Tag Archives: The WOW Team

The Weekly Pep Talk

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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!
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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:

  1. Breathing
  2. Legs
  3. 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!

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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

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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:
  1. Pull-down (or alternatively chin-up)
  2. Chest press
  3. Compound row (A pulling motion in the horizontal plane)
  4. Overhead press
  5. Leg press
Here's a summary of how to perform each exercise:
  1. 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)
  2. 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!


The Weekly Pep Talk

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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!

The Weekly Pep Talk

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The Weekly Pep Talk
January 4, 2012

"It's not my job to motivate players. They bring extraordinary motivation to our program. It's my job not to de-motivate them." - Lou Holtz

Woman of the Week:  Kiera Newton, winner of the free registration for upcoming Oakland Half Marathon. Go Kiera! (Kiera is third from the left with team mates Filomena, Lauren, Kiera, and Kosheno)

Coach Stephanie’s Tip:  Steady as she goes. Jump into 2012 full of vim and vigor but temper that energy with a bit of patience. Good things come in fitness through time and dedication. You will reach your goals if you are patient and realistic, along with getting TOTALLY PSYCHED about the great things in store for you in 2012!

Dear WOW Women and Interested Readers,
I am EXCITED about 2012! We have an incredible year ahead and it starts this week! As our first week of training for the Oakland Run Fest I want to encourage each of you to push your limits. In other words, I encourage you to dream big and train hard.

This, as most of you know, does not mean to train for too much too soon. What I mean is that I want you to set a goal and put your heart and soul behind accomplishing it. I will help you with being realistic about distance and speed and how to improve. Your team mates will provide the encouragement and moral support. You need to bring the motivation. I don’t want you sabotaging your goals by not allowing time or not truly committing to the task at hand.

We are going to have a lot of fun! There is nothing better than training with others, making new friends, and learning a new skill while working toward a substantial goal. I want you to leave each workout feeling psyched about the next one! I want you to be tired and proud of what you’ve accomplished. I want you to work hard and know that you are making progress, with each step!

The first step is to come out and get moving with WOW! We have our veteran WOW Members returning Jan 4. Yahoo!

New participants are encouraged to come to our Pre-Season Race Introduction Clinic on Saturday, Jan 7 and/or our Training Kickoff on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Details for the many wonderful things that happen with the WOW Team can be explored, initially, by going to our website and clicking on the Resources Tab. The WOW Web Address is http://GoWOWTeam.com.

2012 has so much potential. Let’s jump in with our eyes wide open, ready for the wonders of fitness, friends, and fun, all in one package…The WOW Team!

Go For It! and Set that Bar High!
Coach Stephanie
And the winner is! Kiera Newton is the lucky winner of our Oakland Run Fest Drawing. OK Kiera, time to get serious about your training…
Happy January Birthdays - Laura Lance, Coach Stephanie, Iris Torres, Pamela Brenman
Oakland Relay Teams – If you are interested in this topic, please contact Eileen by posting on the Winners Circle to let her know of your interest. I believe she was forming a team.
Questions, Comments? – Start at the Resources Tab on our website and take it from there

Set your goal. Take action. Get Moving! Go WOW Team!

Go WOW Team is an all women's, year-round training group. The kick-offs are open to EVERYONE. We hope to meet you soon!



Note: If you have a question but cannot attend please post your question on the WOW Team facebook page  and I'll do my best to post a response there within 1 business day. Go WOW Team!

Update from Coach Jen

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4-16-2011
It was a beautiful day in the Outer East Bay! I had a great birthday run with Raymie, Gina, Maura, Monica, Yael, Janice G., and our two newest members, Jane and Janice B.!

The ladies ran for 60 or 105 minutes along the Contra Costa Canal Trail in Walnut Creek/Concord, and a few of us went 10 miles! We are approaching the halfway point in training for the See Jane Run Half Marathon and everyone is looking strong! Keep up the great work, ladies!

Go WOW Team

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Go Ladies Go! Photo by EA Gordon Designs

Are you a woman who wants to join an ongoing group that meets for fitness and hard workouts but doesn't get caught up in who's moving fastest?

1. No matter where you are now, would you like to improve and strive for something more?

2. Are you looking for the support and organization from a group that meets regularly, without fail?

3. Do you want to make fitness an ongoing part of your life?

4. Would you like to try a race - even if you are a walker?

5. Are you already running and want to run faster or farther?

6. Could you use some advice from a professional, long distance running coach and nationallly certified personal trainer?l

Coach Stephanie founded The WOW Team - Fit Women of the World for you! The WOW Team offers all of the above and meets every week - rain or shine in several locations throughout the Bay Area. Join Coach Stephanie and other women who share your fitness goals.

We are as varied as they come but we share two things:

A. We are all women

B. We want fitness as a regular part of our life

Want more information about the WOW Team and Coach Stephanie?

Bay Area Women's Fitness Writer for examiner.com

Go WOW Team on Facebook

Follow us on twitter

The WOW Team encourages fitness, through running, walking, and movement outdoors, for all women, all sizes, all ages, all abilites, all year round. Join us!

FAQ's and Comments

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Go WOW Team! Go Kerry

From Piedmont Track 7/21/2010

Melanie A - We probably looked like Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks--but the drills were great--deceptively simple, but very strenuous

Donna R - Awesome, I love the way Stephanie changes it up each time. All the women are fantastic!

What is the time block for each of the Sunday workouts ?
Good question, thanks for checking in. The weekend workouts will depend on the distance or time we are working out that weekend and your pace. That said, I try to start right on time. Because we cater to different abilities and different goals you can always expect to work out at least 60 minutes and, by checking your own training schedule, you should have the details for your individualized goal.

Is it ok to have my daughter?
You are always welcome to bring drop-in guests (who can work out with us) or observers, if they don't want to participate. There is a fee for participating drop-ins of $7/with RSVP or $10 when you just show up. Either way, WOW welcomes you.

What day of the week is the training/track in the Walnut Creek area and what time is it?
Track is scheduled for Wednesday with boot camp on Tues and Thursday, all at Las Lomas Track. That workout is 6:30 to 7:30PM. We try to get people in and out within the 60 minutes because it's a week night and always busy for everybody.

Need more details, let me know  gowowteam@gmail.com

Photo: Coach Stephanie celebrating life at The Breast Cancer Hike with her daughters/C. Wills

April 10, 2010
Dear WOW- Just re-surfacing from the 1/2 marathon aches - I'm not sure how all my weird injuries disappeared for that day, but they did. I went from - should I run the 1/2? to will I be able to finish the 1/2? to I want to finish in under 2hrs! I ended up running 9:48 minute miles and I hope to run under 2 hrs next time, but I still can't believe I finished!!

I would've never been able to get back into running (high school cross country was a long time ago...) without this team and Stephanie, everything from the lovely morning carpools to the hot pink WOW chalk at the last mile of a workout. I love this team and can't wait to get 100% better and start training again with you all. - Rachel

March 10
You meet appropriate challenges - Melanie A

Friendly people and a great coach that kicks your butt and takes care of you! - Elke V

March 9- Hi Stephanie - I do appreciate your dedication to women in the East Bay. Thank you for that. But I feel I can get my work outs in for free running with Fleet Feet and other free groups. Can you please take me off your email list? Thanks again, Jessica

Hi Jessica - Thank you for the nice note. I always wonder why people talk about getting their runs for free. Of course, running and moving is free to all of us, as long we take advantage of it. What a gift!

What my meetup and The WOW Team offer is consistency (several times a week, with regularity), organization, ongoing communication, and a professional, caring, coach at the head who truly cares about bringing each participant to her unique, peak ability. Granted, the group dynamic does not allow for one-on-one but I have an eye out for each person in my group. I try to keep them injury-free, motivated, and directed to achieve realistic (but high) goals.

The final piece is the group dynamic. If you fit into a group, whether it's free or paid, it's a great feeling. If you don't fit in, it's time to go elsewhere.

If you want to honor being able to move, you have many ways to do it - The WOW Team, my individual coaching, or all the other options that have nothing to do with me or The WOW Team. I wish you well and I truly hope you take advantage of fitness through movement while you have the gift. Who knows when it may be taken away? Best, Coach Stephanie

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

February 26 Hi Stephanie. I'm looking for the directions to Sawyer Camp and can't find them. Can you give them to me? Hoping I can make it. Thanks. Brenna

Hi Brenna, Go to http://gowowteam.com/directions/sawyer-camp-trail-san-mateosan-bruno/ and follow the link on the page. It pinpoints where we meet. You'll like the place. Very cool...Coach Stephanie

Love those WOW Team t-shirts!

February 21, lululemon hosts our Lafayette Reservoir Workout 

Combined WOW group gathering was great seeing members of other groups and meeting new participants. Thank you Lululemon for the morning feast that followed the workout. Rain may have dampened our hair and our clothes but not our spirits! The larger the group the greater the enthusiasm.  - Pat

The venue was great and the food at the end provided by the Lululemon group was wonderful. Can they do this every Sunday? Just kidding. A little less rain would have been helpful but we've been really lucky until today. Had a great time.  - Cathy

This was a beautiful location with hills for a fun challenge. Thanks Coach Stephanie for the ribbon! Great food provided by lululemon - especially the scones. Yum! - Jennifer W

Hi Stephanie....Just an FYI...I sent Lululemon a thank you card on behalf of WOW for the brunch yesterday. That was so fun! - Sharmaine

Hi Stephanie -The brunch was great this morning. Thank you so much for organizing that for us! Do you think there's anyway I can get my hands on that granola recipe? It was sooooo good! Thanks, Sarah

February 14, Heather Farms Park, Walnut Creek “Hi Stephanie, I am really enjoying the WOW events and I AM getting stronger. Walked 2 hrs Sunday (7 miles). Glad to have the cross-training and hydration/nutrition sessions. Hope to see you soon.” Pat

February 13, SF Java Beach Run “I had a great time at your meet-up; I must work on those HILLS - looking forward to other events.” Gina

February 2, Piedmont Track “ Thank you, Stephanie. I never want to go to track workouts, but when I do, I'm so happy I went. The workout was tough and exactly what I needed. ” Heidi “ Stephanie sure knows her stuff! Great workout tonight! ” Sara “ I love this group! Running up and down hills was the first part, then we headed out on The Bay Trail toward Emeryville for anything between 60 minutes to 8 miles. These gals are looking fine... ” Coach Stephanie “ Tough day for me--sluggish . . . but being part of a group dedicated to fitness really does help me keep pushing on! See you all soon! ” . Sara

“ Enjoyed the good information, demo on running up and down hills. The location was perfect for that training. ” . Julie Y

Contact us at go
Follow Coach Stephanie's Bay Area Women's Fitness Column on Examiner dot com. Here's the link

Follow the WOW Team on Facebook. Here's the link

Follow the WOW Team on twitter. Here's the link

The WOW Team encourages fitness, through running and walking, for all women, all sizes, all ages, all abilites, all year round. Join us!

Track!

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Watch the turnover

Coach Stephanie's track workouts for the week of July 12 - 18, 2010

Intermediate to Advanced Runners
Warm-up 10 - 20 minutes
5 X 600 at 5K pace. Walk back to start. Repeat.
Extra time? Do calf lifts and lowers (50) alternated with the ankle rotation circuit (30 in each position) before cool-down
Cool-down 10 minutes
Stretch

San Jose Rock'n'Rollers and Newcomers to Training on the Track
Warm-up 10 - 20 minutes
We'll do a timed 2 mile practice to get a base. Your pace doesn't matter but you will be going a continuous 8 laps around the track.
Extra time? Do calf lifts and lowers (50) alternated with the ankle rotation circuit (30 in each position) before cool-down
Cool-down 10 minutes
Stretch

Veg out Track Workout
Warm up with the group
Set the music, earphones in 1 ear please, stay in the outside lane
Just keep moving!
Stretch

The WOW Team encourages fitness, through running and walking, for all women, all sizes, all ages, all abilites, all year round. Join us!

Follow Coach Stephanie's Column as Bay Area Women's Fitness Writer for examiner.com

Become a fan of the WOW Team on facebook at Go WOW Team! or twitter

Personal Training Site for Coach Stephanie at Health and Fitness Professional's Network follow this link

WOW Workouts May 24-30

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Part of the trail at Sawyer Camp in San Mateo. Photo/L. Ganes

Mon May 24, 2010 - Week 4 of SF Half Marathon Training

Tue May 25, 2010
6:30pm - 7:30pm - Track and Core Bootcamp for Women
Where: Las Lomas Track, Walnut Creek - Extra Fee

Wed May 26, 2010
6:00am - 7:00am - Kezar Track, SF - speed workouts every Wednesday AM
Where: Kezar Stadium, north central section of the track, near Arguello and Lincoln

6:30pm - 7:30pm - Piedmont track workouts MOVED TO LAKE MERRITT
Where: Meet near the arches and the Lakeside Library, near the Grand Lake Theater, inbetween Lakeshore and Grand Avenue

Thu May 27, 2010
6:30pm - 7:30pm Track and Core Bootcamp for Women
Where: Las Lomas Track, Walnut Creek - Extra Fee

Fri May 28, 2010

Sat May 29, 2010
8am - 9am Sawyer Camp, San Mateo - 60 Minutes - 10 miles - Runners, Walkers, and Run/Walkers
Where: Meet near the south gate. For details look at the directions tab on the home page

Sun May 30, 2010 - Point Isabel, El Cerrito- 60 minutes to 10 miles
Where: Near Mud Puppies Cafe, look on our website under directions. Meet near the bike path entrance, please, away from the dog walking area- 8AM

June 3 WOW Returns to Walnut Creek!

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Mark your calendars ladies!The WOW Team is returning to Walnut Creek for summer/fall 2010!

On Thursday, June 3 WOW will host an evening orientation at Diablo Clinical in Walnut Creek. Diablo Clinical will offer free blood sugar level and bone health testing to all interested women who RSVP. They will also have a registered dietitian on hand to speak about healthy living as it relates to lifetime fitness and weight loss.

Coach Stephanie will go over the upcoming programs offered through the Outer East Bay WOW Team for the remainder of 2010. Try to make it!

For more information about both groups, please check out: www.diabloclinical.com and http://gowowteam.com

Meeting Agenda:

7:00-7:15 --> Greeting, mingling, appetizers, opportunity for free testing by DCR staff*

7:15-7:35 --> Coach Stephanie talks about the Summer WOW Team Programs

•Starting June 14 - 6 weeks to walk, run, or walk/run your first 5K/Progressive Marathon on July 25
•Starting June 28 - 12 weeks to walk, run, or walk/run the San Jose Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon on October 3
•The new ongoing women's boot camp in Walnut Creek

7:35-7:50 --> Registered Dietitian nutrition talk/Q&A

7:50-8:30 --> Wrap up by Coach Stephanie, final questions, mingling, opportunity for free testing by DCR staff*

*During this time, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a free heel scan and/or blood glucose testing to determine their bone health and potential for developing diabetes

Directions/Address: Diablo Clinical Research
2255 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Contact Coach Stephanie if you have questions. And please RSVP. It's free but we need a head count. Thank you!

CoachStephanie@GoWOWTeam.com

Track Workout May 19

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Half Marathon/Marathon Trainees - 10 – 20 minute warm-up, 4 X 800 with 1:30 RI, 10 minute cool-down

Maintenance - 10 - 20 minutes warm-up, 400m HARD X 4 (1st lap skipping, 2nd lap walking/arms pumping, 3rd lap high knees, land on toes, 4th lap heel kick, toe landing) followed by rest until 800 group returns, 10 minute cool-down

Strength Training - 10 - 20 minutes warm-up, Maintenance lap followed by:
Lap 1. 10 pushups
Lap 2. 20 squats
Lap 3. 20 lunges
Lap 4. 20 calf risers

Veg out workout - 10 - 20 minutes warm-up plus walk or run one entire lap hard, one entire lap easy. No stopping, please

TWPT Apr 19-25

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Sarah K and Filomena B talk over upcoming races at Lake Merritt

The Weekly Pep Talk April 19-25, 2010

Dedicated to Kara W, currently volunteering in Haiti

This week's quote "Seize the day, Carpe Diem." - Quintus Horatius Flaccus 65BC-8BC

Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers,

This week's quote got me inspired to finish writing The Weekly Pep Talk. Sometimes it takes a little fire to get me moving and this quote fit the mood for this week. The WOW Team just completed our commitment to The Oakland Running Festival. It was a lot of work and also produced a lot of satisfaction. Don't you agree?

Many of you set a goal and followed through, in spite of the rest of your lives creating distractions. That said, many of you DID NOT PARTICIPATE in The Oakland Running Festival and that absolutely does not mean that you did anything wrong. As you know, your coach did not run any of the events. So there!

My point is, every day is a new opportunity. When we are faced with tough times, tomorrow might be much better. When things are AMAZING and seemingly PERFECT, that time will pass too. We all know this. The more years we spend on this planet, the more cycles we will pass through. Much of that cycle is out of our hands but, to some extent, we all have some control of our destinies.

On this note I want to invite you to continue with The WOW Team, wherever you are in your life cycle. Please SEIZE THE DAY, take control, and join us. We're here for you and we need you to help us complete the cycle and our mission: bringing lifelong fitness, through running and walking, to all women. This is a shared responsibility. Go for it! Go WOW Team! Renew right now! Click on this link http://gowowteam.com/join-us

Weekend Celebration Recap We had almost 20 women show up at Lake Merritt for our celebration last Sunday. It was a glorious day. The workout was one or two laps around Lake Merritt. Nobody got lost! Food and drinks showed up about 9:30 as we gathered to congratulate women who had participated in The Oakland Running Festival this year. Certificates were handed out to those women present and I will mail or hand out additional certificates as I see the rest of you. Join us soon! Congratulations to all of you who participated in The Oakland Running Festival.

New or renewing members: Thank you and welcome!
Beth Wrightson
Mayra Montoya
Unique ?
Karen Smith

Future Goals and Events to Pique Your Interest
Sunday, May 2 - I will be holding a 1 hour run/walk clinic after our 60 minute regular workout. If you are a current WOW Member (1 month, 6 months, or annual membership) you can join for $5. This is also open to others (male or female) who might want to learn or practice this technique for $15*.

In this 1 hour session we will cover: what and why use the run/walk technique, how to adapt it to your personal style, how to use gym boss as your timer, how to do hills, breathing, form, etc. For walkers, and novice run/walkers.

*Join us for the workout ahead of time for no extra fee.

If you want to run Bay to Breakers on May 16, go to the link at our website and check out the discount code. It's under the Training Tab/Bay to Breakers at http://gowowteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Bay-to-Breakers-2010-Novice-Training.pdf

If you want to join me, Coach Stephanie that same weekend, at a YMCA Women's Weekend Getaway, let me know. I'll be leading the outdoor boot camps so, you have the option to sign up for them or not!

May 8 – Planning Meeting
On Saturday, May 8, Coach Stephanie will hold a meeting at her home for women who want to run the Oakland Half Marathon in under 2 hours, 10 minutes or the Long Beach Marathon in under 4 hours and 30 minutes. Mark your calendars for an evening dinner meeting to coordinate longer distance training runs and an additional speed workout in SF.

Please take this survey! If you want to race in the next year, with The WOW Team, what races would you like to train for in 2010 and beyond?
__ Bay to Breakers (May 16, 2010)
__ See Jane Run Half Marathon (June 5, 2010)
__ 4th of July Run for Hunger in Golden Gate Park (5K/10K)
__ SF Half Marathon (July 25, 2010)
__ SF Progressive Marathon (July 25, 2010)
__ UN Peace Run in Berkeley (5K/10K September 2010)
__ San Jose Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon (October 3, 2010)
__ Long Beach Marathon (October 17, 2010)
__ US Women's 10K (in conjunction with US Half in Nov. 2010)
__ CIM 4 person relay in Sacramento (December 5, 2010) This is a must!
__ Oakland Running Festival in March 2011
__ American River Parkway Half Marathon for runners and walkers in May 2011
__ See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in early June 2011
__ Other?

The WOW Team is growing! I need volunteers in the following areas. Please let me know if you can assist (in any of the locations):
__ Walk group coordinator
__ Run/Walk group coordinator
__ Meetup site updater (Marin, SF, So Bay, Outer East Bay)
__ Race coordinator (help with collecting fees, coordinating transportation, meeting spots, etc. for various races that WOW participates in
__ Editing the web data and newsletter and updating/uploading weekly information to gowoteam.com website, facebook, and twitter
__ Assisting with the WOW Team annual calendar
__ Assistant/Intern Coaching, for all areas - training required but, let’s talk if you are interested

Please paste this section into an E-mail and return to me at coachstephanie@gowowteam.com

Old shoes
Bring your clean old running shoes to any of our workouts and The WOW Team will donate them to Sports Basement (ongoing) or a charity looking for running shoes, like the recent Haiti shoe collection. Please make sure they are clean. Thank you!

This Week’s Workouts
Well, the week definitely sped by. Here’s the link for the rest of the week with WOW http://gowowteam.com/wow-workouts-april-19-25/

Have a great, fit week. I hope to see you this weekend.

To Fitness!
Coach Stephanie

P.S. I will not be in Lafayette on Saturday April 24 but will be at the luluemon Store Run on May 1. See you then!

Other…
Christina Hawkins will ride 25 miles on a bike to raise money for education Former WOW Team member and determined woman, Christina Hawkins is riding her bike to raise funds for education. For more details on your tax deductible contribution please contact Christina directly at kickinlava@yahoo.comor go to http://www.tourofnovato.org/index.php?Page=sponsor.php

Sara K, current member of The WOW Team has a request - Your Stuff Wanted for the DiversityWorks Garage Sale! - Contact: J Moses Ceaser moses@diversityworks.org

DiversityWorks' garage sale is happening on May 8th in San Francisco (as part of the giant annual Fair Oaks garage sale extravaganza), and we'd like to get your stuff to sell for the benefit of DW. We might be able to pick it up, or you could drop it off in Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, or San Rafael. Here's what we're ideally looking for: Books, CD's, Records, DVD's, Artwork and Collectibles, Sports Equipment, Games and Toys (including video games), Tools and yard equipment, Small Household Things, Office Supplies, Kitchen Stuff and small appliances, Baby/Infant/Toddler Clothing in good condition (sorry, no adult clothing), Electronics in working order (though NOT any old computer stuff), Small Furniture (NO futons, mattresses, large tables, dressers unless you're delivering day of), Food and Drinks (we also have a little grill/food stand that we set up)

Track/Bootcamp April 21, 2010

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This week we WOW Women will be doing a boot camp instead of track. It will involve some running, standard warm-up, and concentrate on core/strength/flexibility.

Continue each exercise for 2 minutes or fatigue, whichever comes first. Do the exercise with control from beginning to end.

Have fun!

    #1 Push ups
    #2 Forward Lunge/Jump
    # 3 Step-ups
    # 4 Wall sit
    # 5 Bicycles
    # 6 Prisoner Squats
    # 7 Triceps dips with resistance
    # 8 Biceps curls on one leg
    # 9 Plank
    # 10 Hill run/ Arm pump

Repeat then cool down and stretch

Celebrate Apr 18

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http://gowowteam.com

WOW! You are Amazing!

This is it! First we'll do our workout with one or two laps around Lake Merritt (60 minutes). Then we'll all come together to celebrate the season to date.

We have plenty to celebrate together so please plan to stay after our run or walk and join in the potluck brunch. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to share.

Coach Stephanie will have certificates to hand out, we will have good food, and we can discuss our future plans.

Sunday, April 18

8:00 AM - Workout

9:00 AM - begin the party! Eat! Drink!

Be happy that you are healthy enough to move!

Bring a friend!

Bring food or drink for four people

Celebrate!

This event is free!

Run, Walk, Workout with The WOW Team. Join us soon!

WOW Workouts April 12-18

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WOW Team training run at Alameda's Harbor Bay Ferry Landing

WOW Team Workouts for the Week of April 12 - 18, 2010

Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet shall keep WOW Women from working out. Rock on!

Come on out to keep the momentum going, even when between goals. This is what The WOW Team is about: fitness and friendship through running, walking, and the great outdoors!

12 week training for The SF Half Marathon begins the week of May 3. Join us!

Wednesday, 6:30 PM Piedmont High School Track for all abilities

Saturday, 8:00 AM, Sawyer Camp, 60 minutes, walk, run, run/walk. All abilities are welcome!

Sunday, Lake Merritt, 8:00 AM, 1 or 2 laps! What a civilized distance as we maintain fitness and rest up for the next goal. Celebrate afterward at our celebration potluck, right at Lake Merritt. All you Oakland 5K and Half Marathoners need to be there! SF Half Trainees. Be sure to come!

Want to schedule ahead? Check out our group calendar, click here for an ongoing schedule of all workouts and WOW Team Events. Just be sure to check back on a regular basis as things might change...

Questions? Contact Coach Stephanie at coachstephanie@gowowteam.com or
Coach Rob at coachrob@gowowteam.com

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

Track April 7

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Currently WOW is only meeting in Piedmont for our track workouts. We will be adding outdoor bootcamps for speed and strength in Walnut Creek and SF in May. Stay tuned!

Everyone warm-up with 2 laps easy jogging and 5 - 10 minutes of other dynamic stretching moves

Experienced Runners Speed Workout

    8X400m at 5K pace with 400m jog inbetween
    Cool down 2 laps plus stretching

Novice Runners and Walker/Runners

    8X400m hard, Rest
    Cool down 2 laps plus stretching

Walkers and Sprinters

    Straights hard (100m), curves easy (100m), Walkers rest after each lap, sprinters jog a recovery lap then repeat.
    Cool down 2 laps plus stretching

Track March 31

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We're back to track in Piedmont on Wednesday only while Coach Rob and Jessica take a little break. They'll be back soon to offer a fitness bootcamp along with speed workouts on the track in Walnut Creek. Stay tuned!

This Wednesday Kara Waltz of Alive Chiropractic and The WOW Team's good friend and race walker Carolyn Balling will offer run, run/walk, and walking track workouts.

Note: Bring a watch or your gymboss if you want to time yourself.

Here are the workouts:
Everyone warms up together - 1-2 laps walking or jogging and jumping jacks, side skates, high knees, booty burners, bicycle crunches.

Runners will do 400 repeats with a 1 minute rest in between.

Runner/Walkers will do 400 repeats to match every other set with the runners. In other words, they will get a longer rest time while the runners will do 400/Rest/400. The Run/Walkers will do 400/Rest until runners finish second set including another 1 minute rest.

Walkers - Carolyn will have you practice using your arms for increased speed and endurance. She will determine the walker workout details.

Everyone cool down and stretch by 7:15.

TWPT Mar 15-21

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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?".

WOW Details for Mar 15-21

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Stephaney is prepared to go the distance. All 13.1 miles!

Join The WOW Team - Fit Women of the World for fun and some honest sweating as we walk or run our way to lifelong fitness.

Here's what WOW is up to this week.
Wednesday, 6:30 PM Piedmont High School Track for all abilities

Thursday, 6:30 PM Las Lomas Track in Walnut Creek. Track for all abilities

Saturday, 8:00 AM, Sawyer Camp, San Mateo (20 min south of SF). 60 minutes or more. All abilities welcome.

Sunday, 8:00 AM - Taper at Lake Merritt - All East Bay Women meet here

Twilight 5K Runners, we will talk about your race before we go out on the course

Half Marathoners, we will talk race strategy and details after you finish your 3 laps

8:00 AM - 5K Racers will remain behind to talk about the race details while the half marathoners start on their 3 laps around the lake

9:45 AM - First talk afterward about next week's race details at the Oakland Running Festival

10:45 AM Second talk about next week's race details at the Oakland Running Festival

For directions and details on the routes, look at the Directions Tab at the top of the home page

Oakland Running Festival Trainees. Here is this week's long run/workout
  • 5K - One time around the lake, HARD, pushing it. Get a feeling for the competition
  • Novice Half Marathoners - three times around the lake
  • Intermediate Half Marathoners - three times around the lake
Fitness Forever/Maintenance - One or more times around Lake Merritt. You choose.

EVERYONE does a 5 minute walking warm-up. After that you are free to break into your chosen workout style. If you are timing yourself, wait until you reach mile one to start measuring your time/mile.

Questions? Contact Coach Stephanie at coachstephanie@gowowteam.com or
Coach Rob at coachrob@gowowteam.com

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