DIVA BUSINESS - WEEKLY SUMMARY OCTOBER 14-21

RED POWER DIVAS ROCK THE 2007
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

8787 Total Finishers - 3985 Males / 4802 Females

Largest Team - Small Size Company
1) Red Power Divas	Red Power Divas
2) Team Charlie	Team Charlie
3) Med Americans	Med America

CONGRATULATION – By now the soreness has begin to ease and your elation may not be as high but the good feeling that you had after the Rock ‘n’ Roll should still be in your heart and mind.

I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of each of the RNR Diva participants. We had over a hundred participants flying colors under the Red Power Divas banner. Every single Diva that entered the RNR finished. Many Divas finished in times better than they had anticipated. Everyone in which the RNR is their first half marathon now have a personal record. You are veterans. Congratulations! What a great day.

Red Power Divas Top Five Finishers

Diana O	2:05.16
Magna R	2:06.44
Natalia G	2:16.22
Toni T Chrissy T	2:21.46 2:21.46
Jennifer G	2:21.58

I also want to play tribute to and highlight our Diva who was the last Diva finisher. She represents commitment, dedication and the true Diva spirit. She never lost focus on her goal to finish the race. The following is a copy of the very inspiring email she sent me on October 15, 2007:

Sharon -
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


Life Time Fitness: It has been a week since the RNR. I hope you are rested and the soreness has finally left. You were a big winner when you finished the RNR. You trained hard and elevated your level of fitness. You win even bigger simply by keeping at it for the long haul, for years and decades. Keeping fit is like raising kids, it is not seasonal but lifetime. I hope you keep at it.

Play It Forward - I hope that the wonderful feeling that you experienced after the RNR will motivate you to pass it on to other women by encouraging them to become active and work on their fitness. And of course if the balance is right in their life, hopefully they will join the Red Power Divas.

New Divas – We have forty new Divas who filled out applications at the RNR Expo. Three of the Divas actually joined us for the RNR.

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.

Diva 2008 Application - The 2007 season was an exceptional season and it is only the beginning. We hope that you decide to join us for 2008. If you plan on participating in 2008, please fill out the 2008 application and return it via email or fax (408) 808-7247. If you do want to participate but would like to remain on the email list, please contact me via email. All Red Power Diva email addresses for 2007 will be purged on January 1, 2008. There is an application in the attachment below.


New Diva Chapter – Information on our new Santa Cruz chapter will be coming soon.

New Diva Website - Thanks to Diva Heather S new Red Power Diva is under development.

Diva DVD of 2007 Season - Thanks to Diva Judy H and Devo Leo H the wonderful 2007 Red Power Diva First Season Review is available. They will be available at Red Power Diva Post season Saturday workouts and at the October and November race events listed below.

Post Season/Winter Season Calendar - In the attachment below please find the post/winter season calendar. Coaches will be available for Saturday workouts on the first and last Saturday of each month. The workouts listed are optional. The key is to continue with your fitness whether it is walking, running, biking, dancing, or anything else you enjoy doing.

Post Season Races: The Red Power Divas are approximately six months old. You Divas have made such an impression that we are getting invitations to participate in a number of race events. You represent the best examples of commitment, dedication to fitness and achieving a goal. Organizers want our positive energy around. If you are interested in continuing participating in race events www.schedule.com has a number of events through 2008. Below is listed several races events that I recommend and hope other Divas will join me in participating:

Friday, October 26, 2007
Walk to End Domestic Violence
Start: 11:00 a.m. Speaker – Denise Brown – (Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister)
NO Registration Required - Show Up
Location: San Jose City Hall – 200 E. Santa Clara, San Jose
Cost: No Cost
Type of Event: Walk Procession followed by a
Community Lunch and Resource Fair

This event is a wonderful way to show your support and the support of the Red Power Divas to end domestic violence. If you attend, please wear your RPD shirt. If you can attend for even 30 minutes that would be great.

Date: Sunday, November 11, 2007
Stanford University Habitat for Humanity
Registration: 7:45 a.m. Pac 10 Plaza
10K Starts: 8:30 a.m.
5K Starts: 9:00 a.m.
Location:
Course: Through scenic Stanford campus
Cost: Before Nov. 3^rd $25.00 - After Nov. 3^rd $30.00
Red Power Divas: We will be entering a team in the Women’s Division
Register Online at: Active.com

Note: We have been especially invited to participate in this event. It is a great charity and I have entered our team. I would love to have a team of at least 20 people. I want to encourage you to participate if the balance in your life permits. If you register, please contact me.


Date: Thursday, November 22, 2007 (Thanksgiving Day)
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
Registration: 7:30 a.m.
10K Starts: 9:00 a.m.
5K Starts: 9:00 a.m.
Children’s Fun Run: 10:40 a.m.
Location:
Course: Guadalupe River Park/Confluence Meadow
Downtown San Jose

Cost: Before Nov. 3^rd $25.00 - After Nov. 3^rd $30.00

Running for Charity: Turkey Trot
the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot exists to benefit local charities. These charities help valley families meet their most basic needs, for health, hope, and a home.

Start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot at the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot. Before the big games, the big meal, the parades and the pies why not get in a little run and a lot of fun while benefiting local charities? It is an event the whole family will enjoy, and a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving Day.

RPD 2008 Planning Committee - We are still looking for anyone who is interested in helping us plan for the 2008 Red Power Divas season. Please email me if you are interested. (Current members: Jennifer G, Debbie K, Beth D, Judy H, and Heather S)

Roc ‘n’ Roll Photographs - There were a number of family and friends taking photographs of Divas at the RNR. To help us keep a historical photographic record of our first RNR, I would appreciated it if possible to email a copy of those photographs to Heather S. Thanks.


Congratulations and Good Luck – Divas in Other Races: Congratulations to Divas Debbie K and Julie L who participated in the San Francisco Nike Women’s Half Marathon October 21. It was a beautiful day in the City but this was an extremely difficult and hilly course. I completed the marathon.
Good luck to Yvette K who will run in the Silicon Valley Half Marathon on November 4. Please contact me if you are participating race events.

Divas Rock
Sharon

DIVA UPDATE - OCTOBER 12, 2007

“Everything worthwhile-everything of any lasting value-is the result of effort and enthusiasm”

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SPECIAL ADDITION

Race Pacing and Strategy

The Rock ‘n’ Roll is almost here. You have put in tremendous effort and enthusiasm to get ready for this event. The anticipation, the excitement, the color, the activity. Everything about a racing event tends to get you keyed up, and it should. Feed off the energy of your surroundings, and let your adrenaline do its work. But do keep yourself under control. The excitement of the starting line is a powerful mental tool, but it can also undermine your race if you let yourself go out too fast.

Early Pacing
No matter what hold yourself back in the early stages of the race. After all you’re training, you are strong and powerful, and doubtless you are aching to push yourself. You'll get your chance, but save it for the end of the race when you'll need it. At the beginning, just concentrate on settling into a pace no faster than what you plan to be the average pace for the race overall. If you are running the first few miles may feel ridiculously slow; think of them as warm-up miles and conserve your strength for the final stretch.

There will be 15,000 athletes in this race. You will probably spend the first few minutes caught in the crowds. There's not much sense in fighting them; zigzagging wildly through the throng will wear you out and could knock someone over (including yourself). Just flow with the crowd until you gradually get more space. Try to use a shuffling gait to keep your feet low and avoid tripping in the close conditions. As space opens up, ease into your familiar pace and stride.

Take it up a Notch
Try to keep your pace steady. Throwing in bursts of speed is not a great idea, (unless your strategy is intervals) especially for the inexperienced racer. Adjust your pace and effort to the split times you hear or read along the course if your strategy has been using split times.

Don't panic if split times show that you're off pace. Make a gradual, easy adjustment. But if you feel really lousy, and you just don't think you can keep up the pace you had hoped for, don't push it. Avoid injury and take the pace down.

Along the way be sure to take advantage of the water and accelerade stations to refill your bottles or to drink to avoid dehydration. Make sure to use your fuel to replenish your energy resources.

Stay Focused
Unlike your training runs/walks, when much of the joy of the outing is about letting your mind wander in a kind of creative romp and socializing, this event will required a bit more discipline and focus. You should monitoring your pace and checking your body over for warning signs or even reservoirs of available energy. Pay attention to your breathing, the weather, the terrain, and the runners around you. BUT MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FUN.

Home Stretch
As you approach the last leg of the race, gauge how much extra energy you have left for the final push. If you feel strong, you might pour it out for a last burst of speed and kick the final half mile. However, depending on your conditioning, that distance might be anywhere from half a mile to two miles. As you approach the finish line and look down Park Avenue at the crowds, it’s time for the kick. See what you have left to give, and push to the finish.

When you cross that finish line throw your arms up in victory. You have come a long way baby and you deserve.

Congratulation I am so proud of each of you.


Weather Forecast for Sunday, October 14, 2007
Mostly sunny
Morning patchy fog
High: Lower 60s to Mid 70s
Low 45
Southwest Winds: 5-10 mph

Since the morning may be a little cool, I recommend you layer and dress warmly. But be prepared to remove your layers before the race. Reminder: The R ‘n’ R has a Gear Check Area where you can store items but you will need to use your R ‘n’ R Goody Bag to store items. Red Power Divas booth cannot store your items.

Diva Rock
Sharon

WEEKLY SUMMARY – OCTOBER 7- OCTOBER 13, 2007

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

3 days and counting…

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SPECIAL

Well, the big day is almost here. It is hard to believe that five months have flown by since our first orientation. In developing the Divas, I wanted it to be group where you n would find a network of women where everyone is welcomed and everyone is supported. A group where the emphasis is about "seeking balance" in our lives.

On May 19, 2007 as we set up tables on the Los Gatos High School parking lot and place our Diva banner on the fence, we were expecting 10-20 women. We were overwhelmed when women begin to arrive in all shapes, sizes, ages and colors. We had fifty women that first day. And the numbers in the Diva ranks continue to grow. When I started the Divas I indicated that you did not have to be a star to be a part of the Divas show but to my great delight, I discovered a team full of superstars. This has been the best season of my coaching career. I will be ever thankful for the great joy you each of you have brought into my life. Thank you

Rock ‘n’ Roll Preparation

Training Check List
Thursday, October 11^th three days before the race, run just 2 to 3 miles easy.

Friday, October 12^th two days before the race, don't run at all.

Saturday, October 13^th - On the day before the race, jog or walk 2 miles to take the edge off your pent-up energy so you'll sleep better that night.

Mental Preparation
1. Confidence should be the focus of the final week but you may still experience anxiety. If so, remind yourself that you're physically prepared because you did the necessary training, and you're mentally prepared because you did the necessary trouble-shooting and goal-setting. YOU ARE READY!

2. If you're nervous about the race, try breathing exercises to relax. Breathe in and out as slowly and deeply as possible, letting your belly expands as you inhale. Focus your attention on the breathing and any positive, calming image.

3. If you're too super-charged with energy to sleep, try this relaxation exercise. First tense, and then relax your muscles, one at a time, starting with the muscles in your face and working down to your toes. Sex can also help relax your mind and body.

Rest
1. Try to go to bed early Friday night and wake up very early Saturday morning. This will enable you to get into the rhythm of preparing to wake up early Sunday morning. The most important night for sleep is Friday evening as many people find it difficult resting/sleeping soundly the night before the half marathon. If you don't get a restful night's sleep Saturday, that's fine as long as you slept well Friday.

2. After your Saturday evening meal, try not to think about the half marathon anymore. Instead, watch television, read (about something other than running), or find something else restful to do until turning in for the evening.

3. Prior to retiring, have two alarm systems set to wake you up (alarm clock, wake-up call, running watch alarm setting, etc.). The key here is to not leaving anything to chance.

4. Wake up early enough to eat, make visit(s) to the bathroom, and take care of anything you feel the need to do so as not to feel rushed. The idea in the few hours before the half marathon is to relax as much as possible and stay off your feet.

Nutrition
1. Hydrate well the week before the half marathon (water is best) and in particular, during the carbohydrate loading period (three days prior to the marathon). Research has shown that carbohydrates convert to glycogen more effectively when accompanied with the consumption of water. This is the time when you probably will gain a couple of pounds, but don't worry about it. This will be the fuel you will use during your marathon!

As mentioned above, carbohydrate loading begins three days before the half marathon. Choose foods for lunch and dinner that are high in carbohydrates (e.g., pasta, potatoes, rice, etc.). Don't neglect fruits, vegetables, and some protein sources however. Try to really scale back on fats during this time.

And Don't Forget
1. Don't do anything tiring. Let the grass grow. Let the kids take out the garbage. Let the dog walk himself.
2. Don't try anything new. No new foods, drinks, or sports.
3. Don't cross-train, hike, or bike.
4. Don't get a sports massage unless it's part of your routine. You may feel bruised a couple days afterward if you're not accustomed to it.
5. Stay off your feet and catch up on movies, books, and sleep. If you go to the pre-race expo, don't stay long.
6. Remember: During this final week, you can't under-do. You can only overdo.

The Final Hours
Feeling calm, confident, and in control is your mission on race morning. Here's how to come by the three Cs:

Be sure your race outfit, shoes, timing chip, number, bag, and map to the start are set out the night before, so a treasure hunt isn't required in the morning.

Eat a light, easily-digestible meal, such as oatmeal or white toast and a banana, at least 2 hours before the start. Make sure you've eaten these foods before a few training runs with no adverse effects.

Drink 8 to 16 ounces of sports drink 60 to 90 minutes before the race.

Arrive at the start about an hour early (7:00 A.M.), so you won't have to rush.

Joke around with friends or fellow runners before the race to lighten your mood.

About 25 minutes before the start, do some walking, slow jogging, then a few 50-yard pickups at race pace. Visit the portable toilet one last time. Mentally review your race plan.

Position yourself appropriately at in your corral start according to your projected pace, and remind yourself to start easy! You'll be glad you did when late in the race you're able to pass all those runners and walkers who started too fast.

20O7 San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Update
RED POWER DIVAS ROSTER

Jody C Rhonda H Debra R Ann H Laura M. Mary V Melanie R Sandra E Kristi P Debbie M Virginia M Suzana G Lisa S Yen G Denise L Ericka C Michele G Heather S Michelle C Sandra W	Judith H Leo H Charlotte C Emily B Deborah R Mary R Tina M Elaine V Susan B Lindy B Cammie C Ginger T Diana O Anita O Carrie I Amanda V Cheri F Geri F Carolyn N Sandra W	Adrienne P Genavae D Rolanda P Nancy B Julie L Pam C Peggy L Jamal L Mariam G Susan H Virginia R Debbie K Maria I Veronica M Virginia M JoAnne M Sharon C Jessica H Beth D Dannetta W	Marla J Anna S Nancy B Carrie Z Yvette K Daryl W Rita Z Denise H Russ W Sabrina F Charlene M Phaedra Ellis L Linda A Paula C Celeste M Kimberly T Sandra W Jennifer V Arthur S Lisa D	Nancy B Donna B Karen R Ernie G Pamela C Rudy P Natalia G Rocio M Michele P Toni T Karen H Ann W Elizabeth P Tony C Wilma W Greg C Joanie S Linda A Cheryle C Jesus V

Rock ‘n’ Roll - Red Power Divas Arrival Time
Please plan on arriving at the corner of Santa Clara Street and Almaden Blv no later than 7:00 a.m. Please look for the Red Power Divas banner.


Rock ‘n’ Roll - Red Power Sign-in & Sign –out
Please make sure you sign-in at the time of arrival at the RnR. When you finish your race, please check - out and record your finish time at the Red Power Divas booth.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Divas and Cell Phones
I would like to keep in contact with any Diva that will be carrying their cell phone during the race. It is a great way to track to the course location of our fellow Divas. My cell phone will be on. If you are interested in staying connected, please contact me before race day.


Rock ‘n’ Roll Pace Team
Those whose goal is to finish between 2-2:30 hours, I recommend you sign up for a Pace Team. A pace team is a group of runners who have a leader who will set a pace to finish within the goal time. You can sign up for a Pace Team at the PacWest Athletics booth at the Expo.

Health & Fitness Expo
Visit the Red Power Diva booth during your visit to the Expo.
You must pick up your black loaner chip along with your race number at the Health & Fitness Expo
at Mc Enery Convention Center 150 W. San Carlos Friday, October 12^th 1:00-6:00 p.m. - Saturday, October 13^th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Reminder: Your Confirmation Card and Photo ID are required to pick up you race number

Rock ‘n’ Roll Parking
Please make plans on where you are going to park and/or your mode of transportation before Sunday. Check your Rock ‘n; Roll race packet for parking information. Reminder: Divas arrival time on race day is 7:00 a.m.

Rock n’’ Roll Corrals
A corral system assures a smooth start to your race. You have been assigned a race number and corresponding corral based on your projected finishing time. Most of the Divas have been assigned corrals 13 & 14. If you want to be assigned to a different corral or join the other Divas in corrals 13 & 14, pick up your race number, then proceed to the Corral Change table in the Packet Pick-Up area at the Expo.

Rock n’’ Roll Gear Check
The weather may be a little cool the morning of the RnR. You may want to wear layered clothing over your Diva shirt to stay warm. If you have family at the start, you can leave your gear with them. All participants may also check their gear at the start at the Gear Check tent located on San Fernando Street between Almaden Avenue and San Pedro Street, approximately one block from the start and one block from the finish. The Gear Check tent will be open from 5:15 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Your gear bag will remain in the tent at all times during the race. If you do not pick up your bag by 1:15 p.m., it will be transported back to the Elite Racing office in San Diego and mailed to the owner 2-4 weeks after the race.

Please do not check keys, money or other valuables. The event is not liable for any lost or items.

PLEASE NOTE: The Diva booth is too small to check Diva gear. Please use the Gear Check area provide by the Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Rock ‘n’ Roll - Divas and Family Reunion

RnR anticipate approximately 25,000-30,000 people will be at the finish line. If you plan on meeting family or friends, I recommend you have a designate place to meet. You can meet at the Diva finish line booth or the RnR have large Alphabet signs (A-Z) and you can plan to meet them at a designated letter. It may be helpful to plan to tell anyone you plan to meet at the finish line to carry a cell phone.

Rock n’’ Roll Portable Toilets
There will be 200 portable toilets at the start line at the RnR and plenty of potable toilets along the course. Reminder: Portable toilets on mile one or two have very long lines.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Press Conference
Red Power Divas representative invited to the first of three Rock ‘n’ Roll press conferences on Thursday, October 11^th.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Televised
The Rock ‘n; Roll will be televised locally, nationally and internationally on Fox sports Net. Check the www.RnRsj.com for airdates and times. KNTV NBC 11 will air the race on Sunday, October 28^th 3-4 p.m. (PST). When you see a TV camera (if you have the stamina) make sure you waive to your fans.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Special Start Time:
If you are walking a 20 minute mile, you should be able to finish within the four hour time limit. You have worked hard all season and it would be great to if you were expose to the full experience. You will not be taken off the course if you go pass four hours. I want to encourage you to start at 8:00 a.m. along with all the Divas. However, please contact me if you plan to run/walk the half marathon and want to start early. You should plan to arrive no later then 6:30 a.m. Reminder: you will not be timed with a chip and will not have an official finish time or a finisher certificate.

Red Power Diva Party –
Season Celebration party, Saturday, October 13^th
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Potluck: If you want to bring an item to the potluck, please contact
Michelle.
Parking: Plenty of parking is available on the street
Entertainment: Games and a special presentation of a DVD of the Divas 2007 season produced by Diva Judy H and her husband Devo Leo H.

East Bay Divas – Reported by Diva Location Leader Sandra W:

The East Bay Chapter represented the Red Power Divas on October 6^th during the Walnut Creek Step Out Diabetes 5K Walk. My 9-yr-old daughter, Giovy, "Little Diva Extraordinaire" and I finished in 39 mins (we did intervals, walked and run), my mother Vilma, my father Eduardo, my sister Vero and my little 9-mo-old nephew Gavin, finished in about 1.5 hrs (they walked while pushing his stroller). Other family friends drove from Mt. View to join us in this walk "to fight Diabetes" (you'll see them in the last picture). We had a great time! As Giovy and I ran pass some of the walkers, we could hear them say: "Go Divas"!!!, they could read the back of our shirts as we passed by...it was great!!! : )

Special Honor & Congratulations
Diva Karen R and her husband James S proudly announces that their Film, Making the River, has been chosen as an official selection of the American Indian Film Festival www.aifisf.com in San Francisco. It will premiere on November 9^th at 7:30 at the Palace of Fine Arts.

Red Power Divas Post Season
Base upon special request by a number of Divas, there will be a post season training program developed with recommended race events. Of course your participation is always option

Survey to Help Plan for Red Power Divas 2008
I want to thank all those Divas who have returned their surveys and encourage others who have not to please email or fax me their survey. All the information will be reviewed and will be used to plan our 2008 season.

Reminder: Anyone interested in serving on the RPD 2008 Planning Committee, please contact me.

Diva Shirts
If you need a Diva shirt, I will have them available at the Expo on Friday and Saturday and at the Diva party on Saturday. Please visit the Diva booth.

Divas Rock
Sharon