze me. Although completing my first 10K was a thrill, it was really getting and giving the support that made this event great. Watching each Diva cross the finish line with a smile as big as mine sure warmed my heart. Celeste


DIVA JENNIFER V. (Jennifer made a commitment to participated the in 2007 AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER July 12-13. This event is a 2 days and 39 miles. The first day is 26 miles (a marathon) and the second day is 13 miles. This event is a great challenge to complete. On behalf of all the Divas Congratulation Jennifer.

During the walk, I felt #1) Incredibly blessed to be healthy and really committed to doing all I can to keep it that way!!!! #2) Very supported by all the volunteers and even neighbors along the route in SF, Sausalito, & Mill Valley. Everyone seemed so grateful that I was doing the walk; I was so shocked at how appreciative everyone is for the walkers. It made me realize that breast cancer has affected so many people, including the loved ones of the volunteers, etc. and #3) Just high on life and really tremendously happy that I made the commitment to raise money & walk for the fight against breast cancer and that I fulfilled the commitment! And in walking the event, did something great for my body! My next event, if not the August team event for Red Power Divas, will definitely be the SJ Rock & Roll 1/2 Marathon. I've already registered and am looking forward, now, to bumping up my level of training from walking to running. My goal is to run as much of the Half Marathon as I can and walk only when I need to. Jennifer

MARY R.

So I am taking a minute to jot down some tidbits about the Jungle Run. The only thing I didn't like was getting up so early on a weekend. As far as likes, of course all my Diva and Divo's company. Finishing the race with a time of less than 15 minutes a mile (personal best so far). Meeting and hanging out with new Divas cheering the rest of the group over the finish line. Watching the Diva women win their age groups and get animal trophies. The older man with no clothes and just his animal print cover minus his long hair. It was fun I am glad I did it. Oh by the way I think I wrote more than five lines. Mary


EMILY B.

I've already done a number of half marathons, but each one is always a challenge. I never know if my body is going to cooperate or go on strike! (Usually, it's on strike...) Having chronic pain due to RSD makes a half marathon that much more challenging... as well as that much more rewarding at the finish.

Each race that I finish is so empowering. It gives me the opportunity to take my body & my spirit back from the pain that pretty much rules my life the rest of the time. The doctors told me that I could end up in a wheelchair one day because of my pain. I decided a long time ago that was NOT an option, so I continue to walk...usually a lot farther than the doctors ever thought I could. I love shocking the doctors! :o)

The Jungle Run Half Marathon is my first half marathon since I had two spinal surgeries in February & March. I've had some anxiety about this race, but I've trained hard & I knew that I was ready.

Unlike some folks, I don't mind training or racing alone. It helps keep me focused & gives me some time to be alone with my thoughts. I'm in a constant battle with my pain & race day is never an exception. However, in spite of all the pain, the race always seems to be nothing compared to the challenges I've already had to face. Even when I've hit that wall physically, I can keep going because I know, mentally, that there is no doubt about my ability to finish the race.

In the Jungle Run, I had hit the wall at about mile 10 when my low back was hurting so bad that I wanted to quit. I watched a number of people drop out of the race at mile 10 & not finish the final 3 mile out & back on the dirt trail to Lexington Dam. In spite of my pain, I decided that I had come too far to quit. I was going to ignore my pain & finish the entire race. I had done it before & I was going to do it again.

As I approached the finish, I was expecting to see Sharon because she told me that she would wait for me to finish. However, I was stunned to see a whole group of Divas who had waited (probably for hours) for me to make it to the finish line. As soon as they saw me, all of them were cheering for me. Several of them ran across the field to finish that last lap with me. Although every race finished is extremely emotional & hugely rewarding for me personally (even if no one is waiting for me at the finish line), I have never been so proud to finish this race as a part of such a wonderful team.

A special thanks to all the Divas that stayed to see me finish the half marathon. You are all what this team is really about. I can't tell you how much your support means to me. Thank you!!! And thank for creating this team, Sharon. I'm proud to be a diva. :o) Emily

NOTE: Those Divas who stayed to cheer and run the last lap with Emily included, Diva Erica C., Diva Beth D., Diva Maria I., Diva Laura M., Diva Virginia R., Diva Celeste M., Diva Tina M. and Diva Marla J.

In conclusion, I want to thank and congratulate all those Divas who participated in the Jungle Run and those Divas who could not be there because they were following the Red Power Divas number one philosophy to “seek balance.”

Sharon