RED POWER DIVAS
WEEKLY SUMMARY
May 11-17, 2008
May 2008
THIRD WEEK IN, RPD ROSTER CONTINUES TO GROW
If we did things we are capable of doing, we would astound ourselves.
- Thomas Edison
We had another fantastic turnout last weekend with well over 100 Red Power Divas and Divos from all walks of life attending our Saturday training session. With nearly 370 Divas and Divos now on our roster, the second season is certainly off to a winning start. There is much excitement and anticipation for what the 2008 season will bring. We have many fun race events scheduled and we hope that you will find the time to participate. As you tackle the 2008 season, be patient with your training and progress. If you stay consistent, you will be astounded at what you can accomplish.
Saturday 5/17 Diva Spotlight
CAROLINA (a new Diva) attended her first Saturday training on May 17th. She shared with us that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Unless we have personally been diagnosed with breast cancer, we cannot possibly know how Carolina feels. However, Carolina is a Diva and an incredibly strong woman who is now surrounded by a huge network of incredibly strong women. We will be there to support Carolina as she prepares for the tough battle ahead. We will let Carolina take the lead on what type of support she wants or needs. When she feels she has the stamina to train with us, we will embrace her, walk with her, and listen. She may want us to visit, run errands, write, or call. We may not always do or say the right things in our desire to help, but I want Carolina to know that our words and actions will come with compassion and genuine caring, straight from the heart. I will keep the Diva network posted on Carolina’s journey.
Season Kickoff Party
Thanks to all who joined us for our Season Kickoff Event at the Sports Basement on Saturday, May 17th. Nearly 100 Divas and Divos attended and enjoyed getting to know each other over a delicious BBQ lunch, great raffle prizes (including a $50 Sports Basement gift certificate), and a very informative seminar on the importance of proper footwear. Inspirational speaker Debbie M. (2007 season alumni) delivered a motivating and hilarious speech on her journey toward the San Jose Rock & Roll finish line. The event concluded with a whole lot of Diva/Divo shopping… at a whopping 20% discount!
Special thanks to our partner the Sports Basement for sponsoring this great event. Remember, all Red Power Divas/Divos get a 10% discount every day on all purchases… just say you’re a Diva/Divo when you check out to receive your discount.
Reminders
As we start the fourth week of training, I want to remind you of a few things that may be helpful:
Red Power Diva Philosophy -- Seeking Balance
There is no fee to join and no fund raising required to be member of the Red Power Divas/Divos. All that is required is for you to fill out a current application. There is also no guilt. The RPD half marathon training program is organized and structured. As a member of RPD, you have no commitment to the organization, no commitment to attend our trainings, and no commitment to participate in our race events. There is no guilt because the only commitment you have is to yourself. This organization is designed to be ALL ABOUT YOU. You are free to participate as little or as much as you choose throughout the course of this season. You will find a network of SUPPORT regardless of your decision.
If your goal is to participate in the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon at the end of our season or any other race event, we certainly recommend that you train appropriately based upon your fitness level. You can do this with RPD, with another training group, or by yourself…but you need to train. If your goal in joining RPD is to obtain and maintain fitness, this is also a wonderful supportive group for you.
The Red Power Divas “Seek Balance” philosophy means to exercise, be strong, be healthy, and be in charge of your heath, safety, and personal well-being . MOST IMPORTANT – MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. It benefits you AND the people you love.
Training Calendar
If you have attended a RPD orientation, you should have received a copy of the RPD training calendar. The training calendar is a recommended guide to training for the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon. If you do not have a copy of the training calendar, it is available on our website (http://www.redpowerdivas.org
Diva/Divo Partners
Most Divas and Divos have been timed for one/two miles. This information will help us group together those with the same pace training ability and assist those who want to find a partner with the same training pace. Working with a partner is an important part of developing a support system within the RPD network. We would prefer that you work with a partner for both support and for safety. If you decide to have a partner and you train together, especially out on the Los Gatos Creek Trial, please make sure you have your “partner’s back.” This means that you do not leave your partner out on the trail alone, you encourage your partner, you remind your partner to focus on proper running or walking form, remind your partner to hydrate and to listen to their body. BE A GOOD PARTNER.
Training on Tuesday & Thursday: Campbell Community Center Track – May 20 & 22
Training will continue on Tuesday and Thursday at the Campbell Community Center Track at 6:00 p.m. The Campbell Community Center is located at 1 West Campbell Avenue in Campbell (corner of Winchester and Campbell Avenue). Coaches will be available. Meet near the bathrooms next to the track. Whether you arrive earlier or later than 6:00 p.m., please check in with the Diva Coach.
Saturday Diva Training – May 17, 2008
Campbell Park (corner of Gilman & Campbell Avenues) – May 17, 2008, at 7:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 17th, was another beautiful sunny day. It was a great day of training as many Divas and Divos indicated they were feeling stronger and increasing their training pace. In fact, MARY (who walked the first mile in her life on May 3rd in 27 minutes) set a personal record (PR) by reducing her mile time to 20 minutes. CONGRATULATIONS AND A BIG DIVA HIGH FIVE TO MARY.
We also separated into four DIVA/DIVO TEAMS tentatively based upon training levels. Each team selected a team name. The winning team name (most original) will win two boxes of the very delicious HMR chocolate nutrition bars. The winning team name will be announced on Saturday May 24th. The team names selected are as follows:
- RED GODIVAS – RED HOTZ – RED HEARTWALKERS
NOTE: The Red Power Divas are well known on the trail for our courtesy and friendliness, and as devoted athletes. I am very proud how each of you continues to show respect for others on the trail by staying in groups of two or in single file.
May 17, 2008 - Heat Stroke on the Los Gatos Creek Trail
A 6’3” 160 pound male runner, approximately in his early 50’s (fit condition), contacted me at the entrance of the Los Gatos Creek Trail at approximately 10:00 a.m. last Saturday. After he finished his training run, he indicated he was suffering from heat stroke. He had been out running, but he did not wear a hat, he did not have on sunglasses, and he did not appear to have a water bottle. I used my cell phone to call his wife because he felt he was not in condition to drive home. Although he appeared to be in fit condition and was an experienced runner, this athlete failed to take some very basic precautions. Do not make the same mistake!
Reminder: Divas/Divos 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 your face from the sun
- Wear sunglasses -- protect your eyes from sun
- Bring a water bottle even if you are training for a short time -- proper hydration is critical
- Wear a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothing
- LISTEN TO YOUR BODY – know when you need to rest and when you need to get out of the sun
Upcoming Saturday Diva Training
Campbell Park – May 24, 2008, at 7:30 a.m.
Seminar: Walking Form and Training Logs; Pacing Training Groups (we did not cover this topic on 5/17)
Support – Support - Support
It is a Diva tradition to support and cheer on other Divas and Divos out on the trail and to encourage other walkers and runners on the trail. I really appreciate all those who are able to stay until the last of our Divas finish their training walks/runs to cheer on your teammates. The best part of my day is giving all of you a "Diva Hug" as soon as you finish your training.
First Team Event for the 2008 Diva Season: 2008 Run for Lupus
This is a great first Diva Team event for the 2008 season. The course is flat and fast. This is an opportunity for beginners to get experience in a race event and for experienced runners and walkers to work on their speed and setting a personal best. In addition to the race event, there is a strawberry shortcake breakfast and $10,000 in prizes. This is a fun event for the entire family. The $20 registration fee ends on 5/22 and thereafter is $25. If you have not done so, please email me once you have registered for the event.
2008 RUN FOR LUPUS – Sunday, June 1st
West Valley College (Saratoga)
5K (3.1 miles) ($20)
Diva Gear – By Request Only
We have a lot of wonderful Diva/Divo gear available for purchase. If you are interested in buying Diva and Divo products, items will be available upon request only. If you request an item, I will make the item available at our Saturday training at Campbell Park (Los Gatos Creek Trail). The attached Diva/Divo Store file has a list of items and prices; this information will also be available on our website very soon.
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