The Weekly Pep Talk Only 20 Days...

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk #184
Start March 5, 2012

Words to live by: "One of the best things to do sometimes is simply to be." - Eric Butterworth

Woman of the Week: Mary Sue W, who usually runs with us at Sawyer Camp, when we see her. It is always a real pleasure to have you join us!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: Water, water. What an essential life element. Please remember to drink water on a regular basis for a healthy lifestyle. When you are training and sweating you want to add additional water to the mix. For workouts over an hour, you may want to add some electrolyte mix to that water because you are losing nutrients in your sweat and from evaporation. Small bits (2 oz. or less) on a regular basis is way better that big guzzles when you are excercising.

Dear WOW Women and Interested Readers,

What fun last weekend watching the trainees starting from Snow Park and heading out on their chosen courses. Everyone did really well! I was, as usual, very proud to be a WOW Team Member!

For some of you this was a first 13.1 miles and you did it with such aplomb. Rowena, Kathrina, and Kyoung completed their first half marathon distance last Sunday. Hurrah! Lizette had a great run and ran most of the way with Ann R, and Robbi C. I ran with Colleen, Michaela, and Fiona, interspersed with Julie, Ellen and Christy. Lily and Kyoung disappeared early. Where did you ladies go? I had so much fun talking, getting to know you better, watching how you’ve improved. Then there was that one guy…never found out if he was single or not…

Beth W, Eileen, Ellen, Iris, and Lesley showed up at Snow Park then headed off to do their leg of the relay. Read some of their comments in The Winners' Circle.

BTW, 'loved those WOW t-shirts!

You should all feel good about where you are in your training and where you are going. For some of us, this race will not be our peak and there will be other races in the future. For those of you who are uninjured, well trained, psyched and confident, this is your time! How Exciting!

This weekend is our final long run, to be done at a moderate pace for 14 miles or 3 hours, whichever comes first. We’ll be at beautiful Point Isabel. Our relay participants will be doing 80 minutes, at a moderate to strong pace. Isn’t it great to be able to see the end so near?

If the day is nice and you have time, let’s meet for coffee after our workout this weekend.

March 17/18 is a taper weekend for ORF and also the start of training for See Jane Run. On Sunday we have scheduled guest speaker, Dr. Sandy Baird, from Inner Sport in Berkeley. Sandy will be talking to us about preventing and managing knee pain in runners. She can be reached at drsandy@innersport.com. Sandy will be talking at about 10:00 and will also offer one-on one consultations. Her bio is very impressive and is listed in full on the meetup site.

Also on Sunday, March 18, let’s bring snack food to Walden Park and do a little pre-race “getting psyched up“ celebration. With only 10 miles to run for the half marathoners and 90 minutes for the new See Jane Run Trainees, let’s celebrate with a little good food and casual conversation, along with the talk (and evaluations) from Dr Baird and a Q and A Session from your coach.

For new recruits or women continuing on with training for See Jane Run, I will also go through the 12 week training plan and other details for newcomers. Should be a fun day.

March 25 – Post Race Pasta Feed at Michaela’s!

Wonderful WOW Member Michalea R. and husband Tony have offered to host a post-race pasta feed for WOW Members and their families. You Must RSVP so we know who is attending. Starting between 4 – 5 on Sunday, March 25, Michaela and Tony will provide killer home-made pasta sauce (vegetarian, I believe) with meatballs on the side. Each of us is asked to bring a side salad or other side dish and a beverage of choice. RSVP on meetup please (It’s not posted yet) but will be soon. We’ll send directions to all who RSVP. Thanks Michaela and Tony!

Welcome Saturday Power Walkers!

We have a new group of women who are POWER Walkers training every Saturday with coaching from me, every other week. Welcome to Dawn P, Michelle S, Willie, and Donna R. These ladies walk fast! They start at 7AM then stay to walk with the WOW Fitness Walkers at 8:30. The goal is probably Nike Womens or San Jose Rock’n’Roll in October. Ready to start training with the WOW Team Power Walkers? Info on meetup…

Training for See Jane Run 5K and Half Marathon starts soon

ü Virtual Kickoff on March 15,

ü Neighborhood Kickoff on March 17

ü Practice starts March 18

Workout and Event Details are on Meetup at http://meetup.com/gowowteam

Here’s to Fitness, Friendship and Fun, the WOW Way!
Coach Stephanie
P.S. Lauren is back! Yahoo!!

WOW Has Been Demoted. Please VOTE!

Don’t forget to vote for WOW asBest Bay Area Running Club! We have descended fromfirst to second place and need YOUR VOTE! Get friends and family, too!http://sf.cityvoter.com/the-wow-team-bay-area-women-s-run-walk-club/biz/282250 Go WOW Team! As a heads up, if you look and WOW is already in first place, hold off on voting. We want to be strategic here. However, for us to stay even 1 vote ahead of the other teams is an excellent strategy and will keep us in first place (once we get there!)

Success Teams are Forming! Join us!
March 8 - Mentor, Beth W will be holding another Success Team Call. Pam, Colleen, Beth, and Lizette have room for one more participant. If you are interested please tell us on facebook and we will invite you to Beth’s call or another group as it forms. Beth’s group meets on Thursday at 8PM. All WOW Members are invited to be in a Success Team. Each group only has 5 members but you are not limited to which group you can join.

Eileen K, also a mentor, will be offering a call on Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM. If you are available at this time let us know (on facebook) and you will be invited.

I will also be offering a Success Team Call on Saturdays, at 4:00, starting on March 3, immediately before our regular coached call at 4:30.

Robbi C is also forming a group and details will be posted soon.

Thanks to all of the leaders for hosting these call. You may contact Beth, Robbi, Eileen, or me, to learn how to participate. Go to the Winners Circle to start the dialog, please.

If you are interested in learning more, in general about Success Team Calls, you can look at a brief slide presentation at https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddqwb8vg_17jkmw8c9 and let us know that you would like to attend. These Success Calls are really fun and uplifting. Try to participate if you can.

Still Needed! - Oakland Expo Volunteers Needed – The WOW Team needs volunteers to help at the Oakland Run Fest Expo. We can use members or friends and family. Here is what we need:

Friday, March 23 – Setup. 2 volunteers plus Coach Stephanie

Saturday, March 24 – Expo opens about 8AM. We’ll do 2 hour shifts until closing time (need to check times) so need 10 – 15 volunteers (this is the day you have to pick up your race bib so you’ll be coming anyway). This day it is best to have WOW Members at our booth if possible because you will be talking with the public and handing out postcards, etc. about the WOW Team.

Sunday, March 25 – The WOW Team has a booth at the race pavilion where we can leave stuff and meet and so on. We need non-participants so this is a good one to recruit family and friends.Times needed are from 45 minutes before (half marathon) race time to about 1:00. We will also need some clean-up here, after the race.

ORF Helpers: Thanks to the ladies below. I need more!
Iris T – Friday
Ellen G – as needed
Lauren G – as needed
Colleen B – expo
Eileen K - expo

Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon in October – Lizette has offered to help with this. Laura did it last year. Could you two get together and, the rest of you let Lizette know if you want to enter? She needs your name soon to get us in the lottery. Thanks Lizette.

Post your love for the WOW Team on Yelp. http://www.yelp.com/biz/go-wow-team-oakland

Recap from prior weeks:
Coaching calls are now happening on Saturday at 4:30 PM. The phone number has changed. Please RSVP on the Winners’ Circle for this week.. Thanks!

Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Post on Winners Circle every week – From Eileen’s great idea of starting a living WOW journal I am requesting that each of us post a training entry of some sort each week, on the Winners Circle. I will start today and encourage everyone to follow suit. This is a way for you to be accountable to each other and to share your thoughts and feelings about your training – ANY ASPECT! Let’s see where we can go with this. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295132213870830/

Register now for your chosen race at the Oakland Run Fest. WOW Members get a $5 discount. The code is on our web page under the Resources Tab “For Members Only”.

Arrive early; win a prize – WOW Sunday workouts start at 8:00. Please try to be at the meeting area, ready to rock and roll at that time or sooner. To reward those of you who follow through with this I’m offering a drawing when I have goodies to give away.

Upcoming random races and opportunities:
March 25, 2012– Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 14^th - Redwood City, Sequoia Stampede, http://www.seqstampede.com/Stampede.html
April 22, 2012– Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 5,http://www.ocmarathon.com/The OC Marathon and Half Marathon
May 6, 2012- Divas Half Marathon in San Francisco Bay - http://www.runlikeadiva.com
Join California’s Longest Party on May 5-6, 2012! Gather your friends, co-workers or families (12 member teams). Decorate 2 vans. Dress your best (costumes optional). Walk 128 miles or run 199 miles (3 times each, 5 miles in rotation) from the Wine Country, across the Golden Gate Bridge at midnight, to Santa Cruz. Please view TheRelay.com, call 650.508.9700 or email run@therelay.com.
May 17 – 19 –Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com
May 20- The 101st Running of Zazzle Bay to Breakers – Discount Code for WOW Members on our website at gowowteam.com
June 3, 2012See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in Alameda – http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half-Marathon-and-5K-registration.aspx
July 29, 2012- Sept 21, 2012 7th Annual Run at Work Day http://www.thesfmarathon.com
Aug 26, 2012- Santa Rosa Marathon / Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run – thesantarosamarathon.com
Sept 21, 20127^th Annual Run at Work Day
November 18, 2012- The Lady Speed Stick® Women’s Half Marathon Scottsdale-Tempe
www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe

Please VOTE!

Don’t forget to vote for WOW as Best Bay Area Running Club! Get friends and family, too! http://sf.cityvoter.com/the-wow-team-bay-area-women-s-run-walk-club/biz/282250

Pictures
#1 - Go WOW Team - self portrait of WOW Cap by Coach Stephanie
#2 - Heidi H coming in to the finish of SF Half with a PR - photo by Lauren G
#3 - Kosheno M running the Oakland Half in 2011 - photographer unknown
#4 - Somd of the girls at the end of Oakland last year - Photographer Scott?

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle , our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

The Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk #183

Start February 27, 2012

Words to live by: In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. - Henry Ward Beecher Coach’s Note How does this relate to WOW? Give up those pounds of fat and all that fitness paraphernalia. Get rich by using your body through running or walking. Simple and natural!

Woman of the Week: Kelly W is running her marathon this coming weekend. Good luck lady!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: Whether you cover 13.1 miles in 2 hours or 4 hours, you use approximately the same amount of calories per mile (this is an average), no matter what the time or distance. Therefore, this weekend, your level of exertion, defined by calories used, will be about 1310 calories for the half marathon trainees.

Dear WOW Women and Interested Readers,

With 4 weeks and a bit before the Oakland Run Fest I have to tell you ladies that you are awesome! I am so proud of what I see out there! Between the Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday workouts you ladies are burning up the tarmac and utilizing such good training!

I was happy, myself to run with Beth and Ann at the track on Wed morning in SF. Ann’c comments about track, on the Winners’ Circle, were so touching. To start thinking of yourself as an athlete is, for many of us, a change of mindset. You ladies are making the changes! You are athletes! Go for it!

On Wednesday evening, we had to abandon the track at Piedmont, so we truly “headed for the hills”. You ladies were amazing! Running up and down hills with poise, composure, and just a little energy to spare! Beautiful! Eileen, Robbi, Angie, Julie, Pam, Laura, Lesley, Lizette, and Beth were among the stalwart runners. Well done!

Some of you did workouts on Saturday and Sunday. I know, for a fact that Christy G, Aisling, Ann R, and Elaine P were out there on both days. Now that’s dedication.

Congratulations to all the women on Sunday who put in their time or distance at Berkeley Marina. We had 26 women signed up! It was super to meet new participants Marshea and Gloria. Weclome and come back soon!

This weekend you are all invited to join us at Snow Park for the training run. Whether you are running the 5K or the relay or the half marathon, we can all start from the same place.

Water Station Volunteers Needed for Sunday
Can you or your family help? Here are the details I've been given from Gene, race director.

"I have a 7:30 to about 9am shift at Rockridge BART and on 2nd Street in Jack London Square

Then on International from 8 to about 10 or 11 It's hard to gauge how many fulls will run."

If you can assist please contact me, Coach Stephanie, ASAP and I will get details of where to pick up the water and cups and the actual address of your location.

Let’s try to meet near the staging area where Magdalena Lewey-Boulet will talk (at 7:45). I haven’t heard her speak before but she is a hell of an athlete so, should have a good story to tell. Please try to wear your WOW shirts so we can find each other. If, for some reason we miss each other, have a great practice run!

I do recommend taking extra water, snacks, and maybe a little money and cell phone. We’ll be running downtown and through Oakland Streets so you will have opportunities to catch a bus or BART if needed and, of course, you can use your cell phone for all kinds of reasons. Be prepared and then, relax and enjoy!

Take your time to think about what you are doing and how this weekend’s run can help you for race day. What I know already is that you ladies have trained really smart. I am so proud to be your coach.

Just a reminder that our starting time on Sunday is 8AM (not 7AM) but, if you want to hear Magdalena, please be there by 7:40. She starts her talk at 7:45AM.

Go for it ladies. You truly are AWESOME!
Coach Stephanie

P.S. I have an extra registration for the Oakland Half Marathon for $80. If you, or anyone, need it, please contact me at go@gowowteam.com and let me know ASAP.

Relay Members and 5K Members As with last week, this is a time to use more speed in your workouts. You should be strong enough to pick up the pace a bit if you are running the relay or the 5K. Focus on a bit more speed this weekend.

Half Marathon Trainees – This weekend you want to run the entire course so, if this is a first, take it easy and get the sensation. Plan your hydration stops and snacks. Don’t count on the ORF although they have definitely come through in the past. It’s just a good time for you to truly feel in control of your training – every aspect of it.

If you have run this course before, this Sunday is a good time to focus on the course and how you want to handle different sections of it. Please don’t overexert on the pace. A steady run is OK, if you want to try it out or, a new run/walk setting is also an option. This Sunday, in addition to going the full 13.1 is a time to try things (not too many changes) but a few are good. Wearing new clothing? Try them this weekend. New shoes? Be sure to test them out. New snack or different timing for refueling? This is the weekend to check them out.

WOW has been Demoted. Please VOTE!

Don’t forget to vote for WOW as Best Bay Area Running Club! We have descended from first to second place and need YOUR VOTE! Get friends and family, too!http://sf.cityvoter.com/the-wow-team-bay-area-women-s-run-walk-club/biz/282250 Go WOW Team! As a heads up, if you look and WOW is already in first place, hold off on voting. We want to be strategic here. However, for us to stay even 1 vote ahead of the other teams is an excellent strategy and will keep us in first place (once we get there!)

Success Team Calls- Join Us Soon!
Mentor, Beth W held a productive and inspiring Success Team Call on February 23. In attendance were:
Pam, Colleen, Beth, and I. We missed Lizette, who is also in the group but was cheering on her daughter at a track meet. Read about the track success on our Winners’ Circle. This group could use one more member. Contact me or Beth if you would like to join. Next call is Thursday, March 8 at 8PM.

Eileen K, also a mentor, will be offering a call tonight, Tuesday night, February 28 at 8:00 PM. We are still seeking members for the call tonight so let me know if you would like to attend and I will send out call information.

I will also be offering a Success Team Call on Saturdays, at 4:00, starting on March 3, immediately before our regular coached call at 4:30. You may contact either Beth or Eileen, or me, to learn how to participate. Go to the Winners Circle to start the dialog, please.

If you are interested in learning more, in general, you can look at a brief slide presentation at https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddqwb8vg_17jkmw8c9 and let us know that you would like to attend. These Success Calls are really fun and uplifting. Try to participate if you can.

Training for See Jane Run 5K and Half Marathon starts March 17/18 Details are on meetup

Still Needed! - Oakland Expo Volunteers Needed – The WOW Team needs volunteers to help at the Oakland Run Fest Expo. We can use members or friends and family. Here is what we need:
Friday, March 23 – Setup. 2 volunteers plus Coach Stephanie
Saturday, March 24 – Expo opens about 8AM. We’ll do 2 hour shifts until closing time (need to check times) so need 10 – 15 volunteers (this is the day you have to pick up your race bib so you’ll be coming anyway). This day it is best to have WOW Members at our booth if possible because you will be talking with the public and handing out postcards, etc. about the WOW Team.
Sunday, March 25 – The WOW Team has a booth at the race pavilion where we can leave stuff and meet and so on. We need non-participants so this is a good one to recruit family and friends. Details to follow. Times needed are from 45 minutes before race time to about 1:00. We will also need some clean-up here, after the race.
ORF Helpers: Thanks to the ladies below. I need more!
Iris T – Friday
Ellen G – as needed
Lauren G – as needed
Colleen B – expo

Post your love for the WOW Team on Yelp. http://www.yelp.com/biz/go-wow-team-oakland

Recap from prior weeks:
Coaching calls are now happening on Saturday at 4:30 PM. The phone number has changed. I will be sending it out to online coaching members only in a separate email.

Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Post on Winners Circle every week – From Eileen’s great idea of starting a living WOW journal I am requesting that each of us post a training entry of some sort each week, on the Winners Circle. I will start today and encourage everyone to follow suit. This is a way for you to be accountable to each other and to share your thoughts and feelings about your training – ANY ASPECT! Let’s see where we can go with this. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295132213870830/

Arrive early; win a prize – WOW Sunday workouts start at 8:00. Please try to be at the meeting area, ready to rock and roll at that time or sooner. To reward those of you who follow through with this I’m offering a drawing of Celliant sport socks and sweat bands, while they last. Everyone who arrives by 7:59 AM will be given a drawing ticket when they sign-in and we’ll handle the drawing right before we take off.

Upcoming random races and opportunities:
March 3, 2012– Impact 5 and 10K in Walnut Creek – “I am on the Board of a local non-profit in Walnut Creek called the The Kiran Anjali Project (KAP), created to sponsor educational opportunities for disadvantaged girls in India. We are celebrating International Women’s Day by hosting a fundraiser 5/10K Walk/Run on March 3rd, 2012, sponsored by Sports Basement. It is called the IMPACT 5/10K and the theme is “Pound the Pavement and Change a Life”. The proceeds from the event will be donated to KAP’s sponsored school, Wings School for Girls, in Hyderabad, India.

We are hoping to inspire some local folks who want to have fun, support their fitness plans, and donate to a great cause at the same time! For more information, please visit us at www.kaproject.org. You are welcome to contact me with any questions at 415-710-8263.
March 25, 2012– Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 22, 2012 – Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 5, http://www.ocmarathon.com/The OC Marathon and Half Marathon
May 6, 2012 - Divas Half Marathon in San Francisco Bay - http://www.runlikeadiva.com
May 17 – 19 – Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com
May 20, 2012- The 101st Running of Zazzle Bay to Breakers – Discount Code for WOW Members on our website at gowowteam.com
June 3, 2012 See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in Alameda – http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half-Marathon-and-5K-registration.aspx
July 29, 2012- Sept 21, 2012 7th Annual Run at Work Day http://www.thesfmarathon.com
Aug 26, 2012- Santa Rosa Marathon / Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run – thesantarosamarathon.com
Sept 21, 20127^th Annual Run at Work Day
November 18, 2012- The Lady Speed Stick® Women’s Half Marathon Scottsdale-Tempe
www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe

Photos:
#1 - Coach Stephanie in Alameda - Photo by Ellen G
#2 - Inspiration Point - Photo by Lauren G
#3 - Lafayette Reservoir - Photo by Lauren G

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle , our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Tempo Walk?

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

WOW Team Women Walking for Fitness at the Berkeley Marina. Go WOW Team!

As a long time runner and professional coach I run into the same questions many times. They are great questions because they indicate that people are trying to learn and train with knowledge, not just follow the pack blindly.

Here is a common question:

I was wondering...What exactly is fitness walking, power walking, or tempo walking?

Continue reading at this link

Don't Give Up. Good Things Lie Ahead

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

Women sharing and appreciating the good things in life is what WOW Team Success Calls are about.

I had the pleasure of being on a phone call last night where women shared positive pieces of their lives with me. This informal call began because we determined, as a group, that we needed affirmation on what is good in our lives. Making the commitment to sharing the information helps us all dwell on the positive rather than the negative aspects of our daily lives.

Here is the link to the examiner.com article

Please make any comments on our WOW Team Facebook page. Thank you.

The Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

5 weeks left. Are you getting excited? You are definitely getting more fit!

The Weekly Pep Talk #182

Start 2-20-2012

Words to live by: Never ignore a gut feeling, but never believe that it's enough - Robert Heller

Woman of the Week: Ann Ritzma is one of a kind. This woman wears so many hats and does a super job with all of them. We are so lucky to have you as a member and mentor, Ann. Thanks so much!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: Don’t forget to vote for WOW as Best Bay Area Running Club! We have descended fromfirst to second place and need YOUR VOTE! Get friends and family, too!http://sf.cityvoter.com/the-wow-team-bay-area-women-s-run-walk-club/biz/282250 Go WOW Team!

Dear WOW Women and Interested Readers:

I want to congratulate those women who are burning up the pavement every week in their training for the upcoming Oakland Run Fest. Whether it is the 5K, Relay, or Half Marathon, you ladies are sticking with the commitment you made to yourselves and to the WOW Team. Go for it!

For those of you who have drifted away… for a few weeks or a few months or even longer, WE WANT YOU BACK! It is one of the most distressing parts of my job, as coach and founder of the WOW Team, to meet women who want to partake and then leave, often without notification.YOU ARE MISSED!

The worst part for me is that I usually don’t know what happened…With some of you, we stay in touch, and often, it is family obligations. I truly understand how difficult it is to manage relationships (especially young families) and find time for yourself. That said, we all know how essential it is to have time to pursue your own fitness and to feel supported enough to justify that time.

The WOW Team understand both sides of this situation. However, I want you to feel supported by us and encouraged to talk to your families and loved ones about your needs. You are equal in importance to any member of your family – in terms of priorities, no more and no less (this is my opinion).

Now, I know that logistics can make a difference because we have a bond and obligation to family members. Some members in our family need our time in ways and places that conflict with our own needs. I understand this.

Here are some suggestions:
Talk to your family – even the young ones and ask them:

What do they think of you running and getting out exercising on a regular basis. (If you haven’t mentioned this to them before, they may never have thought of you wanting or needing this in your life).
Ask them how they can help you to be able to get out and exercise (this goes for the whole family, big and little folks).
Ask them if they would like to cheer you on if you entered a race (most folks will say yes).

These are just some thoughts for those of you who may just need a little support at home to come back to the WOW Team.

Whatever is keeping you away, please know that you are always welcome and ENCOURAGED to return. We miss you! You make our group better. Come back soon!

Best,
Coach Stephanie

Relay Members and 5K Members You’re upping the time just a little so, try for a few increments of faster running, somewhere in the middle of your workout. 1:1 maybe 10 – 20 minutes of harder/easy and 4:1 maybe 30 minutes or so of pushing the run part. You can do this!

Half Marathon Trainees, you are getting up there in time and distance! This weekend you’ll be putting in 160 minutes (2 hours and 40 minutes) or 12 miles, whichever comes first. We’ll be at the Berkeley Marin so, eat beforehand, bring water or electrolyte for the run, and plan to snack (GU or some other fast energy) on the run. Again this weekend TRY something different. Just try one thing different so that you will know if it made things better or worse for you.

Success Team Calls –
Mentor, Beth W will be holding a Success Team Call on Thursday, February 23 at 8:00PM for 5 lucky women whom Beth has already invited.

Eileen K, also a mentor, will be offering a call on Tuesday night, February 28 at 8:00 PM.

I will also be offering a Success Team Call on Saturdays, at 4:00, starting on March 3, immediately before our regular coached call at 4:30.

You may contact either Beth or Eileen, or me, to learn how to participate. Go to the Winners Circle to start the dialog, please.

If you are interested in learning more, in general, you can look at a brief slide presentation at https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddqwb8vg_17jkmw8c9 and let us know that you would like to attend. These Success Calls are really fun and uplifting. Try to participate if you can.

Here’s to good training , friends and fitness. I would be less happy without all of you wonderful WOW Team women bringing me a warm smile every time I see you at one of our workouts.

Have a good week. See you soon.
Coach Stephanie

P.S. Mark your calendars for a 7:00 AM start time for practice on the ORF course! March 4 (I didn’t choose the time, ORF did). Please RSVP on the WOW Meetup site and also on the Oakland Run Fest Facebook page.

Online Coaching – Train Online - For All Levels of Women Runners and Walkers. Free Intro with Coach Stephanie this Saturday

Here's a webinar I highly recommend (attend for free, RSVP now)—
Train Online for Easy Access and Great Results!

(Click the link above now to RSVP for this free teleseminar training -- which will be on Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 Pacific Time and 5:00 Eastern Time. RSVP now to secure your spot.)
http://getmoving.weebly.com

Recap from prior weeks:
Still Needed! - Oakland Expo Volunteers Needed – The WOW Team needs volunteers to help at the Oakland Run Fest Expo. We can use members or friends and family. Here is what we need:
Friday, March 23 – Setup. 2 volunteers plus Coach Stephanie
Saturday, March 24 – Expo opens about 8AM. We’ll do 2 hour shifts until closing time (need to check times) so need 10 – 15 volunteers (this is the day you have to pick up your race bib so you’ll be coming anyway). This day it is best to have WOW Members at our booth if possible because you will be talking with the public and handing out postcards, etc. about the WOW Team.
Sunday, March 25 – The WOW Team has a booth at the race pavilion where we can leave stuff and meet and so on. We need non-participants so this is a good one to recruit family and friends. Details to follow. Times needed are from 45 minutes before race time to about 1:00. We will also need some clean-up here, after the race.
ORF Helpers: Thanks to the ladies below. I need more!
Iris T – Friday
Ellen G – as needed
Lauren G – as needed
Colleen B - expo

Post your love for the WOW Team on Yelp. http://www.yelp.com/biz/go-wow-team-oakland

Coaching calls are now happening on Saturday at 4:30 PM. The phone number has changed. I will be sending it out to members only in a separate email.

Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Post on Winners Circle every week – From Eileen’s great idea of starting a living WOW journal I am requesting that each of us post a training entry of some sort each week, on the Winners Circle. I will start today and encourage everyone to follow suit. This is a way for you to be accountable to each other and to share your thoughts and feelings about your training – ANY ASPECT! Let’s see where we can go with this. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295132213870830/

Register now for your chosen race at the Oakland Run Fest. WOW Members get a $5 discount. The code is on our web page under the Resources Tab “For Members Only”.

Arrive early; win a prize – WOW Sunday workouts start at 8:00. Please try to be at the meeting area, ready to rock and roll at that time or sooner. To reward those of you who follow through with this I’m offering a drawing of Celliant sport socks and sweat bands, while they last. Everyone who arrives by 7:59 AM will be given a drawing ticket when they sign-in and we’ll handle the drawing right before we take off.

Upcoming random races and opportunities:
March 3, 2012 – Impact 5 and 10K in Walnut Creek – “I am on the Board of a local non-profit in Walnut Creek called the The Kiran Anjali Project (KAP), created to sponsor educational opportunities for disadvantaged girls in India. We are celebrating International Women’s Day by hosting a fundraiser 5/10K Walk/Run on March 3rd, 2012, sponsored by Sports Basement. It is called the IMPACT 5/10K and the theme is “Pound the Pavement and Change a Life”. The proceeds from the event will be donated to KAP’s sponsored school, Wings School for Girls, in Hyderabad, India.

We are hoping to inspire some local folks who want to have fun, support their fitness plans, and donate to a great cause at the same time! For more information, please visit us at www.kaproject.org. You are welcome to contact me with any questions at 415-710-8263.

March 25, 2012 – Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 22, 2012 – Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 5, http://www.ocmarathon.com/The OC Marathon and Half Marathon
May 6, 2012 - Divas Half Marathon in San Francisco Bay - http://www.runlikeadiva.com
May 17 – 19 – Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com
May 20 - The 101st Running of Zazzle Bay to Breakers – Discount Code for WOW Members on our website at gowowteam.com
June 3, 2012 See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in Alameda – http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half-Marathon-and-5K-registration.aspx
July 29, 2012 - Sept 21, 2012 7th Annual Run at Work Day http://www.thesfmarathon.com
Aug 26, 2012 - Santa Rosa Marathon / Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run – thesantarosamarathon.com
Sept 21, 2012 7^th Annual Run at Work Day
November 18, 2012 - The Lady Speed Stick® Women’s Half Marathon Scottsdale-Tempe
www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe

Photos:
#1 - Ann R and Aisling F after finishing a fast half marathon. Photographer unknown
#2 - The WOW Team getting ready to run across the GG Bridge. May 2010 - Photographer, a passing runner
#3 - Iris, Julie, Robbi, and Christina at the WOw Team Marathon Madness Clinic in Emeryville. L. Ganes, photographer
#4 - Kerry, Coach Stephanie, and Elise Q at the Walk-It 5K, May 2011. L Ganes, photographer
#5 - Mentor Eileen K at Emeryville Marina. Guess who took this photo?

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle , our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Track!

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

Stretch!

Track workout for the week of Feb. 20 - 28, 2012

Do 1 mile warm-up followed by dynamic stretches

10 X 400 with 400m RI (Active Recovery)

Cool down 1 -2 laps walking or jogging

Stretch

Don't know your tempo pace? Check with Coach Stephanie

If you are a novice to the track, don't worry about the pace. Try to finish 1/2 of each 400m (1 lap) going hard. Then rest until the experienced runners finish 2 laps. Repeat five times. This applies to runners or walkers.

Don't forget to breathe, use strong legs with soft foot landing, and pump those arms!

Please post your comments on our facebook page. Thanks!

Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk #181

Start 2-13-2012

Words to live by: In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends. - John Churton Collins

Woman of the Week: Dawn Paser is creating a dynamic Saturday group of walkers. With Christy G’s leadership and Dawn’s enthusiasm they are creating fitness, friendship, and fun for the women at Lake Merritt on Saturday morning. Go for it Dawn!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: Please, joinThe Winner’s Circle if you are a WOW Team Member. To do so, contact me at facebook.com/StephanieAtwoodPersonal and I will invite you to join our private, members only group. For non-members, our public site at facebook.com/GoWOWTeam is full of news, photos, and updates on the wonderful WOW Team. Go WOW Team!

Lauren’s Marathon Minute: Our Marathon Coordinator, Lauren Ganes (and resident photographer) has written a very informative piece about nutrition for athletes. Don’t miss it!http://gowowteam.com/marathon-minute-14

Dear Amazing WOW Women and Interested Readers,

We are half way through our training for the upcoming Oakland Run Fest! WOW!You ladies are awesome!

Ann R led the Saturday run workout at Sawyer Camp. Thanks Ann. Iris T, Beth W, and Beth R also ran on Saturday, in a bit of a mist, but with no dampening of spirit. Beth W, who is training for a half marathon, ran farther than she has in years. Good job Beth!

Christy G, with stalwart participant Dawn P, led the Saturday walk group at Lake Merritt. 7 power walkers cruised around Lake Merritt with laughing and talking as an essential part of the mix. Denise, Michelle, Willie, Francina, and Donna accompanied Christy and Dawn. Go Super Walkers!

I will be at Lake Merritt this Saturday and will be starting a 30 minute Coaching Session every other week, immediately following our walk. Highlighting different aspects of a successful fitness program, this week’s topic will be – Walk for the rest of your life. The training will begin immediately after our walk around the lake (at approximately 9:30 AM and will be offered with a“Suggested Contribution of $5 - $10”. Our Saturday walks are FREE!

Our Sunday run at Inspiration Point was cool, hilly, and beautiful! Even the cows were out enjoying the great view on the ridge! Almost 20 women joined us for anything from 70 minutes to 11 miles. I want to thank WOW Mentor and wonderful woman Michaela R for creating a car pool for women from Walnut Creek. Christie A, Michaela, Miriam, and Fiona came together. Also from the Walnut Creek Area was Amanda M who is doing amazing things with her training.

I want to welcome new member Vera C who also ran with us last week at Inspiration Point. Vera will be joining Iris, Lesley, and ? to complete the second WOW Relay Team. Go WOW Team!
It was great to see Kiera N last weekend. We have missed her so much! Welcome back Kiera. You are still looking and running strong.

Relay Members and 5K Members should be training a bit faster these days since you have been out there now for 6 weeks, many of you. We are increasing length of time very slightly giving you the opportunity to test you speed a bit. I encourage you to look at the training program and try to follow it by upping your speed when you aren’t also increasing the amount of time you are moving.

Half Marathon Trainees, you are getting up there in time and distance! This weekend you’ll be putting in 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) or 11 miles, whichever comes first. We’ll be at Walden Park so, eat beforehand, bring water or electrolyte for the run, and plan to snack (GU or some other fast energy) on the run. Now is the time to try things. SO, TRY something different this weekend, please? Just try one thing different so that you will know if it made things better or worse for you.
The WOW Team Challenge rewards WOW Team Members when they reach 10 hours of working out with us! So, if you have completed 10 hours, please tell us on the Winner’s Circle where you put in your time and you will receive congratulations and a Challenge Bag (with goodies in it) from Coach Stephanie. I know we’ve got several women who are eligible!

Success Team Calls – Ace Mentor Beth W will be holding a Success Team Call on Thursday, February 23 at 8:00PM for 5 lucky women whom Beth has already invited.

I will be offering a practice call for any of you who want to learn about these calls on Saturday, February 18 at 4:00, immediately before our regular coached call at 4:30. If you are interested in learning more you can look at a brief slide presentation at https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddqwb8vg_17jkmw8c9 or let me know that you would like to attend on Saturday and I will send call-in information.

These Success Calls are really fun and uplifiting. Try to participate if you can.

Tuesday is rolling on and I want to get this out to you by 4:45. Where does the time go?

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you all have a special valentine to share the day with. See you soon!
Coach Stephanie

February Birthdays and Special Occasions
Kathleen G, Jana C, Lindsay J-E, Kristen B, Eileen K

More Oakland Expo Volunteers Needed – The WOW Team needs volunteers to help at the Oakland Run Fest Expo. We can use members or friends and family. Here is what we need:
Friday, March 23 – Setup. 2 volunteers plus Coach Stephanie
Saturday, March 24 – Expo opens about 8AM. We’ll do 2 hour shifts until closing time (need to check times) so need 10 – 15 volunteers (this is the day you have to pick up your race bib so you’ll be coming anyway). This day it is best to have WOW Members at our booth if possible because you will be talking with the public and handing out postcards, etc. about the WOW Team.
Sunday, March 25 – The WOW Team has a booth at the race pavilion where we can leave stuff and meet and so on. We need non-participants so this is a good one to recruit family and friends. Details to follow. Times needed are from 45 minutes before race time to about 1:00. We will also need some clean-up here, after the race.
ORF Helpers: Thanks to the ladies below. I still need more!
Iris T – Friday
Ellen G – as needed
Lauren G – as needed

Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon in October – Lizette has offered dto help with this. Laura did it last year. Could you two get together and, the rest of you let Lizette know if you want to enter? She needs your name soon to get us in the lottery. Thanks Lizette.

Post your love for the WOW Team on Yelp.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/go-wow-team-oakland

Recap from prior weeks:
Coaching calls are now happening on Saturday at 4:30 PM. The phone number has not changed. I hope to hear from you.

Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Register now for your chosen race at the Oakland Run Fest. WOW Members get a $5 discount. The code is on our web page under the Resources Tab “For Members Only”.

Upcoming random races and opportunities:
Feb. 19, 2012 – The Arizona Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, and 5K, http://www.thearizonamarathon.com
March 3, 2012 – Impact 5 and 10K in Walnut Creek – “I am on the Board of a local non-profit in Walnut Creek called the The Kiran Anjali Project (KAP), created to sponsor educational opportunities for disadvantaged girls in India. We are celebrating International Women’s Day by hosting a fundraiser 5/10K Walk/Run on March 3rd, 2012, sponsored by Sports Basement. It is called the IMPACT 5/10K and the theme is “Pound the Pavement and Change a Life”. The proceeds from the event will be donated to KAP’s sponsored school, Wings School for Girls, in Hyderabad, India.

We are hoping to inspire some local folks who want to have fun, support their fitness plans, and donate to a great cause at the same time! For more information, please visit us at www.kaproject.org. You are welcome to contact me with any questions at 415-710-8263.

March 25, 2012 – Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 22, 2012 – Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 5, http://www.ocmarathon.com/The OC Marathon and Half Marathon
May 6, 2012 - Divas Half Marathon in San Francisco Bay - http://www.runlikeadiva.com

May 17 – 19 – Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com
May 20 - The 101st Running of Zazzle Bay to Breakers – Discount Code for WOW Members on our website at gowowteam.com
June 3, 2012 See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in Alameda – http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half-Marathon-and-5K-registration.aspx
July 29, 2012 - Sept 21, 2012 7th Annual Run at Work Day http://www.thesfmarathon.com
Aug 26, 2012 - Santa Rosa Marathon / Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run – thesantarosamarathon.com
Sept 21, 2012 7^th Annual Run at Work Day
November 18, 2012 - The Lady Speed Stick® Women’s Half Marathon Scottsdale-Tempe
www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe

All photos are from our Inspiration Point Run. Taken by Lauren G and Coach Stephanie
#1 - Julie and Rowens
#2 - Coach Stephanie and Amanda
#3 - Lauren and Kiera. Yahoo! Kiera is back!
#4 - Lauren, Lizette and others stetching. Great form Lizette. Look at that nice straight back!
#5 - Miriam and Ellen enjoying Larabars after the workout
#6 - Pam S stretching
#7 - Ellen G just finished her run

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle, our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Marathon Minute

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

by Lauren Ganes, Marathon Coordinator

Stretching after an 11 mile stint at Inspiration Point, 2012

It’s always fun to arrive at the work-out on Sunday mornings and see so many women, in beautiful fuchsia shirts, ready to get out and run. Last week my husband asked how many women ran 11 miles.

I can’t remember how many women ran the distance last week, or this week, but I just know I saw a lot of hands go up in the air to say they would be going 11 miles or 140 minutes!

I just love seeing teammates on the trail, and particularly enjoy watching them finish their run with the satisfaction of knowing what they have just accomplished. Way to go WOW team!

As Coach Stephanie said this morning, we are now half way through our training for the Oakland Half Marathon.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Sunday, March 4 when we will get to run on the course.

On race day the running festival will provide water and lemon-lime Gatorade at 8 stations for the Half Marathon. They will also provide GU, and some other salty snacks at some of the other aid stations. Make sure you test GU and Gatorade on a training run to make sure they agree with your stomach.

Since our distance has increased I want to remind people to try and eat or drink something with protein within 30 minutes after finishing your run. Protein shakes, low-fat chocolate milk, yogurt, kefir, eggs, turkey, tuna, peanut butter, and almonds are just some ideas of what to eat or drink.

The reasoning behind this is to begin repairing the tiny tears that occur in muscle breakdown.

Thank you, Coach Stephanie, for your training and guidance in meeting the individual needs of each member to stretch and reach their personal goal. We are all fortunate to be members of the wonderful WOW Team!

Coach's Note: When you eat right after your run, the energy goes directly back into the muscles. 200 calories is about how much energy your muscles can absorb directly. A mix of protein with carbohydrate is the best combo. Hence,a half turkey or peanut butter and banana sandwich, cup of milk, etc. is an appropriate portion and suggested food for rebuilding.

The Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk #180
Start February 6, 2012

Words to live by: If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got. – Doug Kaufmann

Woman of the Week: Amanda Moynihan – Going strong and you have already come so far!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: Take a moment, before the workout starts, to say hello to a Fit WOW Woman, someone whose name you don’t know yet. Isn’t it just common courtesy to get to know your teammates? And who knows? Something the two of you share may change your life!
----
Dear Ladies,
What a super workout week! On Wednesday, Michaela R helped me with the track workout in Walnut Creek. Christie, Jill, Michaela, and I warmed up at Las Lomas Track then the ladies ran and I timed. They did 8 400’s at a fast clip. And I mean FAST! This was Michaela’s first venture onto the track and she did a great job!

Mentor Robbi C led the Lake Merritt workout on Wednesday night. We had 3 new participants - Julie, Angela, and Tina. Welcome ladies! And thanks to Robbi for helping out. Did everyone have fun?

On Saturday, our Lake Merritt walking group, led by Mentor Christy G, had 7 women walk the lake at a brisk pace. Dawn, Willie, Michelle, Denise, Francina, Christy and I carried on a lively conversation along with a good pace. Francina and Denise, please come back! And Dawn, Michelle, and Willie, you ladies are amazing! They already did one lap before joining our group at 8:30!

Sunday was definitely the highlight of the week. Our run across the Golden Gate Bridge drew 25 women to Sports Basement at 8AM to head out and over! The weather was perfect! Read the comments on the Winners’ Circle to get a sense of the wonder of the day. Magical! Thanks, once again, to Lauren G for taking photos.

Training is picking up and I hope you all continue to train smart. This last weekend, some of you were out for 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Drinking and eating are an essential part of smart training and, as I have mentioned before, start adding energy at the beginning of your run and continue throughout. Do not wait until you feel tired because you then have a minimum of 20 minutes to fill before new nutrients get to work in your body.

Proper fueling is unique to each of us. However, you must try different things or you won’t know what works for you. My talk, this Saturday, for those of you who have access to the coaching calls, will be about training nutrition. Saturday, 4:30 PM, is the live call. I will send you a recording of it if you request and can’t be there for the live call. (These calls are available to Couch to Accomplished – Best of the Best, Mentors, and certain members). If you are not sure of your status, contact me through the Winners’ Circle.

This coming week, we are upping the ante a bit in the workouts. In other words, I am asking you to go a bit further or harder. Half marathoners will be doing the same distance as last week so I am asking you to run a bit harder (hills at Inspiration Point) or put in the additional 10 minutes (a full 2 hours and 20 minutes) if you are working from time, not miles.

Relay Team Trainees should be running 70 minutes this weekend. For best results you want to put in the time, if you are a novice, and not worry about speed. If you are experienced, you should be pushing the pace and working on technique.
Everyone please remember:

Breathing
Legs
Arms

Get in the zone and work on those three pieces of your training, in that order. You will be a better runner if you do.

Whether you run Saturday or Sunday you will have hills to contend with. Remember what I have said about approaching hills. Be confident and you will do just fine!

7 Weeks to Blastoff! Go WOW Team!
Coach Stephanie

February Birthdays and Special Occasions

Kathleen G
Jana C
Lindsay J-E
Kristen B
Eileen K

Still on the Roster:
Oakland Expo Volunteers Needed – The WOW Team needs volunteers to help at the Oakland Run Fest Expo. We can use members or friends and family. Here is what we need:
Friday, March 23 – Setup. 2 volunteers plus Coach Stephanie
Saturday, March 24 – Expo opens about 8AM. We’ll do 2 hour shifts until closing time (need to check times) so need 10 – 15 volunteers (this is the day you have to pick up your race bib so you’ll be coming anyway). This day it is best to have WOW Members at our booth if possible because you will be talking with the public and handing out postcards, etc. about the WOW Team.
Sunday, March 25 – The WOW Team has a booth at the race pavilion where we can leave stuff and meet and so on. We need non-participants so this is a good one to recruit family and friends. Details to follow. Times needed are from 45 minutes before race time to about 1:00. We will also need some clean-up here, after the race.

Shoe Clinic, Walk and Walk/Run Clinic at See Jane Run – Sunday, Feb 12, after our workout at Inspiration Point, I will be talking about the walk and walk/run clinic on Feb 18 and See Jane Run is offering a shoe clinic (and 20% discount if you buy).
Starting time: 11:00 it’s free to everyone to attend

February 18 – Walk and Walk/Run Clinic, geared to new walkers and aspiring run/walkers who want to race the 5K in Oakland or See Jane Run. 4 hour clinic at the Emeryville Marina. WOW Team Members discount price is $29, Best of the Best Members are Free. Retail price $59. Details on meetup.
Starting time: 8:00 at Emeryville Marina

Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon in October – I know there is interest in doing this. You may also know that it is a lottery! Therefore, we need to enter our team soon (we will be notified) and I need SOMEONE to volunteer to handle the details. It’s just stuff on the internet and emails. Who wants to step up? No experience necessary!

Say something nice about the WOW Team on Yelp, send me the link, and you will receive a gift from your loving Coach http://www.yelp.com/biz/go-wow-team-oakland

Coaching calls are now happening on Saturday at 4:30 PM. The phone number has not changed. I hope to hear from you.

Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Post on Winners' Circle Every Week – From Eileen’s great idea of starting a living WOW journal I am requesting that each of us post a training entry of some sort each week, on the Winners Circle. I will start today and encourage everyone to follow suit. This is a way for you to be accountable to each other and to share your thoughts and feelings about your training – ANY ASPECT! Let’s see where we can go with this. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295132213870830/

Relay Teams – Could I get an update from Iris on team 2, please? Are we starting a third team?

Register now for your chosen race at the Oakland Run Fest. WOW Members get a $5 discount. The code is on our web page under the Resources Tab “For Members Only”.

Arrive Early. Win a Prize – WOW Sunday workouts start at 8:00. Please try to be at the meeting area, ready to rock and roll at that time or sooner. To reward those of you who follow through with this I’m offering a drawing of Celliant sport socks and sweat bands, while they last. Everyone who arrives by 7:59 AM will be given a drawing ticket when they sign-in and we’ll handle the drawing right before we take off.

Upcoming Random Races and Opportunities:
Feb. 19, 2012 – The Arizona Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, and 5K, http://www.thearizonamarathon.com
March 25, 2012 – Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 22, 2012 – Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 6, 2012 - Divas Half Marathon in San Francisco Bay - http://www.runlikeadiva.com
May 17 – 19 – Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com
June 3, 2012 See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in Alameda – http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half-Marathon-and-5K-registration.aspx
Aug 26, 2012 - Santa Rosa Marathon / Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run – thesantarosamarathon.com
November 18, 2012 - The Lady Speed Stick® Women’s Half Marathon Scottsdale-Tempe
www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe

Photos:
#1 - Coach Stephanie prosthelytizing once again (prosthelytizing - the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade); communication intended to induce belief or action)
#2 - A meetup point on Sunday's Golden Gate Bridge run
#3 - About to cross the bridge on Sunday's run
#4 - One last hill before reaching the bridge
#5 - Pam S from last year's run on the bridge - Photos 1 - 5 taken by Lauren Ganes
#6 - Lauren G and Robbi C after 2011 Oakland Half Marathon. Photographer Unknown

If you want to make a comment, please do so on facebook. Thanks!

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle, our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Track!

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

Track workout for the week of Jan 30 - Feb 4, 2012

Do 1 mile warm-up followed by dynamic stretches

1 mile at tempo pace with 2 min break

2 miles at tempo pace with 2 min break

800 meters at tempo pace with 2 min break

800 meters at tempo pace

Cool down 1 -2 laps walking or jogging

Stretch

Don't know your tempo pace? Check with Coach Stephanie

If you are a novice to the track, don't worry about the pace. Try to finish 1/2 of each segment of the workout going medium hard. Then rest until the others all finish and take their 2 minutes break. Everyone start the next segment together. This applies to runners or walkers.

Don't forget to breathe, use strong legs with soft foot landing, and pump those arms!

Please post your comments on our facebook page. Thanks!

The Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk #179
Start January 30, 2012

The Weekly Pep Talk - 8 Weeks to Go! Golden Gate Bridge this Weekend

Words to live by: Patience and fortitude conquer all things. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Woman of the Week: Lizette Byer deserves credit for her patience, fortitude, and drive, now taking on a century ride and the Oakland Half Marathon! Go Lizette!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: When members post in the Winners Circle you are not only sharing your story but you are letting us get to know you as a whole person. Running and fitness is essential to us WOW Women but it is not the whole story of who we are, by any means. Let’s get to know each other through the Winners Circle.

Dear Ladies,

Another great week and no rain!

You ladies are going strong, literally and physically! I am so proud! With 8 weeks left we are moving up in miles and the endurance it takes to complete them. I am deeeelighted that you are taking me seriously and putting in the time but not worrying about the distance. On Saturday, our small group consisted of Beth R, Elaine P, Ann R, and me. We all put in about 60 minutes with Ann planning to add another run in the afternoon. I enjoyed the warm-up and workout ladies. Good job!

On Sunday, we had 18 women join us at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek for up to 120 minutes of running or walking. Robbi C, Rowena R, Lizette B, Eileen K, Julie Y, Amanda M, Michaela R, Iris T, April N, Miriam R, Ellen G, Lauren G, Kelly W, Pam S, Kathy W, Lily C-D, Kyoung, and I were out there pounding the pavement and hitting the hills hard! That hill about 3.5 miles out is no piece of cake!

Now is a time to make sure you are staying hydrated and getting enough calories before, during, and after the workout. On runs over 60 minutes, you should be carrying your own water or electrolyte drink during our training runs.

I recommend drinking shortly before you start your run (5 min or less) and continue to add 2 – 4 oz every 10 – 15 minutes. If this sounds like a lot, it’s because most of us do not take in enough water. Being under-hydrated will cause leg cramps and overall cramping, along with fatigue. Your body needs enough water (and nutrients - which means calories, too) to keep the muscles working properly and to transport toxins out of your body. Even on a cold day you are sweating and losing water through your skin and mouth.

Adding water in small doses, fairly often, gives your stomach a chance to deal with it without being deluged. A huge cup of water in the middle of a run can cause stomach upset, burping, and a slogging feeling as you run.

So, your assignment for next week is to carry some water with you. There are some drinking fountains along the way however, it is best for you to be prepared to take care of yourself and not rely on others. It’s just a good back up since other things can and do go wrong.

I will bring along some GU and shot blocks for you to try next weekend, as we run across the Golden Gate Bridge! Should be beautiful!
Keep up the good, smart, strong training. You ladies are awesome!

Go for it!
Coach Stephanie

P.S. The Winners Circle Journal Entry is to keep us accountable as well as to share what is happening in our fitness journey. Please post your entries. Learn about us. Keep us in your training loop and share those awesome WOW stories that make life interesting. Thanks!
___
Oakland Expo Volunteers Needed – The WOW Team needs volunteers to help at the Oakland Run Fest Expo. We can use members or friends and family. Here is what we need:

Friday, March 23 – Setup. 2 volunteers plus Coach Stephanie
Saturday, March 24 – Expo opens about 8AM. We’ll do 2 hour shifts until closing time (need to check times) so need 10 – 15 volunteers (this is the day you have to pick up your race bib so you’ll be coming anyway). This day it is best to have WOW Members at our booth if possible because you will be talking with the public and handing out postcards, etc. about the WOW Team.
Sunday, March 25 – The WOW Team has a booth at the race pavilion where we can leave stuff and meet and so on. We need non-participants so this is a good one to recruit family and friends. Details to follow. Times needed are from 45 minutes before race time to about 1:00. We will also need some clean-up here, after the race.

Shoe Clinic, Walk and Walk/Run Clinic at See Jane Run – Sunday, Feb 12, after our workout at Inspiration Point, I will be talking about the walk and walk/run clinic on Feb 18 and See Jane Run is offering a shoe clinic (and discount if you buy).Starting time: 11:00 it’s free to everyone to attend.

February 18 – Walk and Walk/Run Clinic, geared to new walkers and aspiring run/walkers who want to race the 5K in Oakland or See Jane Run. 4 hour clinic at the Emeryville Marina. WOW Team Members discount price is $29, Best of the Best Members are Free. Retail price $59. Details on meetup.
Starting time: 8:00

Nike Women’s Marathon and Half Marathon in October – I know there is interest in doing this. You may also know that it is a lottery! Therefore, we need to enter our team soon (we will be notified) and I need SOMEONE to volunteer to handle the details. It’s just stuff on the internet and emails. Who wants to step up? No experience necessary!

Please yelp the WOW Team if you have something wonderful to say. Thank you! http://www.yelp.com/biz/go-wow-team-oakland

Change Coaching calls to Saturday at 4:30, starting in February. This might or might not be better but I wanted to give it a try.
New Day: Saturday
Live Call Time: 4:30 PM
Not available but have a question? Post your question on our facebook public page at facebook.com/gowowteam and I will answer it on the call.
The format will be a change now to answering questions and recording those answers for anyone who requests the recording. So, you have the option of calling in and talking with me, live, or posting a question and I will answer it on the call, to share with all the other callers and have for you as a recording if you let me know.

Recap from prior weeks:
Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Post on Winners Circle every week – From Eileen’s great idea of starting a living WOW journal I am requesting that each of us post a training entry of some sort each week, on the Winners Circle. I will start today and encourage everyone to follow suit. This is a way for you to be accountable to each other and to share your thoughts and feelings about your training – ANY ASPECT! Let’s see where we can go with this. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295132213870830

Relay Teams – Could I get an update from Iris on team 2, please? Are we starting a third team?

Register now for your chosen race at the Oakland Run Fest. WOW Members get a $5 discount. The code is on our web page under the Resources Tab “For Members Only”.

Arrive early; win a prize – WOW Sunday workouts start at 8:00. Please try to be at the meeting area, ready to rock and roll at that time or sooner. To reward those of you who follow through with this I’m offering a drawing of Celliant sport socks and sweat bands, while they last. Everyone who arrives by 7:59 AM will be given a drawing ticket when they sign-in and we’ll handle the drawing right before we take off.

This week details:
Look on meetup for locations and follow your training program for day to day details. Please RSVP.

Important! Our weekend workouts are not based on speed. The purpose is ENDURANCE. Each running workout has a reason. Please be aware of them.
Remember, we are in this for a lifetime! Build your base, get your strength, and remain uninjured so that you can run like a gazelle when the time is right, and for the rest of your life!

Upcoming random races and opportunities:
Feb. 19, 2012 – The Arizona Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, and 5K, http://www.thearizonamarathon.com
March 25, 2012 – Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 22, 2012 – Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 6, 2012 - Divas Half Marathon in San Francisco Bay - http://www.runlikeadiva.com
May 17 – 19 – Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com
June 3, 2012 See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in Alameda – http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half-Marathon-and-5K-registration.aspx
Aug 26, 2012 - Santa Rosa Marathon / Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run – thesantarosamarathon.com
November 18, 2012 - The Lady Speed Stick® Women’s Half Marathon Scottsdale-Tempe
www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe

Photos:
No 1 - great sneaker photo from Mary Beth Thomas
No 2 - Kiera and Filomena at the WOW Team Oakland Expo Booth in 2011. Photographer unknown
No 3 - Ann and Bruno, we miss you both! photo by Jen Garcia
No 4 - Lauren, Ellen, and Heidi on their way to the Golden Gate Bridge. Photographer unknown

How to Perform Super-Slow Weight Lifting (Coach Stephanie says, I’m going to try this… sounds good)
By aggressively working your muscle to fatigue, you're stimulating the muscular adaptation that will improve the metabolic capability of the muscle and cause it to grow. McGuff recommends using four or five basic compound movements for your exercise set. These exercises can be done using either free weights or machines. The benefit of using a quality machine is that it will allow you to focus your mind on the effort, as opposed to the movement.
Dr. McGuff recommends the following five movements:

Pull-down (or alternatively chin-up)
Chest press
Compound row (A pulling motion in the horizontal plane)
Overhead press
Leg press

Here's a summary of how to perform each exercise:

Begin by lifting the weight as slowly and gradually as you can. The first inch should take about two seconds. Since you're depriving yourself of all the momentum of snatching the weight upward, it will be very difficult to complete the full movement in less than 7-10 seconds. (When pushing, stop about 10 to 15 degrees before your limb is fully straightened; smoothly reverse direction)
Slowly lower the weight back down

Repeat until exhaustion. (Once you reach exhaustion, don't try to heave or jerk the weight to get one last repetition in. Instead, just keep trying to produce the movement, even if it's not 'going' anywhere, for another five seconds or so. If you're using the appropriate amount of weight or resistance, you'll be able to perform four to eight repetitions). Immediately switch to the next exercise for the next target muscle group, and repeat the first three steps. When done in this fashion, your workout will take no more than 12 or 15 minutes. For more information about Super-Slow resistance training, please see my interview with Dr. McGuff.

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle, our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Comments? Please post them on facebook. Thanks!

Speed Walk, Run Walk Your First 5K

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

Join Coach Stephanie Atwood from the WOW Team for an introduction to speed walking or run walking your first race.

Walk your Way to your First 5K is a half day clinic on Saturday, February 18 designed for WALKERS and hopeful run/walkers!

We will go over the points of successful speed walking or run walking and practice, too. All of this will be geared to successfully completing the Oakland Run Fest 5K on March 25 or the See Jane Run 5K on June 3.

What will you learn?

Proper walking technique - Coach Stephanie will help you learn how to use your arms and legs properly to be able to move faster and, if desired, transition into running.
Recovery Walk/Speed Walk or Recovery Walk/Run - We will teach you how to apply increments of hard and easy walking and/or running to allow you to get stronger and faster in little bits at a time.
Proper Breathing - If you can't breathe, the rest is really difficult. We will go over rhythmic breathing and practice it while you work out.
Balance and Flexibility - Practice and knowledge of how to apply these two items will help you walk and run faster and stronger.
Proper Equipment - We will go over the basics of good equipment (especially shoes) and how to make good choices.
Race Day - knowing what to expect can make a big difference!

Note: You may take this clinic on its own or make it the first day of training for the Oakland Run Fest on March 25.

If you are training with us for the ORF 5K, plan to stay for the entire program as we will include a practice training walk at the end of the program.

The WOW Team offers Saturday walking workouts at Lake Merritt and Sunday running and walking workouts at various locations throughout the Bay Area accompanied by Wednesday workouts in Walnut Creek, Oakland, and San Francisco - EVERY WEEK, year round!

Feb 12, 2012

Coach Stephanie (from the WOW Team) and the Oakland See Jane Run store are co-hosting a free orientation and shoe clinic on Feb 12 for you to learn more and get your questions answered.

Introductory Talk – Walk (or Run/Walk) Your Way to Your First 5K

When: Sunday, February 12 at 11:00

Where: See Jane Run Store in Oakland, 5817 College Avenue, Oakland CA 94618 p: 510-428-2681

This introduction and shoe clinic is free to all women.

Details here

The Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk - Moving and Grooving and Finishing Week 3
Start January 23, 2012

Words to live by:
I constantly remind myself that resting takes confidence. Anyone can train like a mad man but to embrace rest and to allow all the hard training to come out takes mental strength. – Ryan Hall

Woman of the Week: This week goes to Eileen Killory. You are getting stronger and giving so much to your team mates. Thanks Eileen!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: The improvement phase comes from the recovery and rest portion of your training. So train hard and rest with conviction!

Dear WOW Women and Interested Readers,

It is Tuesday night and I am working hard to get this out to you. I am actually putting on a webinar tonight with Fit Approach. It is called 3 Essentials to Improved Running. If it goes well, I may do it again. Any interest?

On to training…We had another great week and I am seeing the determination in you getting even stronger as your bodies get stronger too.

Some of you are talking pain and we are getting these issues addressed right away. This is so smart! I’m really proud of you.

You are also listening to the purpose of each workout – tempo, endurance, and speed. I want you all to train smart and have amazing success. This will come from listening to your bodies and listening to what I offer in my coaching and learning modules.

And finally, be sure to follow the training programs for your specific distance and goal. This week I will not post them in this newsletter. Try to follow the entire week’s worth of training, all of which is available to you on the website.

I want to thank mentors Eileen K and Michaela R for helping out last Wednesday at our workouts at Lake Merritt and Walnut Creek. With a dark track at Las Lomas, participants Miriam, Anna, Amanda, Christie, Michaela and I still did a timed 2 mile after our warm-up. What good sports you all were!

Eileen led the workout at Lake Merrit since I was in Walnut Creek. From all reports she did a great job and no one was lost! Thanks Eileen.

Saturday, I met Christy G at Lake Merritt, for her morning walk group and we had Dawn, Willie, and Michelle join us. They are ready to train for Nike or the San Jose Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon. Who else wants to do one of these?

Sunday, we had a great turnout and the first 60 minutes of our workout was rain-free. Then, the rain came down pretty steady but did not dampen the spirits of the WOW Women. Everyone who had 100 minutes (or 9 miles) to do, finished the task. Marvelous!
The talking test, as opposed to using too many electronic devices worked quite well. You are a good group of women! All 22 of you who showed up on Sunday!

This week’s pep talk is going to be very short because I am short on time to get it out to you and the rest of the week is crazy.
Be sure to post your questions on the Winners Circle, our public facebook page, or meetup. I’m always interested in hearing from you.

Go WOW Team!
Coach Stpehanie
P.S. You are all awesome! Don't forget it!

Recap from prior weeks:
Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Post on Winners Circle every week – From Eileen’s great idea of starting a living WOW journal I am requesting that each of us post a training entry of some sort each week, on the Winners Circle. I will start today and encourage everyone to follow suit. This is a way for you to be accountable to each other and to share your thoughts and feelings about your training – ANY ASPECT! Let’s see where we can go with this. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295132213870830/

Relay Teams – Could I get an update from Iris on team 2, please? Are we starting a third team?

Register now for your chosen race at the Oakland Run Fest. WOW Members get a $5 discount. The code is on our web page under the Resources Tab “For Members Only”.

Arrive early; win a prize – WOW Sunday workouts start at 8:00. Please try to be at the meeting area, ready to rock and roll at that time or sooner. To reward those of you who follow through with this I’m offering a drawing of Celliant sport socks and sweat bands, while they last. everyone who arrives by 7:59 AM, will be given a drawing ticket when they sign-in and we’ll handle the drawing right before we take off.

This week details:
Look on meetup for locations and follow your training program for day to day details. Please RSVP.

Important! Our weekend workouts are not based on speed. The purpose is ENDURANCE. Each running workout has a reason. Please be aware of them.

Remember, we are in this for a lifetime! Build your base, get your strength, and remain uninjured so that you can run like a gazelle when the time is right, and for the rest of your life!

Upcoming random races and opportunities:
Feb. 19, 2012 – The Arizona Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, and 5K, http://www.thearizonamarathon.com
March 25, 2012 – Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 22, 2012 – Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 17 – 19 – Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com

Your Membership includes:
*Several workouts throughout the week in various locations with our main workouts on Wednesday and Sunday
*Learning modules that take you from couch to accomplished. These webinars offer invaluable information that will make you a better runner and take you, step by step, through the entire running process from your first step to crossing the finish line in your chosen race.
*Online coaching with Coach Stephanie
*Training programs for 5K, 10K, and half marathon with daily instructions
*The Winners Circle
*Cross training is described in the modules and starts with Module 1.
** Power Walk/Recovery Walk description is available on Module 1, From Dream to Reality
***Workout Basics are described in Module 1 of the online learning modules.

Photo of WOW Team Mentors at opening day, Jan 8, 2012. Julie Y, Lesley T, Elyse T (SF Sport and Spine), Robbi C, Ann R, and Eileen K. Taken by Lauren Ganes.

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle, our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Marathon Minute - Technology?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

Go Lauren Go! Crossing the finish of the Walk-It 5K, May 2011

by Lauren Ganes, Marathon Coordinator

Part 1

How much technology do we actually need to rely on while we are running? For the majority of my running life I simply used my watch, noted the time I started, and what time I finished.

I would usually decide ahead of time how many minutes I was going to run. If miles were marked on the trail, I could figure out my exact pace by dividing the time by the miles. Most of the time I would simply enjoy the sights and sounds while running on my own, or the conversation when my daughter or a friend joined me. For my very first marathon I used my watch and all my training runs were based upon time.

When preparing for my first half marathon in December of 2005, I determined my longest run would be 2 hours. The half marathon took me a little more than two and half hours to finish, including running in sand, but I ran continuously.

I have now succumbed to the new technology. While training for a 4:30 marathon I needed to know what pace I was running so I could reach my goal. I do my Garmin to keep track of my miles and let me know my pace and then I decide if I need to speed up, or even slow down if I want to keep a specific pace for a long time. But so many times I like to leave the technology behind and just stay in the moment and run.

I loved Ann R's post on the Winners Circle, January 14. With that in mind, I want to urge WOW Team members to get back to the feeling of running without our technology. Let’s go out for the long run this weekend and focus on running without tuning into our gadgets; let’s use our watches to keep track of the minutes on the trail.

Enjoy your 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 minute run this week-end!

Go WOW Women, You can do it!

Note from the Coach: Lauren has hit the nail on the head. Let's simplify our workout this weekend and (also) accomplish our goal which is to get out there and move for a certain amount of time.

GPS, Heart Rate Monitors, and sensors can change something wonderful into a frustrating, workout nightmare where you forget to listen to your body and put all your energy into a piece of beeping, digital technology.

This weekend, listen to a WOW Buddy talking and skip the sensors. You might be surprised how pleasant and fulfilling a workout can be without all those techno distractions!

Track!

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

Heidi H and Ellen G striding strong at Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley

Track Workouts for the week of January 16-22, 2012 written by Coach Stephanie

Intermediate to Advanced Runners
Warmup 10 - 20 minutes
6 X 800m at slightly more than your 400m pace (5 - 10 secs per lap additional) with 1 1/2 min rest in between each interval. Focus on breathing and quick turnover.
Cool down jog or walk 5 - 10 minutes
Stretch

Novice to Intermediate (less experienced runners and walkers)
Warmup 10 - 20 minutes, walking, jogging, dynamic stretches
4 X 400m hard (walking or running) plus 400m steady immediately following (not easy on this 400m but slightly slower than the first 400m) with 3 min rest in between sets. Focus on breathing and light, mid-foot strike. May want to shorten stride and see if the foot strike gets "lighter".
Cool down jog or walk 5 - 10 minutes
Stretch

Note: The important part of both workouts is that you work at a level that is really hard!

Try taking your pulse and measure if you are in the 95% range immediately following the hard part of the workout.

P.S. It is difficult to get a heart rate monitor to work accurately on track workouts due to the short spurts of activity and the way the monitor tracks your movement. I recommend not using them or continually checking them. They can be very distracting! - Coach

The Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk
Start date January 17, 2012

Words to live by: The irony is that the person not taking risks feels the same amount of fear as the person who regularly takes risks. - Peter McWilliams

Woman of the Week: There are so many wonderful women in our group! This week, however, I would like to highlight Beth Wrightson who is such a gem. Current mentor, organized, always helpful to me and, the best part, recently engaged! Go for it Beth!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: Every running program has 3 elements for improvement: Speed, Tempo, and Endurance Workouts. Each has a purpose. Be clear on what they are and why you are doing them. (Online Module 2 talks about this.) Modules are available to Best of the Best and Regular Subscribing Members. Not certain where you fit in? Check our membership comparison graph at http://gowowteam.com/faqs/compare-memberships

Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers,

Last week was week 2 of our Oakland Run Fest Training and you women are going strong! I want to congratulate Ann R, Beth R, and Filomena B for braving those cold temperatures at Kezar last Wednesday morning. It was COLD! I stood and timed (which was no picnic) while the women did repeats of 400’s and surprised themselves with how much they’ve improved! Yes, speed will come if you stick with the workouts. They proved this.

On Wed. evening, the Lake Merritt group had its own speed test and women were flying! They took me seriously when I said to go hard and fast. Almost 20 women pushed the pace around the lake. This included newcomers Colleen B and Christie R. Good to see Jeanetta M out there going strong and Tami and Lesley completed a brisk fitness walk. Everyone got in a good workout.

Now is definitely the time to listen to your bodies as we add stress through following a regular training program. Please remember to look and listen to the 6 online training modules made to explain all of these training details. You are missing out on a lot if you are not tuning in on Sundays at 4:30 or listening and watching these module on your own schedule.

Our weekend workouts are so diverse! Saturday, we only had Ann R, Elaine P, and me. I was plodding along at a slow walk and Elaine was kind enough to walk with me. Thank you.

Ann ended up running on her own but, as it turned out, I think she got a lot out of it. Please look at her wonderful journal entry made on January 14 in the Winners Circle. If the short link doesn't work, here's the whole thing.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/298011743582877/

Sunday was also COLD but we had a great turnout with more than 20 women at Lafayette Reservoir! Go Ladies Go! We practiced a bit on hill technique then I sent you out to test your new skills. We completed 1 – 3 laps using our newly learned techniques and as Lizette said on facebook “loved the hill training-- I think I had the biggest ear-to-ear grins running down those hills”.

Yahoo! This is what I like to hear!

Be sure to check out the photos from Sunday. Lauren G took some great ones. They’re on meetup, facebook, and will also be on our website when I get to it! Thanks Lauren!

You have plenty of opportunity with the WOW Team. Today I want to remind you of 2 important points:

Listen to your body and,
If you don’t show up, nothing will happen!

Enter your WOW Team Training Experience on the Winners Circle Journal – Please, follow the wonderful explanation from Eileen as to the purpose of keeping a WOW Team/Winners Circle Group Journal and post your personal entries. Here is Eileen’s explanation on facebook http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295937230456995

Runner’s Feast, February 3 – Check out the meetup details for our upcoming Runner’s Feast, a delicious, seasonal, nutritionally balanced meal made for runners (and fast walkers). This is our inaugural dinner and it’s open to the public. Bring a friend or spouse. You MUST RSVP and pay by January 30. http://www.meetup.com/GoWOWTeam/events/42794912/

The Oakland Run Fest Races – You need to register on your own for your chosen race. Check in soon if you want to do the relay! Iris T was organizing a second team and can be contacted through the Winners Circle or at the workouts. You can check with me or your mentor if you don’t yet know Iris.

WOW Members do get a discount and it is on our website but requires a password. The password is case sensitive and is only available to subscribing members. Ask for details on the Winners Circle, or ask your mentor, or ask Coach Stephanie. http://www.oaklandmarathon.com/Registration.htm

This Week’s Details:
Wed :

SF Track at 6:30 AM at Kezar
Walnut Creek at Las Lomas Track with Coach Stephanie at 6:30PM
Lake Merritt Tempo Run in Oakland at 6:30 PM led by Eileen Killory

Saturday: Walk or Casual Run at Lake Merritt with Christy and Coach Stephanie at 8:30 AM

Sunday: Point Isabel, long run at 8:00 AM (arrive early and get entered in our free drawing)

Weekend Workouts:
5K Trainees – Follow the pre-week program until February 12. You are building up to 60 minutes at 5 minute increments or, if you are already at 60 minutes, try to pick up the pace a bit, each week.

10K/Relay Trainees – Still at 60 minutes, in pre-week training until January 28/29. This training assumes you have done a 5K in the last 6 months and are building from a base. Keep trying to increase your speed (or intensity each week) before we start adding extra time to the workout. Note: There is not a 10K race at ORF, only the relay. We are using the 10 training program for our training.

Half Marathon Trainees – we are already up to 100 minutes OR 9 miles whichever comes first (this is adjusted from the printed program just slightly. This is an Endurance Run so DO NOT push the pace. Let your body ease into the new distance or time, whichever comes first.

EVERYBODY!! Increasing speed and distance at the same time is a No/No. First distance, see how it feels, then pick up the pace when you repeat the same workout.

Have a great week. Be strong, happy, and remember that we are here for you.

To Fitness, Friendship, and Fun! Go WOW Team!
Coach Stephanie

Photo 1 - Beth W at Inspiration Point. Upping the miles to train for a half marathon.
Photo 2 - Warmup on a cold morning at Lafayette Reservoir
Photo 3 - Hill technique practice at Lafayette Reservoir
Photo 4 - Coach Stephanie jumping for joy at Lafayette Reservoir
Photo 5 - Christina, Aarti, and Ann at the UN Peace Run in Berkeley

Photos taken by Lauren G. Thanks!

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle, our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Track!

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

Track Workouts for the week of January 9 - 15, 2012 written by Coach Stephanie

Intermediate to Advanced Runners
Warmup 10 - 20 minutes
8 - 10 X 400m at max speed with 2 min rest. Focus on breathing and quick turnover.
Cool down jog or walk 5 - 10 minutes
Stretch

Novice to Intermediate (less experienced runners and walkers)
Warmup 10 - 20 minutes
8 - 10 X 400m at steady speed with 2 min rest. Focus on breathing and light, mid-foot strike. May want to shorten stride and see if the foot strike gets "lighter".
Cool down jog or walk 5 - 10 minutes
Stretch

The Weekly Pep Talk

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

The Weekly Pep Talk
Start date January 9, 2012

Words to live by: Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged. - Helen Keller

Woman of the Week: Cynthia Bagby, you are going to do this, lady. WOW is here for you! Go Cynthia!

Coach Stephanie’s Tip: Every workout has 3 basic components: 1) warm-up/dynamic stretching, 2) The Workout, and 3) cool down/static stretching. Each has a purpose. Be clear on what they are and why you are doing them. (Module 1 in your Couch to Accomplished Program covers this.)

Dear WOW Women and Interested Readers,

Welcome to 2012! I especially want to greet all the new women who joined WOW activities this past week. We are headed into an incredible year of opportunity. I’ve included a recap of last week and additional details on the upcoming week. I look forward to seeing all of you on a regular basis. Be sure to familiarize yourselves with the numerous resources available to you through the WOW Team and take advantage of them!

The WOW Team is for you and about you. Go for it!

What a great opening week! We started off 2012 with a “Current Members Only” track workout. Lauren, Robbi, Beth, Rowena, Julie, Ellen, Kathy, Lesley, Eileen, Christy, and Laura were in good form as they took on a 2 mile timed run at Piedmont track.

On Friday night I hosted a Mentor Appreciation and Preparation Dinner and put our incredible mentors to work! Lauren, Robbi, Beth, Julie, Lesley, Eileen, Christy, Laura, Michaela, and Ann have volunteered their time and expertise to help out this season. We had good food, drink and lively conversation. These incredible women will be there for you this season and are a priceless asset to the WOW Team.

The mentors embody the vision that WOW represents which is to give back and share the benefits of fitness with other women so that ALL WOMEN have the opportunity to make fitness a part of their life and lifestyle, forever! Thank you, wonderful mentors!

Saturday, a small group of women gathered at Chabot College for a full day, pre-season clinic. Lizette, Yukiko, Ann, and I had a great time going over the why and how of effective running. We talked and we practiced. Except for no open bathrooms, everything was perfect for the day. The Chabot Track is gorgeous and the weather was perfect. Thanks for participating ladies.

Sunday was the big WOW Team Season Kickoff, second only to the Superbowl! What an awesome group of women!
With a super turnout and obviously motivated women, I want you to utilize ALL the resources WOW has for you as you go through your training. Be sure to look over the Resources Page on the WOW Team website to realize ALL the VALUE of your WOW Membership. Here is the link http://gowowteam.com/resources

Post on Winners Circle Every Week – From Eileen’s great idea of starting a living WOW Team Journal, I am requesting that each of us post a training entry of some sort each week, on the Winners Circle. I will start today and encourage everyone to follow suit. This is a way for you to be accountable to each other and to share your thoughts and feelings about your training – ANY ASPECT! Let’s see where we can go with this. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244142088969843/295132213870830 Note that this link only works for members.

Relay Teams – If you want to be part of the Oakland Run Fest Relay, where 4 women run, as a team, over the marathon course, contact Eileen on the Winners Circle to get the details. Do this soon as the relay filled early last year.

Register now for your chosen race at the Oakland Run Fest. WOW Members get a $5 discount. The code is on our web page under the Resources Tab “For Members Only”. March 25, 2012 – Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com

Arrive Early; Win a Prize – WOW Sunday workouts start at 8:00. Please try to be at the meeting area, ready to rock and roll at that time or sooner. To reward those of you who follow through with this I’m offering a drawing of Celliant sport socks and sweat bands, while they last. Everyone who arrives by 8, will be given a drawing ticket when they sign-in and we’ll handle the drawing right before we take off.

This week details:

5K Trainees – If you have not completed a 5K Race within the last 6 months, this is my recommended race for you.
We have 6 weeks of base building so relax and get yourself stronger, gradually. Pre weeks continue until February 12 when we will jump in to Week 1 of our 6 week training program.

Pre – Weeks: Monday, Rest. Tuesday, cross train.* Wednesday, on track with the WOW Team or work on your 2 mile timed workout. Thursday, Rest. Friday, Walk/Run 30 minutes total with 5 min warm-up, 5 X 1 power walk alternating with 5 X 1 recovery walk**, 10 minutes steady walk or easy run, 5 min cool-down walk. Saturday Rest or do 30 minutes of your chosen exercise (not running).

Sunday, workout with WOW, 60 minutes total, 5 min. warm-up walk, 5 X 1 power walk alternating with 5 X 1 recovery walk, 45 minutes steady walk or jog.***

10K/Relay Trainees – If you have completed a 5K or longer race in the last 6 months, this might be a lot of fun for you. We are in pre-week training until January 28. Follow the details on the 8 Week 10K Novice Training Schedule on our website. (This training applies to any of you who have not raced farther than a 6 mile race in the last 6 months.)

Weekend distance total is 60 minutes. Details on the training program.

Half Marathon Trainees – Half Marathon trainees should have participated in a 10K or longer race within the last 6 months and have continued their base training since then. Based on our 60 minutes from last weekend, we will build up to 80 minutes (or 8 miles, whichever comes first) this Sunday. Important! Our weekend workouts are not based on speed. The purpose is ENDURANCE.

I want you to put in the time and not push the speed. If you are not able to do this without pain or aggravation, I want you to seriously consider a shorter distance for the March race and build up to your half marathon for the See Jane Run Half Marathon (June 5) or other later races. Remember, we are in this for a lifetime! Build your base, get your strength, and remain uninjured so that you can run like a gazelle when the time is right.

Even runners get dressed up once in a while. You look lovely Kathy! Happy Birthday: I missed entering Kathrina’s January birthday last week. It’s toward the end of January so; join the ranks of the old ladies Kathy W. Happy Birthday!

Have a good week of fitness and stay active. We’ll be moving and grooving on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday so, see you soon!

To Fitness and Friends!
Coach Stephanie

P.S. Don’t miss out on Lauren’s informative bits and pieces about half and full marathon training in The Marathon Minute on our website.

P.P.S. - There are some great photos of last weekend on facebook and our website. Don't miss them!

Photo 1 - We'll be running on the Golden Gate Bridge soon. Check the dates on the WOW Team Calendar.
Photo 2 - WOW Team Women at the December 2011 CIM Relay
Photo 3 - Kathy reads her 2011 WOW Team Congratulations Certificate handed out at our holiday celebration
Photos taken by Lauren G and other willing photographers. Thanks!

Note: If you have a question and are not yet a member of the WOW Team, post it on our Go WOW Team public facebook page and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Members can post on The Winners Circle, our private facebook page. I'll check in on both. Go WOW Team!

Photos from Kick-off

Gallery

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

This gallery contains 11 photos.

We can thank Lauren Ganes and Laura Lance for these fun photos from the weekend. Thanks ladies!

Marathon Minute

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Coach Stephanie

by Lauren Ganes, Marathon Coordinator
January 10, 2012

It was so exciting to see so many women participating on Sunday at the WOW Team January 8 “kick-off” to the 2012 season.

A number of women will be running the half marathon in Oakland on Sunday, March 25. There are now 11 more weeks to go before race day. This Sunday the long run will be 80 minutes of running, running and walking, or walking; or 8 miles—whichever comes first. This is a slight variation form what the training program says, as we increase our mileage gradually. We will also be practicing hills while training at Lafayette Reservoir.

Photo by Lauren Ganes

Oakland is great about letting us know that there will be 8 aide stations along the Half Marathon course. There will be water and lemon-lime Gatorade at each station. Some stations will also have various flavored Gu gels. It is a good idea to try both the Gatorade and the Gu during your training. If either of these do not agree with you, you’ll know to bring your own supplies on race day.

On your mark, get set, run! GO WOW TEAM!

Go WOW Team!

Lifetime Fitness & Friendship for Women through Running & Walking

Author Archives: Coach Stephanie

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Training for See Jane Run 5K and Half Marathon starts soon

ü Virtual Kickoff on March 15,

ü Neighborhood Kickoff on March 17

ü Practice starts March 18

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May 2012
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