RED POWER DIVAS RED POWER DIVAS
NEWSLETTER
April/May 2008
Coach’s Corner
RED POWER DIVAS SEASON OPENS
357 … and counting
“You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.
The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” -- John C. Maxwell
The Red Power Divas/Divos season has started with an explosion of membership. What an incredible turnout and response. We had over 100 women and men in attendance for our two orientations. I was so proud and overjoyed by the commitment you demonstrated by showing up bright and early on a Saturday morning and making yourself a priority. WOW! As I looked up at all of your beautiful faces as you sat on the cement bleachers, I was simply overcome with pride. What a wonderfully rich diverse group. We had young women and seasoned women, mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, teenagers, and our MIGHTY DIVOS. We had women of all shapes, sizes, and races. What an incredible group. The energy and support you showed for each other was truly inspiring. At the rate we are growing, we will have over 400 members by the end of the summer. I am very excited as I look forward to the 2008 season.
Basis of Success: Consistency
As we progress through the 2008 training season, the key to our success is consistency. Consistency may be a challenge. For some it is going to be difficult to get back out there and continue your training throughout the season. Remember as you start your training, it is not how far you go BUT the consistency of your movement. Even ten-minute bouts three times a day can be very effective. I have completed four marathons since 2006. When I started my daily walking program in July 2005, it took me ten minutes to walk approximately 200 yards to the corner and back. However, I did this every day, three times a day, and I gradually developed an endurance base. To be properly prepared for race events, you will need to gradually increase both your total mileage and your pace.
Short Training Bouts Add Up - Health Benefits
“Success is the sum total of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”
Diva Toni M. T, MPH, RD - Behavioral Health Educator/Dietician
Despite the best intentions, life can get in the way of your workout schedule from time to time. Work and family responsibilities, illness, and injury (to name just a few spoilers) can keep you from logging in the miles you've planned. But don't let a shortage of time undermine your fitness. New research supports the theory that exercise accumulated in several shorter bouts (as little as ten minutes each) can have the same cumulative effect on the cardiovascular system as longer bouts.
Researchers evaluated the cardiovascular effects of three 10-minute bouts of exercise, two 15-minute bouts, one 30-minute workout, or no exercise for 30 female college students with a body mass index of 28 or higher (overweight). Exercise was conducted at 75% of maximum heart rate three to five days per week. For all exercise groups, VO2max increased significantly, while weight and body mass index decreased significantly.
While running or walking in shorter training bouts won't get you marathon-ready, don't underestimate the benefits of doing what you can, when you can. As little as ten minutes a day of moderate physical activity can produce significant benefits. Taking a short run can help you maintain your training gains when you're unable to do more. (Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2001, Vol. 20, pp. 494-501)
As you slowly build your endurance base, you can begin to increase your mileage and distances and be a trained endurance athlete who will walk/run across the finish line of the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon.
Nutrition & Health Tips
National Women’s Health Week: May 11 – 17, 2008
If you don’t take care of yourself, you will not be able to care effectively for those you love.
National Women's Health Week empowers women across the country to get healthy by taking action. The nationwide initiative, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH), encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. During the week, families, communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease, such as:
Engaging in physical activity most days of the week (Red Power Divas or other programs)
Making healthy food choices
Visiting a healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings
Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
As a woman, you care for so many people – your partner, your children, your aging parents, and your community! Do you take time to care for the health of your own mind, body, and spirit? If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care effectively for those you love. Be sure to take time regularly to exercise, engage in hobbies you enjoy, and schedule health check-ups.
In addition to participating in physical activity and eating a healthy diet, women should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for regular breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer screenings. Also, be sure to discuss issues related to reproductive health and STD screenings with your provider. Once you are in your 40s, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about mammography. In your 50s, it’s also time to talk to your healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening. In your 60s, you should talk to your healthcare provider about screening for osteoporosis. At all ages, it’s important to see a dentist regularly to maintain good oral health, as well as a dermatologist to screen for skin cancer and ensure healthy skin. In addition, always remember to discuss family history and other health concerns, such as menopause, with your healthcare provider.
The Red Power Divas philosophy is “Seek Balance” … exercise, be strong, be healthy, and be in charge of your heath, safety, and personal well being and make time for yourself. It benefits you AND the people you love.
Big Diva Hug and Support
Many of our Divas and Divos are not out on the track or trail because they are “Seeking Balance” and need extra time to focus on work-related activities or family commitments while navigating other significant issues. Many are personally battling serious illness or supporting family members who are facing serious illness. We are sending special hugs to Divas Nancy M, Marla J, Mary H, and others in the Diva network who are doing a wonderful job facing their challenges, but still need the love and support of their Diva sisters and Divo brothers.
Thursday Diva Training
Campbell Community Center (corner of Winchester & Campbell Avenues) – May 15, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.
We will meet near the bathrooms near the track. The focus of this training will be on getting your miles in while using good running or walking form. Coach Sharon Chatman will conduct a short mini clinic on correct walking form just before we get on the track. If you have not been timed in the mile, she will also time you in the mile.
Saturday Diva Training
Campbell Park (corner of Gilman & Campbell Avenues) – May 10, 2008, at 7:30 a.m.
Saturday was a beautiful sunny day. We separated into four groups tentatively based upon training levels and charged the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The Red Power Divas are well known on the trail and have established a reputation for courtesy, friendliness, and as devoted athletes. I was very proud how each of you showed respect for others on the trail by staying in groups of two or in single file. It is Diva tradition to support and cheer other Divas and Divos out on the trail and also to encourage others on the trail.
I appreciate all who were able to stay as the last of our Divas finished their training walks/runs and cheered your teammates on. The best part of my day is giving all of you a "Diva Hug" as soon as you finish your raining and place put your foot across the finish line.
Upcoming Saturday Diva Training
Campbell Park – May 17, 2008 at 7:30 a.m.
Although we have our Diva Season Kickoff Social Event at the Sports Basement planned for 1:00 p.m. this coming Saturday, we will still have our regular training session that morning at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Campbell Park
Start: 7:30 a.m. Raffle
Seminar: Walking Form and Training Logs; Pacing Training Groups
Reminders
Divas seek balance by making informed decisions about their health, well being, and personal safety. When you are walking or running outside, we recommend you do the following:
Use sun screen -- protect your skin from the sun
Wear a hat -- helps to shield the sun
Wear sun glasses -- protect your eyes from sun
Bring a water bottle -- proper hydration is very important (last Saturday's lecture was on proper hydration). Bring a water bottle to carry while you walk/run, even if it’s for a short time.
Wear a good pair of shoes (seminar subject at the 5/17 Diva Social Event) and comfortable clothing.
Upcoming Events
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Save the Date!!
What: Red Power Divas Season Kickoff Party
When: Saturday, May 17th, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Sports Basement, 1177 Kern Avenue, Sunnyvale
Special Guest Inspirational Diva Speaker: Debbie M.
Get to know your fellow Divas and Divos at this season kickoff social!
Enjoy a fabulous BBQ, fun in the sun, raffle prizes, footwear seminar, and more!
Returning Divas and Divos, wear your medals from the 2007 season! Help inspire our new members…
Special thanks to our partner, the Sports Basement, for sponsoring this fun event.
The Diva Inspirational Speaker for our Season Kickoff Party will be returning Diva Debbie M. Below is a copy of an email sent by Debbie to Coach Sharon C the day after Debbie completed the 2007 San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon:
Thank you, thank you. I still can't believe I did it. I carried my medal every where I went today. Before the race, I was so scared. I had nightmares of sleeping through my alarm and missing the race, to having the police car running me over because I was last and couldn't keep up. But when I got to the race, I was just so excited. Cheering with the team before hand, having our photo taken, taking my place in the corral. Suddenly we were off. The first 6 miles were a breeze (can you believe I'm saying that?). I was talking to people around me and those along the road. Singing to the songs played by the band. At 8 miles, I was pushing. But the sideline cheering was continuing. Couldn't stop. But other walkers kept stopping. Some got rides from vans and others just stopped. The police car escort kept getting closer. By mile 9, I was last. So I kept walking faster and occasionally passing this couple. They were from out of town and noticed I kept passing them. We joked and laughed. By mile 11, I hit a wall and felt like I couldn't go any farther. Everything hurt. But I kept saying to myself that Sharon promised that I could do this. So I kept walking and then I stopped hurting. We passed a medical station that gave us all bandages for our blisters but we didn't stop walking. We kept going til we hit the finish line. My official time was 4 hrs 15 min and 4 sec. with one restroom stop. I came in 8779 out of 8787. So I wasn't the last one!!! AND I finished!!!! Best of all.......NEXT YEAR - I will be faster!!! Because now I know I can do it.
So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Love Debbie
Introducing: The FitKidz Program
The Red Power Divas have launched a new wellness program specifically for children, called FitKidz. This initiative is aimed at educating and empowering kids, helping them to realize that exercise and healthy eating can actually be fun!
A ccording to a report by the Institute of Medicine, the United States is experiencing a national epidemic of childhood and adolescent obesity that increases the risks of many deadly chronic diseases. One-third of American children and youth are currently obese or at risk of becoming obese, the report says. The good news is that Americans have begun to recognize that childhood obesity is a serious public health problem, and initiatives to address it are underway. FitKidz is the Red Power Divas small initiative to help kids stay healthy.
Some of the FitKidz activities planned for 2008 include:
Starting June 2008, second Saturday of the Month FitKidz Day: All Divas and Divos are encouraged to bring their kids to the second Saturday of the month RPD training. (Bring your sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, grandkids, neighbor’s kids!!)
50-Mile Club: Each FitKidz participant who completes walking/running a cumulative 50 miles will receive a reward.
Reach for the Starz: Each FitKidz participant who walks/runs a goal of 370 miles – the distance from San Jose to Disneyland –
will receive a reward.
Race Events: FitKidz will have the opportunity to participate in at least two race events as a team.
Red Power Divas Website: The FitKidz webpage is in development where you will find photos, 50-Mile Club and Reach for the Starz progress reports, current race events for children, and articles focusing on youth health and fitness.
Collaboration: The Red Power Divas FitKidz program will seek to collaborate with schools, faith groups, and other community organizations to help educate, encourage, and empower youth to practice and understand the value of non-violence, health, and fitness.
Get to Know Your Divas: Focus on Partners
Dubbed “the Bobsy Twins” by Coach Sharon, Jessica H. and Heather S. teamed up to join the Divas in the 2007 training season. The two originally met eight years ago while working at ChipX in Santa Clara – Jessica in finance and Heather in marketing. Today, they’re fast friends and even faster walkers!
So, why did you join the Red Power Divas?
Heather: I’d just quit my job to take a year-long health sabbatical when the opportunity to join the Divas came up. My instant reaction was NO WAY… I could NEVER finish a half marathon!! Then I thought… why not?!?! I attended the orientation, still somewhat skeptical, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Jessica: I had wanted to get back into a workout routine but hadn’t done anything about it. Right around that same time, Heather was focusing on getting healthy and asked if I would be interested in being her walking partner. At first, I thought she was crazy to think either of us could walk anything more than a few miles.
How do you feel today, now that you’ve completed your first half marathon?
Jess: I feel awesome! I never would have thought I’d be a half marathon finisher. Heather and I are actually really good partners as we have strengths and weaknesses that keep us both going.
Heather: Today I feel encouraged. I know that I can set goals and achieve them, so I’m looking forward to the challenges that come my way in the 2008 training season. I’m really thankful to have a great training partner to help keep me focused and motivated.
What is your proudest moment from the 2007 season?
Jess: My proudest moment was finishing the Los Gatos Jungle Run, our first 10K race. That was when I finally realized and accepted that we are truly endurance athletes and not just casual weekend walkers. I used to play fast-pitch softball (in college and at the semi-pro level for 10 years), but haven’t played for about 5 years. I have missed being a competitive athlete, so it’s been great getting involved with the Red Power Divas and realizing that I am still an athlete!
Heather: There were so many amazing moments last season… it’s hard to pick just one. I’d say that sprinting across the finish line at the Rock & Roll Half Marathon with my arms up in the air and a huge grin on my face is the most memorable event. I look at my medal every day and realize… I DID IT!!
About the Bobsy Twins:
Heather is the married mom of two grown sons (Chris, age 24, and Jason, age 25). Her husband, Vince, is a new Red Power Divo this season. When she’s not on “extended sabbatical,” Heather is a marketing communications professional with more than 20 years of experience. She serves as Marketing Director on the Board of Building Peaceful Families and is an active volunteer in the nonprofit sector. Her favorite things include exercising, exploring, reading, going to Sharks and Giants games, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Jessica is married and mother to two step kids (Emily, age 13, and Nathan, age 16). Her husband, John, is good friends with Heather’s husband… so we’re hoping to see him in a Divo shirt this season, too! Jessica is the Corporate Controller for a local semiconductor company, Mobilygen. A graduate of Santa Clara University, she has nearly 15 years of accounting experience and serves as Finance Director on the Board of Building Peaceful Families. Jessica’s hobbies include snowboarding, wakeboarding, softball, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Happy Birthday Divas and Divos!
Wishing a very happy birthday to the following Divas and Divos:
Kim S. 4/2
Amy B. 4/3
Jamie F. 4/5
Jessica R. 4/5
Gail L. 4/7
Arthur S. 4/10
Nancy B. 4/10
Pauline G. 4/11
Maria I. 4/12
Nevida B. 4/12
Victoria C. 4/12
Neicsa Page J. 4/14
Patricia C. 4/14
Sandy B. 4/14
Theresa C. 4/14
Becky M. 4/16
Alexis R. 4/17
Debra S. 4/17
Evie L. 4/19
Lawanda P. 4/19
Kimberly T. 4/20
Natalia G. 4/21
Zelda Z. 4/21
Laurie J. 4/22
Ann Marie Z. 4/24
Petra R. 4/24
Megan J. 4/25
Annie T. 4/26
Wilma W. 4/26
Kimberly T. 4/28
Lesia P. 4/28
Paul H. 4/29
Clarissa E. 5/1
Michael R. 5/1
Charlotte C. 5/4
Peter B. 5/5
Joan L. 5/6
Michelle C. 5/6
Sascha W. 5/6
Elvia E. 5/7
Lisa B. 5/8
Markene S. 5/8
Lisa R. 5/9
Narisse K. 5/12
Toni T. 5/12
Karin G. 5/13
Marie P. 5/13
Cecilia P. 5/14
Abha C. 5/15
Jennifer H. 5/18
Bambi P. 5/20
Peggy F. 5/21
Cindy R. 5/28
Lorena C. 5/28
Laura M. 5/29
Magdalena F. 5/30
Judy H. 5/31
Tara M. 5/31
If you have a birthday in April or May but your name is not on this list (or if we’ve listed your birthday incorrectly above), please send me an email at redpowerdivas@yahoo.com and I’ll update our database. Thanks!
Race Events
Participating in race events is a great way to stay motivated and I encourage you to participate if it does not interfere with your training. 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.
Divas Active in the Post-Season
Diva Linda A.
The 2007 San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon was the first time Linda A. ever participated in a major race event. Because of that experience, she has been motivated to participate in similar events. She emails the following: “Last weekend I was in Nashville TN participating in the Country Music Half Marathon (13.1 miles). It was sooooo much fun and I plan to do it again. This weekend we start training for the San Jose Rock n Roll Marathon which will be in October.
Share Your Story!
If you are participating in special season events, please submit your story to me and I will share your experience with the Diva Network in an upcoming Newsletter.
Diva Gear
If you are interested in purchasing Diva and Divo products, they will be available at our Saturday training at Campbell Park (Los Gatos Creek Trail). Shirts are available in your choice of short-sleeve (red) or long-sleeve (white). Sweat shirts and shorts are also available. You can also contact Sharon to make special arrangements.
Diva Chapters
A key philosophy of the Red Power Divas is women supporting women. It may not be possible for some of you to attend the formal Diva training sessions. Because we all live busy lives and we live all over the Bay Area, I want to encourage you attend Diva Chapters in your area or to set up your own Diva training sessions and invite others to join. The important thing is that you are training and having fun together. If you are interested in setting up a Diva Chapter in your area, please email me . The following is our list of Diva Chapters:
South Bay Chapter
Diva Sharon and Diva Jennifer G. coach the South Bay Red Power Divas Chapter at two locations:
Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.
Long Runs/Walks on Los Gatos Creek Trail starting at Campbell Park (corner of Gilman & Campbell Avenues in Campbell)
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.
Track Work at Campbell Community Center Track (corner of Winchester & Campbell Avenues in Campbell); meet at the track near the bathroom (a number of Divas have volunteered to rotate leadership at this location)
Mountain View Chapter
Diva Peggy L is the Support Coach for the Red Power Divas Mountain View Chapter. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining the local Diva chapter, please email Peggy.
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 Diva chapter, please email Julie.
Fremont Chapter Report
Diva Megan J from the Fremont Chapter has gotten a head start on her training. She's been training for two weeks in the early morning hours at the gym. She's lost 11 pounds in two weeks, working out four days a week. When asked what her motivation was for the early start, she answered, “The Rock N Roll in October!” She can't wait to complete her goal.
Pacifica Chapter
Divo Leo R and Diva Virginia R have formed the new Red Power Divas Pacifica Chapter and the Skyline College Runners Club. Anyone living or working in the Pacifica area who is interested in joining the local Divas can train with the Skyline College Runners Club. Please email Leo.
Pacifica Chapter Report
Leo and Virginia R were original members of the Red Power Divas in 2007. They participated in two events as members of the Red Power Divas Team. Their participation was one of the reasons they decided to form the Skyline College Runners Club. They started with 10 members; now the club has 27 members and meets regularly to train.
Leo is the president and Virginia R, vice president of the club, does all the paperwork. According to Leo, the practice times they have are very motivating and the club members are determined to run. The club meets regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On their last workout, the group ran 12 laps around the track and four laps around the campus. According to R's, that equals about 7.4 miles in two hours.
“There is something very powerful in crossing the finish line,” R's said. “It does not matter whether you are first or last. It is all about not giving up.”
The Skyline College Runners Club is currently preparing for the annual ING Bay to Breakers race that will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2008.
East Bay Chapter
Diva Sandra W is the Support Coach for the Red Power Divas East Bay Chapter. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining the local Diva chapter, please email Sandra.
San Francisco Chapter
Diva Penny D is the Support Coach for the Red Power Divas San Francisco Chapter. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining the local Diva chapter, please email Penny.
Sacramento Chapter
Diva Laurie H is the Support Coach for the Red Power Divas Sacramento Chapter. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining the local Diva chapter, please email Laurie.
Bakersfield Chapter
Diva Joyce R is the Support Coach for the Red Power Divas Bakersfield Chapter. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining the local Diva chapter, please email Joyce.
Missouri City, Texas Chapter
Diva Nevida B is the Support Coach for the Red Power Divas Missouri City, Texas Chapter. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining the local Diva chapter, please email Nevida.
Portland, Oregon Chapter
Diva Betasha L is the Support Coach for the Red Power Divas Portland, Oregon Chapter. Anyone living or working in the area who is interested in joining the local Diva chapter, please email Betasha.
Diva Communications
Stay connected with your Diva network during the season.
Policy: To protect the confidentiality of all Divas (and unwanted emails), emailing the entire Diva network via mass emails is prohibited without express written permission from Coach Sharon.
Website - www.redpowerdivas.org: This is a great source of information, including a 2008 Red Power Divas application and our 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/redpowerdivas: This is an excellent way to communicate with individual Divas or Divos, or communicate with the Diva Google network. The Diva Google Group is only available for Red Power Diva members; all Divas and Divos are encouraged to join. If you have filled out a Diva application, you will be invited to join the Google group.
Blog: http://redpowerdivas.blogspot.com: The Red Power Divas blog is a wonderful source of information. You can access old RPD weekly summaries and training schedules on the blog.
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.
