RED POWER DIVAS
NEWSLETTER
January 2008
Coach’s Corner: Spotlight on 2007 Relationships
The Red Power Divas group was founded with the idea that women would interact with one another to get the support and guidance they needed around a shared fitness goal. Throughout the 2007 season, there developed a sense of community among our members that connects us to one another. The key was support and the development of relationships. These relationships include moms and daughters, moms and sons, couples, sisters, and total strangers who became friends. Starting in our February 2008 Newsletter and on our Diva website, we will be highlighting these Diva and Devo relationships. We will have the opportunity to find out more about these partnerships and our Diva and Devo members; who/what inspires them; their greatest accomplishments; and what they are learning from their successes and challenges. I hope that you will look forward to reading these wonderful stories. Some of the relationships that will be highlighted will include: Diva married couples, Divas sisters, Diva moms and daughters, Diva moms and sons, Diva run/walking partners, Diva chapters, and Diva groups ( example: HMR, probation, superior court).
Red Power Divas & Building Peaceful Families Holiday Adopt-a-Family Report
The Red Power Divas and Building Peaceful Families holiday Adopt-a-Family was a huge success. We were thrilled to deliver literally thousands of dollars worth of shoes, clothes, gift cards, groceries, cash, toiletries, household supplies, and many other wonderful gifts to the family just days before Christmas. A tremendous thank you to those Divas who generously donated gifts and helped our adopted family have the best Christmas ever.
Our adopted family cried tears of joy upon receiving such generous contributions from total strangers. They were so profoundly grateful, it was difficult for them to express it through their tears. They are truly thankful and indicate they will never forget the kindness. In addition, the family has said that when they are in a position to do so, they will “pay it forward.”
My heartfelt thanks goes out to the Divas and Devos who donated to this very deserving family. You have touched the lives of nine people and gave them great joy. Super Diva Givers: Heather S and Vince D, Cheriese V, Karla E, Joan L, Ginny M, Nancy H, and Susan H. On behalf of the Diva Adopted Family and the entire Diva Network, THANK YOU.
Nutrition & Health Tip: How Sleep Affects Your Weight
Are you sleepless counting doughnuts and pies instead of sheep? “Americans sleep less than they used to, and this could be part of the reason why more of us are now overweight,” says David Dinges, Chief of the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Over the past 40 years, Americans have cut their snooze time by one to two hours a night. We now sleep less than people in any other industrialized country. Researchers are also now discovering that sleep affects hormones that regulate satiety, hunger, and how efficiently you burn calories. Too little sleep may make you hungry, especially for calorie-dense foods, and may prime your body to try to hold on to the calories you eat. It may also boost your insulin levels, which increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
To read more about this important health issue, please download the attached article, How Sleep Affects Your Weight.
Upcoming Events: “Spirit of the Marathon” (First Diva Social for 2008!)
Catch up with the Divas at our first social event for 2008! Join us for the 7:30 pm showing of “Spirit of the Marathon” at the Mountain View Century Cinemas 16 (1500 N. Shoreline Blvd). This is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. It promises to be a GREAT inspiration for our upcoming training season.
Filmed on four continents, “Spirit of the Marathon” brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports program, “Spirit of the Marathon” is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike.
There is only ONE showing of this film, so we strongly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance at: http://www.fandango.com
For Divas and Devos who want to spend some time catching up after the movie, we'll head to Starbucks across the street from the theater.
WIN FREE TICKETS to “Spirit of the Marathon” – attend our Saturday off-season training session on January 19th at 7:30 a.m. at the Los Gatos Creek Trail Campbell Park entrance.
COSTCO- Costco members can purchase two “Spirit of the Marathon” tickets for $14.99.
Marathon Q&A
Q. Who is the youngest American ( man and woman) to qualify for the Olympic Marathon Trials?
A. It’s hard to believe that we could have qualifiers who were too young to drive a car, but could speed along on their own two wheels for 26.2 miles! Indeed, in 1972 Mitch Kingery qualified at the barely-shaving age of 15 years, 6 months, and 14 days. The youngest woman to qualify was Cathy Schiro O’Brien in 1984 at the age of 16 years, 6 months, and 17 days.
FREE DIVA OR DEVO RED SHIRT! Be the first Diva or Devo (attending “Spirit of the Marathon”) to send me an email with the qualifying times for the 1984 (men) and 1972 (women) Olympic Marathon Trials and you’ll win a FREE Red Power Divas (Devos) shirt!!
Diva Chapters
Fremont Chapter: Diva Julie L is our newest Support Coach for the Red Power Divas Fremont Chapter. Anyone living or working in the Fremont area who is interested in joining the local Divas chapter, please email Julie.
Pacifica Chapter: Devo Leo R and Diva Virginia R have formed the new Red Power Divas Pacifica Chapter. Anyone living or working in the Pacifica area who is interested in joining the local Divas chapter, please email Leo.
South Bay Chapter: Diva Sharon C and Diva Jennifer G coach the South Bay Red Power Divas Chapter. During the off-season, we train the first and third Saturday of each month at Campbell Park… bright and early at 7:30 a.m. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining us, come on down to the park and/or contact us at redpowerdivas@yahoo.com.
Happy Birthday Divas and Devos!
Wishing a very happy January birthday to the following Divas and Devos:
Vilma M 1/2
Pamela C 1/4
Erikka B 1/8
Cheriese V 1/14
Mary R 1/15
Burga S 1/16
Lisa S 1/16
Marsha H 1/18
Elaine V 1/20
Denise H 1/21
Debra R 1/23
Adrienne P 1/25
Carrie I 1/25
Sue G 1/25
Mary H 1/26
Leo H 1/28
Tina B 1/30
Jessica C 1/31
Kathy R 1/31
Vincent D 1/31
If you have a birthday in January, but your name is not on this list, please email me at redpowerdivas@yahoo.com and I’ll update our database. Thanks!
New Diva Partnership:
We are pleased to announce that the Red Power Divas has formed a new partnership with our friends at the Sports Basement. Any time you shop at their fabulous store (and it really IS fabulous), simply mention that you’re a Red Power Diva (or Devo) at the register to receive 10% off your entire purchase! We’ll have plenty of other surprises courtesy of Sports Basement in our upcoming training season, so stay tuned!!
SPECIAL 20% OFF DISCOUNT COUPONS: At our training this Saturday 1/19 (Campbell Park, 7:30 a.m.), we’ll hand out special 20% off discount coupons for the Sports Basement. Get yours while they last!
Divas Active in the Post-Season
New Year’s Run for a Healthy World 10K
Divas Mariam G and Susan H participated in the New Year’s Run for a Healthy World 10K on January 1, 2008. It was a great way to start the new year. Mariam’s daughter and son-in-law also participated in this very worthwhile race event. Congratulations to Mariam and Susan, who are great examples of commitment to fitness.
Training While Shopping
Diva Rhonda H reports that she and Diva Linda A have been walking at Valley Fair Mall on Saturday mornings. Rhonda says, “It’s nice and toasty inside the mall, and it’s fun window shopping while we’re walking (stop laughing).” She also reports that they ran into some other walkers and found out that the Nike Store has a Run/Walk Club that meets on Saturday at 8:30am and they have refreshments after your walk and you can earn free Nike stuff (that’s the best part). She thought this might be good training alternative during the cold winter season if other Divas/Devos are interested. For more information or to sign up online (and track your training progress), go to www.nikerunning.com/runningclub or call 408-246-2539.
Kudos to Rhonda and Linda! When faced with a fitness challenge (cold weather), they problem solved and came up with a solution that is fun and allows them to continue their training.
Share Your Story!
If you are participating in post-season events, please submit your story to me and I will share your experience with the Diva Network in an upcoming Newsletter.
Diva Shirts
If you are interested in ordering a fabulous Diva shirt, they will be available on the first and third Saturday of each month at Campbell Park (Los Gatos Creek Trail), our off-season training meeting place. Shirts are available in your choice of short-sleeve (red) or long-sleeve (white). You can also contact Sharon C to make special arrangements.
Race Events
Participating in race events is a great way to stay motivated and supplement your training during the off season. If you participate in a race event, please email me and tell me about your experience. For a list of upcoming races, check out www.theschedule.com or www.active.com.
Coaches Available First and Third Saturday at Campbell Park
To support your off-season training, Coaches are available for training assistance on the first and third Saturday of each month. We meet at Campbell Park at 7:30 a.m. This off-season training is an excellent opportunity for Divas to reconnect and train together.
Off-Season Training
If you’ve been following the training calendar from previous emails for the off season, you should continue with the same schedule. The updated schedule is also posted on our website (www.redpowerdivas.org). Your focus should be on timed walks or runs, rather than the number of miles. Ideally, you should be walking or running three to four days per week, with a long walk or run on a weekend day.
Diva Communications
The talented Divas within our network have created many forums through which we can all communicate. Please take advantage of the opportunities to stay connected, especially during the off-season.
Policy: To protect the confidentiality of all Divas (and unwanted emails), emailing the entire Diva network via mass emails is prohibited without express permission.
Website - www.redpowerdivas.org: This is a great source of information, including a 2008 Red Power Divas application and our off-season Training Schedule. If you have any comments about the website, please submit your feedback via email at redpowerdivas@yahoo.com.
Google Group – http://groups.google.com/group
Blog: http://redpowerdivas.blogspot
Email - redpowerdivas@yahoo.com: Please feel free to use the Red Power Divas email address for submitting questions, comments, and your 2008 Red Power Diva application.
Important Reminder!!
2008 Divas Application: The 2007 season was exceptional… and it was only the beginning! We hope that you decide to join us for our 2008 training season. If you plan to participate in 2008, please fill out the attached application and return it via email (redpowerdivas@yahoo.com) or fax (408-808-7194). We must have completed applications from all participants – even those who were part of the class of 2007.
