TWPT Mar 29-Apr 4

The Weekly Pep Talk - March 29 - April 4, 2010

Dedicated to the gift that we all share in being able to move! Don’t waste it!

Dear WOW Ladies and Interested Readers,

Another amazing week! We now have the Oakland Running Festival behind us. For those of you who completed it, congratulations in a big way! For those who have other goals, let’s not forget what The WOW Team is about – lifetime fitness, through running and walking. We all have many more miles within us!

Be sure to go the link on our website titled “I did it!” to read the personal accounts of several of our team as they completed the races last weekend. If you participated please add your own comments by filling in the “Response” Box on the page. If you didn’t participate but want to congratulate those who did, please go to the same link and write your comments.

Read the rest of the news at ...TWPT March 29 - April 4, 2010

TWPT Mar 15-21

Go Ann B Go!

The Weekly Pep Talk March 15 – 21, 2010

Dedicated to Ann B who just keeps plugging away at it. You have made amazing strides!

The Week in Review

Saturday, March 13 at Lake Merced – I ran with Brynden today. We checked out the Great Hiway washout near the zoo and then back tracked to Lake Merced. The weather was super. Brynden and I talked and ran around the lake and cut through at the golf course. It was a good pace and great company. Thanks Brynden! - Coach Stephanie

This Saturday our group returns to Sawyer Camp. All abilities are welcome. Details at http://gowowteam.com/directions/sawyer-camp-trail-san-mateosan-bruno

Sunday, March 14 at The Emeryville Marina - We could not have had a more beautiful day if we'd paid a million dollars for it. It was clear, crisp and contagious! Everyone was intoxicated by nature's bounty - sun, sky, land, water...and WOW members!

Some of the ladies were hitting 14 miles this week in their training for the Oakland Half Marathon and they came through like real troopers! Kara, Elke, Ann, Claire, and Melanie did 14 for sure. Jeanetta, Christy, Lauren, Minming, Natalie, Shailushi, Stephaney, Ellen, and Gini were out doing their thing. Julie and Kathleen kept each other company, Marly and Ann shared the turf with Truman and Bruno as they walked and ran with their furry friends.

Thank you Lauren G for helping out at the 3.5 and 10.5 mile aid station. Congratulations to all you 14 milers, especially the first timers!

Last weekend, Minming W finished the Paris Half Marathon with a very respectable 2 hours and 15 minute time. Go for it!

Shailushi, welcome! You fit right in! Great to have you join us.

We missed you Beth but had a great run with Natalie. To all of you who forgot it was daylight savings time, you missed a fantastic workout! Definitely your loss…

Details for The Oakland Running Festival 5K and Half Marathon

Please go to the Oakland Running Festival Website for details about picking up your bib, and the rest of the things you need to know about the races on Saturday night and Sunday morning. http://oaklandmarathon.com

We’re all meeting at Lake Merritt this weekend for our final group training long workout before the big event. This week is a taper week so 5K’ers are doing a 5K and half marathoners are only doing 3 laps around the lake. 9.3 miles. A snap!

Coach Stephanie will be holding 3 discussions about the races during our workout this coming Sunday.

8:15 - Half marathoners will start the course while 5K Racers stay behind for our talk

5K Runners and Walkers – we will meet before you take off for your one circuit of Lake Merritt. We’ll go over where to meet, what to wear, eat, and I will answer any questions. [b]9:50[/b] I will go over details with the first wave of half marathon trainees who will have completed the 9.3 miles in 95 minutes or less...

[b]11:00[/b] I will go over details for the second wave of half marathon trainees who will have completed 9.3 miles in 2 hours 30 minutes or less.

I will be selling WOW t-shirts on Sunday for any of you who will wear them in the race! I have all sizes and the cost is $25. I’d love to see a large group of you WOW Women dressed to race in your WOW t-shirts. I’d be extra proud! Make your checks out to ALTB International, Inc. please.

Upcoming Events In addition to our ongoing fitness workouts, The WOW Team will be training and participating in The Martinez Brickyard Run – April 18 The Bay to Breakers- May 16 The SF Half Marathon and Progressive Marathon/5K – Jul 25 The San Jose Rock’n’Roll October 3 The Wine Country/Healdsburg Marathon and Half Marathon on October 10 The CIM 4 – Person Relay on December 5, 2010 – End of Season! Everyone is invited to participate in this fun event! If you would like to train for any of these events, please contact Coach Stephanie for details. And, for the calendar of all WOW workouts go to http://gowowteam.com/calendar or visit the home page for all the current, breaking news, and maybe a bit of gossip at [url=http://gowowteam.com]http://gowowteam.com [/url] I am so proud of all of you who made the commitment and stuck with the training for the upcoming Oakland Running Festival! It is truly close now. This week we are tapering. The hard work is over. Now you get to reap the benefits of your labor by one more major push. I know you can do it. You know you can do it. All you need to do now is do it! Go for it! See you soon, Coach Stephanie

"Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life." - Confucius --

Coach Stephanie Atwood

http://gowowteam.com Road Runners Club of America Certified Long Distance Running Coach National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Subscribe to Coach Stephanie's Bay Area Women's Fitness Column at Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/x-21216-Bay-Area-Womens-Fitness-Examiner

Follow us on [url=Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Go-WOW-Team-We-are-The-WOW-Team-Fit-Women-of-the-World/215391204501]Facebook[/url] Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/gowowteam Health and Fitness Professional NEtwork at http://www.hfpn.com/Back-Office-cid-1449.html With long distance running, sports nutrition, and personal training certification, Master's Competitor Stephanie Atwood is the ideal trainer and coach. Stephanie also speaks about being "Fit for Life", a story of tragedy and triumph that ranges from winning races, climbing Everest, death, cancer, and growing up as a DeBolt - the family that inspired the Academy Award winning movie "Who Are The DeBolts and How Did They Get 19 Children?".

TWPT Mar 8-14

The Weekly Pep Talk – March 8-14, 2010 Almost There!

This Week is dedicated to Sara N. Your time will come. Do not lose heart.

Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers,

We are getting so close to the Oakland Running Festival, the FINAL GOAL for many of you! Are you getting excited? Do you feel prepared? If you have been sticking with the program you are going to be ready for The BIG DAY! It’s just around the corner!

Last Sunday The WOW Gals were at The Berkeley Marina and many of you completed the 13 mile or 3 hour workout. Everyone had a good workout and the weather was ideal. I was very impressed at the tenacity of each member as she came through the aid station, re-supplied and kept going!

Claire D and Elke V led the pack, while Joanne G and puppy swept the course. Julie Y has made tremendous progress and her tenacity is laudable. Heidi H is so steady and determined. And then we have Ann B, Stephaney C, Jennifer B and Jennifer W, Jessica M, Brenna J, Gini H, Kathryn L, and Kathleen G. Each of you is ...Click here for the rest of the news...

There's lots more to this weekly pep talk! Don't miss all the good stuff... See for yourself.

Go WOW Team! Ongoing fitness for women through running and walking

TWPT Feb 22-28

Lauren G, glad to have the hills out of the way. On to the food at our Lafayette Reservoir Run

Go Ellen Go!

The Weekly Pep Talk - February 22-28, 2010

This week is dedicated to Sarah T. Thank you for helping with the SF WOW Team!

Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers,

Did you all have as much fun as I, last Sunday? What a great day! In spite of the weather it was a super experience. I can't say enough good about lululemon coming through with that fantastic brunch. Thank you to Sylvia, Lindsay, and Baker Junnell. Thank you to Sylvia's family for their help, too. Thank you to the entire lululemon staff for their support of The WOW Team. When can we do it again?

Week 8 of 12 weeks! WOW! This weekend is a 12 miler or 2 hours and 40 minutes (whichever comes first); next week 13 miles; the week after 14 miles; 10 miles, then…Race Day! You 5K Trainees are on the same time plan with a lighter mileage schedule. In fact, your training time is up to 60 minutes and will stay there for the remainder of the training. VERY CIVILIZED!

Volunteers needed for our 13 mile practice run March 7 - Volunteers needed for our upcoming training workout on the Oakland Half Marathon Course. Bring out the spouse? The WOW Team and LMJS will practice on the actual course on March 7.

I need:

1. A bicyclist or runner to accompany me while marking the course in the morning. Time requirement (6:30 to 8:00 AM approximately)

2. People to “man” the aid station at 6 miles (approximately). This can be any age. We’ll offer water, energy drink, gu, and oranges (maybe). This could be an individual, a family, friends, whatever. Time requirement from (8:00AM to 10:00 approximately). Please let me know if you are interested in assisting. Contact Coach Stephanie at coachstephanie@gowowteam.com

We have new photos from Lafayette Reservoir on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Go-WOW-Team-We-are-The-WOW-Team-Fit-Women-of-the-World/215391204501

There are also some photos on the website so check’em out. Thank you to Lauren G and Ellen G for taking these great photos.

Granola, please? - Dear lululemon, Sarah K loved your granola. Do you have a recipe you would share? Thank you very much. The WOW Team.

Confirming this weekend - I apologize for the delay on the WPT (Weekly Pep Talk). It kind of got away from me and now it’s already Friday. You can usually find all the information you need on our website and on the meetup sites for each region.

Saturday’s workout is in San Francisco at 8:00 and includes a 60 minute tempo run starting at Judah and The Great Highway and will head over to Land’s End. It’s a hilly course – 6 miles out and back. For competent runners only, led by Sarah T. http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sf

Sunday we offer two separate locations for all WOW Members. Walkers, runners, run/walkers, Running Festival trainees and general fitness women – Everyone! We’ll meet at 8:00 at Arbolado Park in Walnut Creek or Sawyer Camp in San Mateo. You can RSVP at http://meetup.com/gowowteam or http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-oeb, or http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sobay

Details for all these workouts are on the main WOWwebsite at http://gowowteam.com

Beyond Training - Running and Racing Your Best

Join running professionals Coach Stephanie Atwood, Dr. Selina Shah, and Chi Running/Walking Instructor Hazel Wood for an afternoon symposium about running your best and getting the most out of your training. Details for this March 13 Workshop in Walnut Creek are available through THE WOW Website or http://stridebystride.com. Register before March 6 and save 20%.

Make comments, please. I love to hear from you! Go to http://gowowteam.com/comments and write away!

The WOW Team Challenge – Level 1 Bags are ready. Turn in your times and claim your prize! Details on the website at http://gowowteam.com/wow-team-challenge/

We're a Team! The Shape up SF Walking Challenge is back in 2010 - The WOW Team is signed up and ready for you to join. Just go to the link below and look for our team under the join team menu. We’re listed as Go WOW Team. Anyone, anywhere can join and get prizes for walking, running, exercising of any sort. It’s fun and it helps keep us on our fitness targets. http://www.shapeupsfwalkingchallenge.com/home

Race Discounts

March 27/28 - The Oakland Half Marathon and Twilight 5K = $5 WOW Coupon Code - Whether you register for the Twilight 5K on March 27 or the Half Marathon on March 28, you can save some money by using our WOW Team Discount. It is also a bit cheaper to sign up on Active.com rather through register by mail. The link is http://www.shapeupsfwalkingchallenge.com/home

When asked about the name of the group put Go WOW Team! The $5 discount code is WoW2010. It is case sensitive. The same discount applies to all races. We were given 50 total slots so sign up soon! Please let me know if you have questions.

April 18 – Martinez Brickyard – 4 or 8 Miler in Martinez $17.00 Discount Price for WOW Members

May 16 – Bay to Breakers – 12 K, 7.2 miles. Group Discount for $39.00

July 25 – SF Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Progressive Marathon – Discount TBA

Here's to fitness and fun as a group. Thank you for being a part of The WOW Team!

Coach Stephanie - coachstephanie@gowowteam.com

* * * * *

"Repeat anything often enough and it will start to become you." - Tom Hopkins

TWPT Feb 8-14

The Weekly Pep Talk, February 8-14, 2010, Week 6 of Training for The Oakland Running Festival! This week is dedicated to Lauren G and Ashley C who ran the Kaiser Half Marathon on February 7. Good job! Dear WOW Participants and Interested Ladies, We are 6 weeks into our training for The Oakland Half Marathon and 5K and I see the difference. You are getting stronger, covering more distance and improving! Each of you, at your own level, is moving up in fitness. I commend you for your efforts! I’m planning to write an article about run/walk technique and our WOW Training program for novices. It is clear to me that a lot of you are not quite certain how to train so, this will be coming soon. Until then, remember the time/pace increments and train for time, not distance. Was last weekend gorgeous or what! After so much rain who could have asked for a nice day on Sunday. Even Saturday, at Sawyer Camp was a bit wet. But Sunday blessed us with perfect weather. We all needed it. Welcome to new members Kit, Carol and Sara P who ran with us on Saturday or Sunday. It was good to see Marly N out there again. I hope your new doggy enjoyed his workout at Point Isabel. Who got tired first - you or him? Thanks to Coach Rob and Jessica M for their quality workouts in Walnut Creek; to Sarah T who assisted me on Saturday; and kudos to Kerry S who marked the course for us on Sunday (9 miles) after running 6 or so at Sawyer Camp on Saturday. I couldn’t do this without your good will and expertise! WOW at The Kaiser Half Marathon - Ashley C, from the WC lululemon team ran Kaiser Half Marathon in 1'58". Great job Ashley! Lauren G (in the 60-64 age category) had this to say about her Kaiser experience. “It turns out I was 5th in my age group this year. The person who came in 4th was at 2:04, I was 2:11 and the person after me was 2:16. Each race is different. It was a gorgeous day and I'm happy I ran. I can't complain about 10 minute miles. This was my fastest half marathon. Last year it was 2:14." This was a personal best for Lauren by 3 minutes! I'm proud of both of you ladies. Now, on to Oakland! The WOW Team Challenge – Claim Your prize for your first 10 hours of working out with THE WOW Team - I ordered the prizes today! They will arrive soon. Be sure you have tallied up your time. If you need a form, ask me at our workout or go to http://gowowteam.com/wow-team-challenge/ for the details about how to collect your prize for Level 1. Now, on to Level 2! Drawing Winners - As promised, I have drawn a name from each week for the past 5 weeks of workouts with WOW. Those winners each receive a bottle of Tree Top trim juice drink (flavor of their choice). Just show up at one of our workouts and claim your prize. Winners are: Sarah K - Week 5, Susan G – Week 4, Kerry S – Week 3, Joanne G – Week 2, Sheryl G – Week 1 Happy Birthday to Karen Osborn. Go for the gusto on February 14! Special events and more. Mark you calendars! February 10 – 11 – Boot camp for our track workouts. This is going to be fun! If you are experienced you can bring hand weights and/or resistance bands. Otherwise, just show up! February 21 – ALL WOW Members Fun Run/Practice in Walnut Creek with a brunch afterward sponsored by lululemon. Must RSVP by February 15 February 28 – WOW Members will do their 12 miles, 2 hours 40 minutes, or 60 minute workouts at Sawyer Camp, San Mateo. March 7 – All WOW Members will meet in Oakland to practice on the actual half marathon course March 21 – Lake Merritt Practice/Taper and Pre-Race Pep Talk March 27/28 – The Oakland Running Festival! April 18 –Martinez Brickyard Race for Walkers and Runners – WOW Team Discount May 16 – Bay to Breakers – WOW Team is part of the Club Running Discount Registration - Bay to Breakers – Register with WOW for the Running Club Challenge and get a discount - May 16, 2010 – Always the third Sunday of May. Read all the details at http://gowowteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/2010-Running-Club-Challenge-ING-B2B-_WOWv2_.pdf Details? Go to our website at http://gowowteam.com/mark-your-calendars/ Meetup.com Sites for The WOW Team – We’re in 5 Different Regions! - Check out all the links on our website at http://gowowteam.com/wow-meetup-sites/ You are an awesome group of women! We become even more amazing when we are there for each other; helping, sharing, enjoying workouts, friendship and the wonderful feeling of being fit, together. To Success! - Coach Stephanie "The only lack or limitation is in your own mind." - N.H. Moos

Coach Rob Reports...

Coach Rob reports on The Outer East Bay WOW Group Week 4 of training was a great success for the Outer East Bay WOW Team. Thank you Elke, Estee, Kiera, Ellen, Joanne, Pat, Tami, and Coach Stephanie for coming out to Las Lomas High School for our Thursday night track workout. It's great to see everyone pushing themselves, and getting in a good workout. Another thanks to Assistant Coach Jessica for taking the lead on this workout. You did a great job with the warm up and cool down. On Sunday we met at Civic Park in Walnut Creek for our 8 miler. Thank you Pat, Cathy, and Joanne for coming out. You three women are the most consistent members of the Outer East Bay WOW Team. You are an inspirational to us all. Keep up the good work! This run was a milestone for Jessica Medsger, who ran 8 miles, which was the farthest she had every run. Congratulations on that achievement! I hope everyone is having fun with the group, meeting new people, and pushing themselves to new heights. I definitely know that I am. This has been a wonderful experience and I hope everyone feels the same way. See all of you this Sunday at Walden Park for our 9 miler. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Coach Rob at coachrob@gowowteam.com

TWPT 5 Feb 1-7

Cim Relay 2009 from L to R Heidi H, Coach Stephanie, Ellen G, Yolande S, Christy G - Go WOW Team! Photo by Abby Solomon, www.live for it all.com

The Weekly Pep Talk, February 1 - 7, 2010 Week 5 of Training for The Oakland Running Festival! This week is dedicated to Stephaney Claybon who is sticking with the plan. You are going to make it Stephaney! Dear WOW Participants and Interested Ladies, We are almost half way through our training for The Oakland Half Marathon and 5K. Can you believe it? How do you feel? Are you getting stronger? More confident? Are you following your fitness and training plan? I hope so! Those of you who let the WOW Team help with your training have the benefit of others out there to cheer you on, to share the hassle of getting up early and getting to the track before or after a long day. You have support! I commend you for doing what you are doing. And you, my friend, will be the one who benefits most by following through with this commitment. Keep it up! You are making great progress! I'm proud of you. Kudos to the following ladies who participated in last week’s WOW Workouts: - Melanie A, Barbara A, Lizzy A, Filomena B, Jennifer B, Stephaney C, Estee D, Claire D, Susan D, Cathy D, Sarah H, Lauren G, Patricia G, Joanne G, Christy G, Ellen G, Susan G, Sheryl G, Gini H, Heidi H, Helene H, Brenna J, Sarah K, Kathryn L, Kim L, Jeanetta M, R and J M, Mayra M, Kiera N, Sarah N, Tami P, Ludy P, Pam Q, Kerry S, Cosette T, Sarah T, Lizzie V, Elke V, Kara W, Jennifer W, Minming W, Julie Y. My apologies if I missed your name. Did you sign in? Good Fat, Bad Fat? The article is on line at examiner.com and you can link to it from the Go WOW Team website.  Free Coupons are Here! - Tree Top trim delivered free coupons and pedometers for you WOW Ladies, because you are so wonderful! Please follow the link at http://gowowteam.com/free-offer/ to see all the details and how you can get your free “stuff”. The WOW Team Challenge - Some of you must be getting close to your first level prize after 10 hours of working out with WOW. Kerry S, I think you must be there already! Send your hours of working out, the date, and the location and we will verify it and bring your prize to the next workout. Go WOW Team! Drawing Winners As promised, I have drawn a name from each week for the past 4 weeks of workouts with WOW. Those winners each receive a bottle of Tree Top trim juice drink (flavor of their choice). Just show up at one of our workouts and ask for your prize. Winners are: Kerry S Joanne G Sheryl G Susan G   Happy Birthday to Kathleen G! Mark your calendars! Note All workouts are listed at http://gowowteam.com/calendar. Additionally, I am working hard to get all routes for our workouts on the website. We’ve got Point Isabel set up for this weekend and, you can always look at the track workouts on the site. I’m still working on the details for each long run but that is coming soon.   February 21 – ALL WOW Members Fun Run/Practice in Walnut Creek with a brunch afterward sponsored by lululemon. Come out and run your workout from 50 minutes up to 11 miles and celebrate that we are HALF WAY through our training for The Oakland Running Festival Half Marathon and 5K! This will be the ONLY workout site for the day. We’ll meet at Lafayette Reservoir. Details on parking and route to follow…   February 28 – WOW Members will do their 12 miles, 2 hours 40 minutes, or 60 minute workouts at Sawyer Camp, San Mateo. This site is a great place to check your pace, speed, and stamina on a gorgeous out and back route. Coach Rob may also offer a WC workout but this location will be the “Inner East Bay” location for the day. I chose it because it is fun, safe, and a great place to put in the time and check your pace with mile markers along the route.   March 7 – All WOW Members will meet in Oakland to practice on the actual half marathon course. We will meet up with the Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders to practice on the real thing – the actual Oakland Half Marathon Course. Come on out and join us! Afterward, anyone who wants to “splurge” on the seafood buffet at the Lake Chalet (on Lake Merritt) can certainly eat without guilt and partake of the delicious seafood! This will be the ONLY workout site for all members. March 21 – Lake Merritt Practice/Taper and Pre-Race Pep Talk WOW Women will taper today in preparation for next week’s 5K and Half Marathon. After our run around Lake Merritt we will meet to discuss strategy for next week’s BIG EVENTS! April 10 –Martinez Brickyard Race for Walkers and Runners – WOW Team Discount For those of you not participating in the Oakland Running Festival OR if you want to race again, this hilly 4 or 8 mile course is a classic “home-town” event. WOW Members are eligible for a discounted $17 race entry fee which includes a tech t-shirt. Your coach will be there, will you? Details at http://www.brickyardrace.com   Note: Discount registration is for WOW members only. Current members will have an attachment to this E-mail. All others please join The WOW Team for all it has to offer. We rock!! Correction! Kara Waltz is a dynamite chiropractor and member of WOW. She spoke with us last week about injuries and I listed her contact information in error. Here’s the update:   “Thank you for including my email on your emails as a resource.  However, you listed my email incorrectly.  My correct email is kara@alivechiropractic.net and our website is http://www.alivechiropractic.net Thanks and see you Sunday! KW Weekly Workout Information This week’s current workout information will be confirmed and posted on the main website and on each local geographic site. http://meetup.com/gowowteam - Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Hayward, etc http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-oeb - Walnut Creek, Concord, Pinole, Martinez, etc.   http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-mc - Marin County http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sf - San Francisco http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sobay - South Bay Have a great week. I hope to see you! Coach Stephanie Tues – Track 6am Wed – Track 6:30pm Thurs – Track 6:30pm Sat – Long run or walk 8:00am Sun – Long run or walk or run/walk 8:00am Details? Go to http://gowowteam.com or follow this link Go WOW Team!  Become a fan of The WOW Team on facebook or twitter  “The greatest wealth is health” – Virgil

TWPT Week 4

The Weekly Pep Talk, Week 4 of 2010 – You are doing it! January 25 - 31, 2010 This week is dedicated to Cathy D who, with her buddy Pat G, is training to walk her first half marathon. Keep it up! You’re doing great Cathy!  Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers, The weather didn’t cooperate during the week but, our weekend workouts were all relatively dry. And you ladies were out there pounding the pavement! Good work! I heard that Tami, Joanne, Pat, Cathy, Jen, Jessica, and Coach Rob put in their time at Arbolado Park while Kathleen, Gini, Mayra, Heidi, Ellen, Kerry, Marlene, Helene, Sara, LyFranshua, Claire, Jennifer, Sarah, Yelda, Lauren, Rachel, Susan, Kara, Julie, Marly, and I met at the Emeryville Marina to do our miles. If I missed your name I apologize. You didn’t sign in, that’s all! Thank you to Kara Waltz (Alive Chiropractic) and Jessica Medsger, PT at Sutter Health who, along with yours truly, talked about common injuries and prevention. This was our third in the series. Next week we’ll talk about breathing, pacing, and hills. Each week we try to bring you additional information that can help you cross that finish line or up the fitness level without injury and with a smile on your face! The ladies did anything from 40 minutes to 7 miles and all looked super. By the way, our Saturday group ran at the Presidio in SF. Sarah, Kim, Kerry, Filomena, Lizzy and I welcomed new member Brynden who did a great run along the Embarcadero over to Green Street and back. It spit a bit, off and on, but compared to the weekdays, the weather was Perfect! Bookmark our new website at http://gowowteam.com. We are adding more details and useful information every day. Please be sure to look at what’s happening this week with our workouts. We list track details, locations, routes, times, etc. all on that same site. You’ll also find training programs and payment options, and more. This week’s workout details are all there, waiting for you to check them out. Mark your calendars! - On the calendar tab you can view ALL WOW WORKOUTS for the entire Bay Area. Remember that, once you join the WOW Team you can come to any workout, anywhere. http://gowowteam.com/calendar  By responding to the workout write up for the week you can also RSVP if you aren’t a member of meetup.com  Our 4th week of training already – Believe it or not, this is our 4th week already in 2010. If you have been actively participating you should be noticing a difference. If you are slacking off, DON’T! You can do this! Believe in yourself! Let The WOW Team help. In the next few weeks we have several special workouts. Please try to come to each of them:  February 21 – WOW Fun Run/Practice in Walnut Creek with a brunch afterward sponsored by lululemon. Come out and run your workout from 50 minutes up to 11 miles and celebrate that we are HALF WAY through our training for The Oakland Running Festival Half Marathon and 5K! This will be the ONLY workout site for the day. February 28 – WOW Members will do their 12 miles, 2 hours 40 minutes, or 60 minute workouts at Sawyer Camp, San Mateo. This site is a great place to check your pace, speed, and stamina on a gorgeous out and back route. Coach Rob may also offer a WC workout but this location will be the “Inner East Bay” location for the day. I chose it because it is fun, safe, and a great place to put in the time and check your pace with mile markers along the route. March 7 – All WOW Members will meet in Oakland to practice on the actual half marathon course. We will meet up with the Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders to practice on the real thing – the actual Oakland Half Marathon Course. Come on out and join us! Afterward, anyone who wants to “splurge” on the seafood buffet at the Lake Chalet (on Lake Merritt) can certainly eat without guilt and partake of the delicious seafood! This will be the ONLY workout site for all members. Weekly Workout Information - This week’s current workout information will be confirmed and posted on the main website and on each local geographic site.  http://meetup.com/gowowteam - Inner East Bay http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-mc - Marin County http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sf - San Francisco http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-oeb - Outer East Bay/Walnut Creek http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sobay - South Bay Let us know if you have any questions: CoachStephanie@gowowteam.com CoachRob@gowowteam.com jmedsger@gowowteam.com – re injuries karawaltz@alivechiropractic.net We try not to cancel even if it rains! However, I think we did the right thing last week. Check the main website about 2 hours in advance for any possible changes. http://gowowteam.com/home There is a charge for WOW workouts. For pre-paid members there is no extra charge. For drop-ins, the $7 fee includes any presentation, followed by the running or walking workout after. We hope to see you there! WOW is a happening thing, because of you! You make the difference! Go for it!  To Fitness! Coach Stephanie go@gowowteam.com -- Coach Stephanie Atwood Road Runners Club of America Certified Long Distance Running Coach National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer Subscribe to Coach Stephanie's Bay Area Women's Fitness Column at Examiner.com Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter With long distance running, sports nutrition, and personal training certification, Master's Competitor Stephanie Atwood is the ideal trainer and coach. Stephanie also speaks about being "Fit for Life", a story of tragedy and triumph that ranges from winning races, climbing Everest, death, cancer, and growing up as a DeBolt - the family that inspired the Academy Award winning movie "Who Are The DeBolts and How Did They Get 19 Children?". The WOW Team is an official club registered with Road Runners Clubs of America

Weekly Pep Talk

UN Run/Walk for Peace

  The Weekly Pep Talk, Week 3 of 2010 – Believe in You! January 18 – 24, 2010   Dedicated to those women who made the commute and came out in inclement weather to stick with fitness in 2010. Make the effort and believe in yourself. You can do this (but you do need to show up)! Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers,   Training for The WOW Team is moving right along. Last week, in addition to 3 track workouts, we had a low-key tempo run in San Francisco on Saturday, a talk about Chi Running in Alameda from certified instructor Hazel Wood and from knowledgeable Coach Rob in Walnut Creek before setting out for our workouts on Sunday. The rain mainly held off and we all had good workouts.   Thank you to Hazel for the informative session. Hazel is offering full and half day Chi Running and Walking sessions throughout The Bay Area. You can reach her at http://stridebystride.com for full details on all the programs she offers. Hazel is offering WOW Members a 10% discount. Be sure to mention the WOW Team when you sign up.   Bookmark our new website at http://gowowteam.comNot only is it fun to look at but there is information about almost everything you need to know to be a part of The WOW Team. We also welcome photos and put up new ones all the time. Take a look…   WOW Potluck on Friday, January 22, in San Leandro You are invited! Please RSVP on meetup or http://gowowteam.com/potluck . This is a wonderful time to socialize with women in the group and introduce your friends to The WOW Team. Women and men are welcome. Directions will be sent when you RSVP.   Time: 6:30 to 7:00 Arrive  Bring: A dish of your choice for 4 plus a beverage for 4 Who: All Members and interested friends or family, men or women   Our Famous WOW Team Silent Sport Stuff Auction At our potlucks, you are invited to bring new or slightly used sporting goods (shoes, clothing, watches, etc. for our world famous auction. We set a base price no lower than $5 that WOW keeps in its kitty and any other amount bid higher goes to the seller. It’s fun and you can get some really good deals. I’m offering new, black warm-up pants (L) and a new “Body Tech” T-shirt (XL). Both are musts for the sports enthusiast’s wardrobe. Bring your own stuff and set your own starting price for the auction.   As a Member of WOW You are Welcome to Join Any Workout, Any Time.  If a Saturday works better some weeks, and you are a runner, come on out. The calendar has all Bay Area Workouts for the entire WOW Team. If you want to check out other workouts, look here. The link is http://gowowteam.com/calendar . One note, if you are looking ahead, please check back the week of the event, just to make sure that no details have changed. Thank you.   Lost Members  Oh I hate it when we miss people! This usually happens when they don’t find us at the start of our workouts. A note of caution, please do not trust Google maps or any other general addresses (including GPS)  because they don’t always work for where we meet. Follow the directions on our website or ride with someone who knows how to get there. It’s really a shame to go to all the trouble to work out with WOW and miss us because of getting lost. Equally important, please check the location wit the date. You don’t want to show up at the right spot on the wrong date! (At least you can still get in your workout…)   Not too late to sign up for the Oakland Half Marathon and 5 K Training Program  There is still time for both. However, the group is almost full so don’t wait much longer. Please talk to me if you want to join. Let’s find out where you can pick up the lost weeks. Talk to me.  Walnut Creek WOW Group has Runners, Walkers, and Run/Walkers This entire group is training for the Oakland Running Festival Half Marathon or 5K. Some of the half marathoners are walkers and continue up in pace from there to relatively fast runners. This group meets Thursday and Sunday in Walnut Creek. http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-oeb  There is still time to join!  Two Weeks Down! 10 Weeks to Go! If you are training for The Oakland Running Festival Half Marathon or 5K and need anything from WOW to keep you going strong, contact us. We have training programs, surveys, track workouts, and a vast amount of positive energy and determination coming from our members. Take advantage of all these resources. The WOW Team currently meets 5 days a week throughout The Bay Area. As a member you are eligible to participate in any of the workouts, anywhere!  Currently our schedule goes like this:  Tuesday – Track in SF  Wednesday – Track in Piedmont  Thursday - Track in Walnut Creek  Saturday – Long run in San Francisco/San Mateo  Sunday – Two locations - Long run, walk/run, walk in Inner East Bay, Long run, walk/run, walk in Outer East Bay  Weekly Workout Information This week’s current workout information will be confirmed and posted on the main website at “This Week with WOW”. Follow this link http://gowowteam.com/wow-workouts/ for this week’s info. It is also posted for your geographic region on meet up. WOW offers 5 meetup groups to accommodated different geographical regions in The Bay Area. Our sites include: http://meetup.com/gowowteam - Inner East Bay   http://meetup.com/gowowteam-mc - Marin County   http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sf - San Francisco   http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-oeb - Outer East Bay/Walnut Creek   http://meetup.com/gowowteam-sobay - South Bay  Training Programs If you have not received the daily training program for your chosen goal, please contact me or look on the main site. We are in the process of uploading training programs. The first three programs will include: Intermediate Training for The Oakland Half Marathon on March 28 Novice Training for The Oakland Half Marathon on March 28 Novice Training for the Oakland Running Festival Twilight 5K Race Around Lake Merritt on March 27 Please work from this schedule and let me know if you have questions.  When you show up at the workouts, it is great when you’ve reviewed the week’s information. There are also assignments on non-group days for you. If you are not completing them, it will be tougher to accomplish your goal. Let us know if you have any questions. Gowowteam@gmail.com  We don’t cancel even if it rains!  February 21 WOW Picnic/Brunch after our Sunday Workout  Hosted by lulemon Mark your calendars for this celebration of our training and a chance to eat after a long run/workout. Hosted by lululemon, WOW Members will all meet in Walnut Creek for our Sunday workout and a brunch afterward. Sounds like fun? Join us! Mark your calendar today. We try to host an event once a month throughout the WOW Area which includes the East, North, South and SF Bay Areas. If you would be willing to host a group of 50 persons maximum please let me know. We all share in the food. Any month, should be a Friday or Saturday. Contact gowowteam@gmail.comThe WOW Team Challenge It’s Here! When you reach 10 hours of workout time with The WOW Team you will receive a reusable shopping/ carry-all bag with the WOW Logo and confirmation “I met the first challenge”. The next prize will come at 50 hours. After that, you will need to accrue 150 hours for the next prize. WOW is in the process of getting sponsors for this program but you can start logging miles at your first workout in 2010. Join The WOW Team Challenge and get fit too! If you don’t have your data sheet yet, check it out on the main website at http://gowowteam.com/wow-team-challenge   Third Week’s Workouts  The details for this week’s workouts, with times, locations, and descriptions are on the website at http://gowowteam.com/home. Please RSVP. It really helps us with our staffing and support for you. You may also check on your local regional meetup site for details. Get those addresses above.   Paperwork  Please bring your applications and payments with you this week. If you have any questions, contact The WOW Team at 415 682-8819 or E-mail us at gowowteam@gmail.com.   There is a $7 drop-in charge for WOW workouts. For pre-paid members there is no extra charge. We hope to see you there!   To Fitness! Coach Stephanie   CoachStephanie@gowowteam.com

TWPT Week 2/2

Go WOW Team at Kaiser Half Marathon 2009

The Weekly Pep Talk January 11 - 17, 2010 continued... Weekly Workout Information This week’s current workout information will be confirmed and posted on the main website at “This Week With WOW”. Follow this link http://gowowteam.com/this-week-with-wow for this week’s info. It is also posted for your geographic region on meetup. WOW offers 5 meetup groups to accommodated different geographical regions in The Bay Area. Our sites include:  http://meetup.com/gowowteam - Inner East Bay http://meetup.com/gowowteam-mc - Marin County http://meetup.com/sfrunners - San Francisco http://meetup.com/gowowteamoeb - Outer East Bay/Walnut Creek http://meetup.com/gowowteam-sobay - South Bay Training Programs If you have not received the daily training program for your chosen goal, please contact me or look on the main site. We are in the process of uploading training programs. The first three programs will include:
  • Intermediate Training for The Oakland Half Marathon on March 28
  • Novice Training for The Oakland Half Marathon on March 28
  • Novice Training for the Oakland Running Festival Twilight 5K Race Around Lake Merritt on March 27
Please work from this schedule and let me know if you have questions. When you show up at the workouts, it is great when you’ve reviewed the week’s information. There are also assignments on non-group days for you. If you are not completing them, it will be tougher to accomplish your goal. Let us know if you have any questions. Gowowteam@gmail.com The Main Calendar of All WOW Events  is posted on the WOW site at http://gowowteam.com/calendar for you to review at any time. Because this calendar is dynamic, it can change! Please, always check back within a few days of the workout. The date and time should not change but, sometimes we have to change locations. In the 3 years that we have offered more than 600 workouts and have canceled less than 5! We don’t cancel even if it rains! Potluck - Friday, January 22 Potluck in San Leandro at 6:30 PM – Members, Guests or Those Interested in WOW are Invited! Mayra M is hosting the next potluck at her home in San Leandro and you are invited. Please try to come. You are welcome to bring friends, family, boys and girls. All are welcome. Bring a dish for 4 and a bottle of something to drink. RSVP's are required. Details are posted on our website and you may RSVP on your local meetup site, at http://meetup.com/gowowteam, or E-mail us. We try to host an event once a month throughout the WOW Area which includes the East, North, South and SF Bay Areas. If you would be willing to host a group of 50 persons maximum please let me know. We all share in the food. Any month, should be a Friday or Saturday. Contact gowowteam@gmail.com. The WOW Team Challenge It’s here! When you reach 10 hours of workout time with The WOW Team you will receive a reusable shopping/ carry-all bag with the WOW Logo and confirmation “I met the first challenge”. The next prize will come at 50 hours. After that, you will need to accrue 150 hours for the next prize. WOW is in the process of getting sponsors for this program but you can start logging miles at your first workout in 2010. Join The WOW Team Challenge and get fit too! If you don’t have your data sheet yet, check it out on the main website at http://gowowteam.com/wow-team-challenge Week 2 of 2010 Workouts The details for our second week’s workouts are on http://meetup.com/gowowteam with times, locations, and descriptions and also on the website at http://gowowteam.com.  Please RSVP. It really helps us with our staffing and support for you. Shoe Clinic with Time Ketron last Sunday I hope you learned something from Tim about running shoes. He has a lot of information and it was great to hae his expertise right on site! As I mentioned Tim is offering a discount to any of you you WOW Members who buy your shoes from him. You will also get expert fitting. Remember to pay with check or debit or cash. No credit cards for the discount price.  10% Discount on Running Shoes and Equipment Tim is offering WOW Members a 10% discount when they mention The WOW Team. Bring in your old shoes and pay with check, cash, or debit. No credit cards, please. Athletic Outpost is located at 1528 Bonanza Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596-4524 (925) 943-6453. http://athleticoutpost.com Thank you Tim!  New Website It’s up and running but still needs more content. Leave your comments and know that The Weekly Pep Talk will be posted on the site for your reference in addition to your getting this e-newsletter through your mailbox.  Track Etiquette Please remember when you are on the track that the fastest runner has the right to be in the inner (first) lane. You must move to your right when you hear someone behind you or they call out “TRACK!” Paperwork Please bring your applications and payments with you this week. If you have any questions, contact The WOW Team at 415 682-8819 or E-mail us at gowowteam@gmail.com. Chi Running Intro on Sunday Morning before our WOW Workout in Alameda As part of the first 6 weeks’ orientation to racing, WOW has invited Hazel Wood, a certified Chi Running/Walking Instructor to talk to us about Chi Technique. At our Alameda workout site. Many people have questions about preventing injuries, barefoot running and whether modern running shoes are creating problems. Hazel Wood, Certified ChiRunning Instructor, will be present on Sunday morning from 8 - 8:30 to speak about ChiRunning, to help WOW Team women learn how to achieve your best running and walking form.  This brief talk before our group workout will include Hazel's introduction and explanation of the Chi concept and will then be open to questions from the group. This clinic will happen immediately before the group takes off on its workout.  Hazel will be teaching several half and full day Chi Workshops throughout the Bay Area in January and February and offers a 10% rebate to all WOW Team members. Contact Hazel with questions at http://stridebystride.com. P.S. WOW has also invited Hazel to run with us along the Bay Trail so you can get another chance to speak with her during or after the workout.P.P.S.  There is a charge for WOW workouts. For pre-paid members there is no extra charge. For drop-ins, the $7 fee includes Hazels' presentation, followed by the running or walking workout after. We hope to see you there! P.P.S. Now that’s a lot of information! Take it in bits and pieces. In the interim be sure you get in those weekday workouts. And remember, you are going through a great journey. WOW is here to assist. Have fun, sweat a bit, get fit…with WOW! To Fitness! Coach Stephanie

TWPT Week 2/1

A foggy Sunday morning at Lake Merritt for The WOW Team

The Weekly Pep Talk Week 2, January 11 - 17, 2010 - Rockin' and Rollin' Dedicated to each of you who made the 2010 commitment to get fit. WOW is here to help but without your follow-through it can’t happen. Stick with it! You are going to LOVE the results!   Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers, What a crazy, wonderful first week of 2010 for The WOW Team! What an incredible bunch of women!  Between Tuesday, January 4 and Sunday, January 10 I attended 5 workouts with totally motivated women, ready to rock and roll! There is a lot of material to cover this week and I want you to go to the new website at http;//gowowteam.com to check it out. Follow the various links in today’s Weekly Pep Talk or, if you prefer, read all the details right here in this E-zine version. I had a great time speaking with and running or walking with many of you. I want to thank my helpers, Lauren G, Heidi H, Christy G, Kerry S, Kim L, Sarah T and Rob and Jessica (The WC Coaches). Thank you toTim Ketron who came on Sunday from his store, The Athletic Outpost, in Walnut Creek to tell us about shoes and also run with us. I want to thank each of you returnees for showing your confidence and support of The WOW Program. We’ve grown haven’t we? I also want to thank each new woman who joined our group and has made the commitment to fitness. The WOW Team is an innovative group of women who know that they want fitness in their lives. With your participation, The WOW Team finds ways to make fitness happen!  Each of you plays a part in making that occur. Go WOW Team! You Rock! Not too late to sign up for The Oakland Half Marathon and 5K Training Program There is still time for both. However, the group is almost full so don’t wait much longer. Please talk to me if you want to join. Let’s find out where you can pick things up. New Walnut Creek WOW Group is Very Cool Between Lulumen ladies and Pat, Cathy, Tami, Britney, and Elke, we had a super track workout at Las Lomas Track last Thursday. Rob and Jessica Medsger headed up the coaching team and the rest of us got a chance to run a timed mile. This helped us get a base for our Oakland Running Festival training. This groups has runners, walkers, experienced, and novice athletes so, come on out and join us – Thursday and Sunday in Walnut Creek. http://meetup.com/gowoteamoeb . One Week Down! 11 Weeks to Go! Training for the 2010 Season and Oakland Running Festival got off to a sweaty start on Tuesday, January 5 when the first workout of the season took place at 6:30 AM in San Francisco. The WOW Team presently meets 5 days a week throughout The Bay Area. As a member you are eligible to participate in any of the workouts, anywhere! Currently our schedule goes like this: Tuesday – Track in SF Wednesday – Track in Piedmont Thursday – Track in Walnut Creek Saturday – Long run in San Francisco/San Mateo Sunday - 2 Locations Long run, walk/run, walk in Inner East Bay Long run, walk/run, walk in Outer East Bay Questions provide the key to unlocking our unlimited potential - Anthony Robbins