RED POWER DIVAS NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 21-28, 2007
OCTOBER 21-28, 2007
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a ride!’ “– author unknown
Red Power Divas at the San Jose Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
Good to Take a Time-Out
After five months of training and the challenging Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon, it was wise to take some time off. There was really no need to rush back out and start exercising again. You need to rest and allow all your muscles to recovery. You earned it. HOWEVER, if your body feels good, you may want to ease back into a routine of regular exercise. The off-season training program is designed to ease you back into a routine of walking or running. Other types of activities are also highly recommended. For many of you other activities will be a welcome change from the season routine. Off season calendar is attached.
Reminder: Research Fleshes out the Benefits of Exercise
Walking briskly for almost an hour daily or doing other regular physical activity is the key to losing weight and keeping it off, according to a large body of research, including a study released on October 24, 2007 at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society.
It may be because this amount of activity suppresses appetite, relieves stress, allows people to cheat a little on their diets, and replaces time spent eating, says John Jakicic, director of the Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh. In one study the researchers worked with 170 overweight and obese women for two years. Participants were given instruction on improving their eating habits, encouraged to increase physical activity by 150-300 minutes or more a week and received telephone calls at least twice a month from health professionals offering guidance and encouragement.
Some women were able to lose 5% and 7% of their weight by changing their eating habits but not exercising a lot more. BUT those who lost 10% or more of their starting weight-an average of 31 pounds and kept it off for two years changed their eating habits and did an additional 50 minutes a day above what they were going to do at the beginning of the program. They burned about 2,000 extra calories a week. Jessica Unick, an exercise researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, says the women who lost the 10% of their body weight did so in the first six months of the program and one of the reasons they were able to keep it off is because they maintained their high levels of physical activity. (Excerpts from October 24, 2007 USA Today Health article)
Other Activities:
Walking and running are not the only off season activity options. Dancing, biking, weight training, swimming is just a few great activity options to consider. CALL OUT TO THE DIVA NETWORK: If there is any Diva who is planning other activities and would like the company of other Divas, please email and I will post it in the next newsletter.
New Divas Welcome
On behalf of the entire Diva network, we want to welcome forty new Divas and Devos. These new Divas and Devos live all over the bay area including San Francisco, Pacifica, Soquel, Capitola, Yuba City, Fremont, Aptos, Mt View, Palo Alto, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and San Jose. They work in a wide range of professions including: Home CEO (full time mom and homemaker aka “slave” (her description), accounting, medical field (physician, nurse, pathology assistance), massage therapist, interpreter for the deaf, teacher, domestic violence victim advocate, salesperson, broker, business developer of world ventures, administrative assistance, lawyer, US Army, US Air Force and the San Francisco Marathon Training Director (I will be talking to her). The names of our new members:
Dorothy T, Victoria C, Neicsa J, Maria O, Maria Esperanza C, Michelle D, Toni T-C, Becky M, Leopoldo R, Carlos P, Patricia C, Kim S, Shelly(Rachelle) R, Virginia R, Deanna Y, Narisse K, Heather S, Cheriese V, Jodi R, Mara A, Jennifer H, Lois V, Robin H, Jessica C, Lucinda R, Virginia M, Ellen C, Lorena K, Lupe K, Shelly B, Nancy H, Maureen W, Colleen B, Ann Marie Z, Kaleolani C, Inga B, Nina L, Pamela C, Jennifer G, and Vincent D.
San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock With the 50’s
The Red Power Divas represented a wonderful cross section of women of all ages. The youngest to participate in a race was nine and our oldest Diva to participate in a race is 70 years old. Sixty percent of the Divas are 50 and older. For many of these 50 and older Divas training was a new experience and the Rock and Roll was their first major race event. The following is an email I received on October 15 from one of those 50 and older Divas which represents the concept that “It takes courage to push yourself to places you have never been before, to test your limits to break through barriers.” Donna is an example of real courage.
Dear Sharon,
I want to tell you how much I appreciate you training all of us for the Rock “N” Roll ½ Marathon. You inspired me to have confidence I didn’t think I had. I am still in a state of shock. I work on The Alameda and it seems so far as I drive down the street. I am blown away that I actually walked all those streets. It doesn’t seem real.
Four months ago I thought of myself as a middle-aged woman over 50 with Fibromyalgia and Osteoporosis. Words like “athlete” and “marathon” were not in my vocabulary. Those words described younger healthier people. I was out of breath walking up stairs or hills. I felt frail with little endurance. I laughed when Debbie M mentioned the ½ marathon happening in October. I thought maybe in a year of training I could improve, not by October! I didn’t sign up for the marathon until August and still was not real convinced I could do it.
You kept routing us on and said we were right on track (literally). I was hesitant, but you were so inspiring. My confidence started to build in September. It may be possible. It was still hard for me to imagine, but I trusted you. You believed in us.
My son now sees me as an athlete also. He knows the GU and MOJO bars are not just for him. His mother needs fuel also!
Thank you so much. I truly appreciate all of your time and effort. Your humor keeps us going and makes it fun. You are amazing!
With much warmth,
“Diva Donna”
My Special Thank You to All Divas
I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire Diva network for a great 2007 season of inspiration and the wonderful gifts presented to me at our Diva end of season party. I keep all the gifts in my chambers/office at court. My Garman GPS watch is kept on my mantel. I have used it in two race events, the Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Nike. She has been my companion and has kept me focused and guided me in the completion of those two events. She has quickly become a trusted friend. I call her “Justice.” The donation of funds by the Divas of $1,060 to my nonprofit Building Peaceful Families was the only monetary donation BPF received in 2007. Those funds will go to help a lot of people in need. The poster of the check has a special place on my bookshelf. And I am humbled by the Divas generosity. The Red Diva Rock made by Toni has a special place on my desk. It is special because she made it and I appreciate the time she spent with her busy schedule. I touch it every day and it gives me warmth and love. And the plaque with all the Diva signatures has a special place on a table in front of my desk. I look at it every day. And as I look at the beautiful plaque with all those Diva signatures, I still get choked up and it gives me such inspiration.
My chamber is a place of sanctuary. With the addition of these wonderful Diva gifts my sanctuary is now filled with warmth, support, inspiration and love. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
10th Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence
On Friday, October 26, a gathering committed to peace in the home walked through downtown San Jose to take a stand in the 10th annual Walk to End Domestic Violence. Four chairs were on a stage representing the lives lost to domestic violence in San Jose in 2007. Although this represented a dramatic drop in the number of lives lost, even one life is one to many. We were very proud to have a number of Red Power Divas (wearing their red shirts proudly) at the event in support of ending violence. RPD present include the following: Rhonda H, Linda A, Celeste M, Geri F, Sandra W ( East Bay Diva), Elvia E, Jody C, Peggy L, Mariam G, Laura M, Mary R, Rolanda P D, Marla J, Phaedra L, Natalia G, Rocio M, Veronica M-H and Sharon C.
Saturday on the Los Gatos Trail- October 27, 2007
A number of Divas rose early on Saturday morning and slowly made their way to the LGCT. Several Divas got on the trail early (7:30 a.m.). Sandra W and Kristi P were seen briskly walking after finishing a five mile walk. And Diana O ran and Anita O ran/walk ten miles as they prepared for the Silicon Valley half marathon on November 3. Also hitting the trail at 8:00 am was the Bobsy Twins (training partners) Jessica H and Heather S and Heather’s husband Vince. Training partners Michelle P and Celeste M walked the trail also but it was hard to determine if they were walking as fast as they were talking.
Marla J, in preparation for her birthday on November 1, was also out walking and dreaming about all the wonderful surprises she would receive on her birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARLA. And your coaches Jennifer G and Sharon C were on the trail to support any Diva in need.
Special welcome on Saturday to Heather’s husband, Vince D, who is our newest Red Power Devo.
Divas Create Many Forums for Communication
The wonderful talented Divas within the Diva network have created many forums in which Divas and Devos can communicate. Please take advantage of the opportunities to stay connected.
Policy: To protect the confidentiality of all Divas (and unwanted emails) emailing the entire Diva network via mass emails is prohibited without express permission.
New Diva Website (Created by Diva Heather S)
Diva Heather S has designed a Red Power Divas Website. It is a great source of Diva information including a Diva 2008 application. For now go to www.buildingpeacefulfamiles.org and click on the Red Power Divas link.
Diva Google Group (Created by Diva Sabrina F)
All Divas and Devos are encouraged to join the Diva Google Group. It is an excellent way to communicate with individual Divas or Devos or communicate with the Diva Goggle network. The Diva Goggle Group is only available for Red Power Diva members. If you have filled out a Diva application you will get permission. Sabrina is also the Divas premier photographer. She uses the Google Group to post all Diva photos.
redpowerdivas@googlegroups.com
Diva Blog (Created by Diva Sabrina F)
The Red Power Diva blog is a wonderful source of Red Power Diva information. You can access old RPD weekly summaries and training schedules.
http://redpowerdivas.blogspot
Red Power Divas Email (Created by Diva Heather S)
This email was created for me. If you have questions you can posted the questions and I will answer them. You can also access the Diva application on this site.
redpowerdivas@yahoo.com
Divas on the Run and Walk
The following Divas and Devos have entered race and other events around the Bay Area.
Sunday, October 21 – Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon
I want to congratulate again those Divas who participated in the Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon. All of these Divas ran/walk the San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon the previous week. Half Marathon Divas Debbie K- 3:13, Julies Lessa- 3:29 and San Francisco Divas Penny D and Denise Friday- 3:38. Sharon C completed the marathon in 6:23.
Sunday, November 3 – Silicon Valley Half Marathon: Participating in the half marathon: Yvette K, Diana O, Anita O, and Sharon C. Silicon Valley 5K: Diva Jennifer V with her daughters, Sarah and Chelsey and her two toddler sons in a jogger stroller. Jennifer is a great role model for her children.
Sunday, November 4 – Annual 5K Big Sur River Run
Diva Nancy B along with her husband, youngest daughter, brother-in- law and sister-in-law will be heading to Big Sur for the Annual 5K Big Sur River Run. Nancy is a great example of a Diva role model for the entire family. Congratulations Nancy.
Wednesday, November 7 – San Jose City Hall Stair Challenge
Divas Sandra W and Veronica M will be working their way up 16 flights of stairs at the San Jose City Hall Stair Challenge at 9:00 a.m. at 200 East Santa Clara Street at the 6th Street stairwell. If any Diva is interest in joining Sandra and Veronica, please contact Sandra W
Sunday, November 11 - Stanford Habitat for Humanity - This is an event that the Red Power Divas entered a team. Celeste M, Michele P, Diana O, Anita O, Jennifer V, Rhonda H, Linda A, Denise L, Nancy B, Heather S, Vince D, Jessica H, Marla J, Pamela C, Karen H and Coaches Jennifer G and Sharon C.
Thursday, November 22 – Applied Materials Turkey Trot - Michelle P, Rhonda H, Linda A and Sharon C. Diva Elvia E will be walking with her one year old and three year old sons. Elvia’s three year old son cried because he wanted to wear a shirt just like mom’s at the Turkey Trot. So… both sons will be wearing their brand new Red Power Devos shirts on November 22. Elvia another Diva who is a great role model for her children.
Please Note: If you plan on entering one of the above events or some other event, please email and I will post your event in the next newsletter. For details about these race events refer to last weeks newsletter or refer to the Red Power Divas website. Go to www.buildingpeacefulfamiles.org and click on Red Power Divas link.
Red Power Divas New Coach - JENNIFER G
We are honored to welcome Jennifer G as the newest Red Power Divas coach. Jennifer will be joining us during the off season and will help in planning our 2008 season. Jennifer has been an outstanding Deputy Public Defender for over 20 years. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience. She has eight years of experience marathons training and women’s fitness.
Coaches Available and Divas First and Third Saturday on the Los Gatos Creek Trail
Coaches will be available for training assistance and any training questions the first and third Saturday of the month at the Los Gatos Creek Trail at 7:30 a.m. And of course please feel free to email. This is also an excellent opportunity for those Divas who want to reconnect and train together.
Red Power Doctor - Dr. J.T. Jensen (MASSAGE DISCOUNT)
Dr. Jensen (RPD seminar speaker) who is an experience runner and a recent participant in the San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and Red Power Diva cheerleader is offering the RPD’s a post race recovery discount. The discount rate is for a 30 minute massage for $25.oo (regular price is $30) between now and Thanksgiving. To schedule an appointment call his office and ask for his massage therapist, Giovanna at (408) 371-0260. Mention “Red Power Divas.”
HEALTH
The next diet craze may be the apple diet. A new study shows an apple a day keeps the calories at bay. People who ate an apple about 15 minutes before lunch consumed almost 190 calories than when they didn’t have apple. Researches at Pennsylvania State University tested how the consumption of apples in different forms affects calories intake.
They had 59 normal-weight men and women come to the lab for five weeks to eat breakfast and lunch. Before lunch, the participants were given either nothing, 1 ½ medium peeled, cut-up apples (about 125 calories), or a similar caloric amount of applesauce, apple juice with added fiber or apple juice without fiber. About 15 minutes later, participants were served an entrée of cheese tortellini and tomato sauce.
Participants who had the raw apple consumed 187 fewer calories than at the meals when they had applesauce, juice or nothing. “This suggests that eating something like a piece of fruit that’s low in calories before your meal might be a great strategy for reducing calories intake,” says Julie Flood, a researcher at Penn State.
Barbara Rolls, a professor of nutritional science at Penn State, says the findings add to the knowledge that food low in calories, such as soup, salad, vegetables or fruit, at the beginning of a meal gives you an extra course, and you end up eating less. (Excerpts from October 24, 2007 USA Today Health article)
REMINDERS
Diva Survey - I want to thank all those who have returned the Red Power 2007 season review survey. The results of these surveys will be very helpful as we begin to plan for the 2008 season. If you have not done so, please take the time to return your survey as soon as possible. Thank you. Copy of survey is attached.
October - Women Recognition Month
The month of October is more than just the celebration of Halloween. It is a month that has been designated to highlight many important women issues. Fight to cure breast cancer, awareness of options on treatment of menopause, and solutions to prevent domestic violence are just a few. Women have become empowered and are leading the charge to attack these issues.
On a lighter note on the issue of empowerment of women: A Diva emailed this fairy tale story. She indicated that the story should be read to every little girl:
Once upon time in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle. The frog hopped onto the princess’ lap and said: “Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.”
That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sautéed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself
I don’t freakin think so!
Divas Rock
Sharon
