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The Weekly Pep Talk - WOW was Smokin'

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The Weekly Pep Talk #187
Start March 26, 2012

Words to Live By: "Man is a goal-seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals." -  Aristotle

Final Chance: Please Vote! Get the family and friends to help out. Let’s make the Wow Team the Best Running Club in the Bay Area! http://sf.cityvoter.com/the-wow-team-bay-area-women-s-run-walk-club/biz/282250 . Deadline March 30. Thanks to everyone who has already voted but please bring your friends and family on board, too. We need those votes!

Happy Runners. Oakland Run Fest 2012. Photo by Lauren Ganes

Marathon Minute from Lauren Ganes is ready for reading. Go to http://gowowteam.com/marathon-minute-16 for an update on the ORF.

WOW Members, please share your race stories on the Winners’ Circle. This is your time! (WOW Member but not on the Winners’ Circle? Check your membership resource letter for details on how to participate.)
 

Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers,
 
There will be two more weeks of condensed Weekly Pep Talks. I am taking off tomorrow for a trip to Boston and New York with my college age daughter and we are spending a week exploring colleges and 2 new cities for the first time! I have been all over the world but never to Boston and only once to New York. I am excited! Both, for time to spend with my youngest daughter and for an adventure to share!
 

Rowena and Julie. Rowena ran her first half marathon! 2012

As for the WOW Team, I have to repeat Ann R’s quote from the Winners' Circle “WOW – wee!” What a group! You showed your stuff this weekend and it is documented in race times, photos, and satisfied trainees. I am so proud of what each of you have accomplished! You should feel terrific (if a bit sore!)
 
Many of you were mentioned in Lauren's Marathon Minute so, before thinking we fogot you, please check it out! In addition to what Lauren already wrote about (and photographed) I want to salute Laura L who ran 8 minutes faster in her 5K race this year over last! Additionally Laura took some dynamite photos AND was the impetus and organizer for her school to add a youth running program for students to train for yesterday's race. You totally rock Laura!
 
Elaine P and Ann R finished the 5K bright and early then had to rush off for family and work matters. I loved seeing you out there, finishing strong. Please know that See Jane Run 5K and Half holds bigger and better things for both of you! Go for it!
 
I have known Amanda M for several years. To see the transformation in this woman from then until now is incredible! I am so proud of what you have accomplished Amanda and also see what kind of strength there is in family. You ran for your father, you have a husband who is right there with you (literally, since you ran together!) and a lovely baby daughter to carry on the love from generation to generation. Much was accomplished yesterday. Good job!
 

Christy and Ann, pre race! Oakland Run Fest 2012, photo by Lauren G

In her usual quiet and determined manner Christy G crossed the finish of the Oakland Half Marathon for the second time. The WOW Team congratulates you and I am especially proud. Thanks for the wonderful training workouts we've shared!
 
We also saw Beth W, who has been an incredible mentor, run the relay with her “best cupcake buddies”. The ladies are making ORF Relay a tradition and we applaud traditions and women’s fitness so you are doing it right!
 
Lizette B, finished with a personal record of 2 hours and 3 minutes and a bit was also on a clip in the news last night on television so we will be needing to get her autograph soon. Go Lizette! Now, on to a century ride in June…
 
Christie A, one of our newest members participated in her first race, ever, as a relay partner in yesterday’s relay. Christie’s team included Iris T, Vera C, and Lesley T. Good run Christie! Now, a half marathon is in order right? See Jane Run here we come!
 

Coach Stephanie, Christie, Eileen, Robbi , and Iris after our races. Photo by Laura Lance.

I want to thank the leaders of the relay teams, Iris T and Eileen K. You ladies got it together! Eileen's Team included Ellen Gordon, April Nicolas, and Kathrina Weekes.
 
I want to thank all the volunteers who helped at the expo and, especially Iris T, Pam Skiles, and Husbands Andy Ganes and Adam Byers who went to extra efforts to show up early, late and help as needed.
 
I want to give a big THANKS to Laura and Lauren who took so many wonderful photos!
 
I also want to commend Lauren for her tenacity in recovering gradually so that, after a year, she was able to successfully complete another half marathon, injury-free.
 
I saw a group of women out there yesterday pushing themselves, each other, and having fun. What could be better? I want to congratulate each of you for what you accomplished. For each of you that was a different thing. We had so many successes yesterday, measured by the goals each of us had set and by the strength in what our team represents – lifetime fitness, friendship, and fun.
 
And, how about the party at Michaela and Tony’s house? Was that the very best ending possible to a wonderful day? Thank you, thank you Michaela and Tony for welcoming us to your home and introducing us to incredible cooking!
 
Here is a list of participants from my memory. If I left your name out, please let me know. Each of you deserves so much credit.
 

5K

Elaine Porter
Ann Ritzma
Jeanetta Mack
Laura Lance
 

Relay

WOW Team A
  • Eileen Killory
  • Ellen Gordon
  • April Nicolas
  • Kathrina Weekes
WOW Team B
  • Iris Torres
  • Vera Chrebtow
  • Christie Areias
  • Lesley Turner
Beth Wrightson – The Cupcake Relay Team
 

Half Marathoners

Lauren Ganes
Robbi Cook
Lizette Byers
Christy Gerren
Coach Stephanie
Colleen Blakelock
Rowena Robles
Julie Yokoyama
Coach Stephanie
Kyoung Lee
Pat Chase
Lily Chien-Davis
Michaela Ristaino
Fiona Burger
Amanda Moynihan
Anna Santos
 

What a group!

 

See Jane Run Training

OK, it’s time to ramp up the training! See Jane Run, here we come. 5K and half marathon, we’re taking you down!
This coming week I want everyone to work on form. Minimum workout is 60 minutes, Maximum is 100 minutes. Please don’t go over 60 unless you’ve already done this amount. Then up it by 10 minutes from wherever you are. If you are new with WOW I recommend working at 1/1 with a woman who is a similar pace. Touch base with Beth to find out who can work out with you.
 
If you just finished your half marathon, this is a recovery week. 60 minutes is good. Just “stay in the game” this week. Nice and easy, fun movement.
 
If you are a relay or 5K veteran, let’s get a 60 minute workout in with medium speed (tempo speed for 4 minutes with 1 minute easy recovery walking).
 
Beth will lead the workout on Sunday at San Leandro Marina. Christy leads the walk on Saturday. Lauren and Michaela are leading the workouts on Wednesday. Thanks to all my wonderful workout leaders!
 
Success!
Coach Stephanie
 
P.S. I’ll be back on Wednesday, April 4. See you then!
 
"I would rather attempt something great and fail than attempt to do nothing and succeed." - Robert Schuller
 
Interested Readers?
“Greetings,
I am offering a FREE ebook (Kindle, Nook, iPad, computer screen) of my latest novel to anyone in your club who would consider writing a short review for a blog, newsletter, or local newspaper.
My name is Joe C. Ellis. I am a 55 year old distance runner from Martins Ferry, Ohio and also a novelist. My mystery novels have become regional best sellers.
I've always been interested in the positive difference running makes in our lives as we age. This interest inspired the plot for my latest novel, Murder on the Outer Banks--The Methuselah Murders. It is due out in April of 2012 through John F. Blair, a long standing North Carolina publisher. http://www.blairpub.com/alltitles/murderouterbanks.php
The novel is about a sixty-five-year-old medical researcher who develops a serum that reverses aging in human cells. After injecting himself with the serum, he monitors his progress through his distance running. When he posts a world-class time of 17:35 for his age group in a local 5K, a mysterious triumvirate of pharmaceutical CEOs known as the Medical Mafia wants the serum at any price. The bodies pile up along the Outer Banks as a Russian mobster and a couple rogue FBI agents attempt to get their hands on the serum and formula.
If you could get this request through to your club members through your email list or some other means, it would be greatly appreciated. Anyone interested can email me at joecellis@comcast.net .
 
Thanks for considering this request. Sincerely, Joe C. Ellis

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

Photos: Due to my  shortage of time I have not posted photos on this newsletter. If you go the The Winners' Circle or our public Facebook Page you will see more than 50 photos from the Oakland Run Fest. Incredible! See links below...
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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Stretch! Don't forget!

Track for the weeks of March 19 through April 1, 2012

March 19 - 25

Warm up on the track for 5 - 10 minutes (3 - 4 laps)

Timed 2 mile for our See Jane Run Trainees and 5K/Relay Participants or 3 miles at Half Marathon Pace, steady, race pace for 3 continuous miles. You can do it!

Cool-down of 2 - 3 laps

Stretch

March 26 - April 3

Warm up on the track for 5 - 10 minutes (3 - 4 laps)

8 X 400m with 2 minutes rest in-between each lap. Pace should be based on your former race time or timed 2 miles

Cool-down of 2 - 3 laps

Stretch

Not sure of your pace? Talk to Coach Stephanie. She has an answer for you.

Please make any comments on our public Facebook page or on the Winners' Circle. Thank you!

Track!

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Go Eileen! Got to warm you up!

Track for the week of March 12 - 18, 2012

Warm up on the track for 5 - 10 minutes (3 - 4 laps)

6 X 800 meters (2 laps) hard with 400 meters at a recovery pace (easy jog or walk). The recovery phase is to keep you moving but allow time to recover partially, not fully.

Cool-down of 2 - 3 laps

Stretch

Please make any comments on our public Facebook page or on the Winners' Circle. Thank you!

Weekly Pep Talk

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The Weekly Pep Talk #181

Start 2-13-2012

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

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

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

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

Dear Amazing WOW Women and Interested Readers,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are hoping to inspire some local folks who want to have fun, support their fitness plans, and donate to a great cause at the same time! For more information, please visit us at www.kaproject.org. You are welcome to contact me with any questions at 415-710-8263.
March 25, 2012 – Oakland Running Festival, http://www.oaklandmarathon.com
April 22, 2012 – Auburn Endurance Capital Marathon, http://www.endurancemarathon.org
May 5, http://www.ocmarathon.com/The OC Marathon and Half Marathon
May 6, 2012 - Divas Half Marathon in San Francisco Bay - http://www.runlikeadiva.com
 
May 17 – 19 – Fargo Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 10K, 5K, and Youth Run, http://www.fargomarathon.com
May 20 - The 101st Running of Zazzle Bay to Breakers – Discount Code for WOW Members on our website at gowowteam.com
June 3, 2012 See Jane Run Half Marathon and 5K in Alameda – http://www.seejanerun.com/t-See-Jane-Run-Half-Marathon-and-5K-registration.aspx
July 29, 2012 - Sept 21, 2012 7th Annual Run at Work Day http://www.thesfmarathon.com
Aug 26, 2012 - Santa Rosa Marathon / Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run – thesantarosamarathon.com
Sept 21, 2012 7th Annual Run at Work Day
November 18, 2012 - The Lady Speed Stick® Women’s Half Marathon Scottsdale-Tempe
www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe
All photos are from our Inspiration Point Run. Taken by Lauren G and Coach Stephanie
#1 - Julie and Rowens
#2 - Coach Stephanie and Amanda
#3 -  Lauren and Kiera. Yahoo! Kiera is back!
#4 - Lauren, Lizette and others stetching. Great form Lizette. Look at that nice straight back!
#5 - Miriam and Ellen enjoying Larabars after the workout
#6 - Pam S stretching
#7 - Ellen G just finished her run

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


Track!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Weekly Pep Talk

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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!

Great Group

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These feisty, fit women, braved the Bay Area cold (OK, so we're wusses when it comes to COLD, REAL COLD!) and put in a solid 60 minutes or more at Inspiration Point yesterday.

Our trusty, competent photographer, and marathon coordinator, Lauren Ganes took the group photo.

Happy Holidays WOW Women! You are AWESOME!

Coach Stephanie

Half Marathon Training

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Photo of WOW Member Mayra M at Point Isabel taken by WOW Marathon Coordinator Lauren Ganes

If you are a novice to intermediate level runner or run/walker wanting to successfully complete a half marathon, this training program will get you going!

Follow the link for a day to day training program. If you can't do the same days progression, no worries. Just tweak the schedule to fit your own with the goal to include three running workouts a week, rest in between, and cross training as you can handle it.

Now, the final component of a good training program is a great group to train with and the best coach you can find. ENTER The WOW TEAM! Join us soon. We'd love to run with you and help you reach your full potential.

Follow the link for a day to day training program. Good luck!

Coach Kerry Says...

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Kerry Sullivan will be joining the WOW Team as Coach later this summer. She has been part of the WOW Team for several years and has been honing her coaching and training skills to become the best coach possible. Kerry writes from the heart! Please join her blog at her blog Running on Faith to learn more about Kerry's attachment to running. - Coach Stephanie

July is finally here! I am training for the San Francisco Half Marathon and July always felt distant, in the future. I cannot say, though, that I feel unprepared.

In fact, all the hard work of those training for the half marathon is gaining momentum for the big day!

As I finished my 15 mile long run last Saturday, I muttered to myself “Put me on the course now! I feel ready to go!” For those who do not know me, those are never words you hear from me while training.

However, following the WOW Team’s Intermediate Half Marathon training plan has allowed my body to acclimate to a gradual increase, whether that is mileage or time on your feet. I am proud to see multiple higher mileage weeks - 15, 14, 13, and many 10 milers - under my belt before we take to the streets of San Francisco in a few weeks. Actually, this is my first training cycle with two long runs above a half marathon distance in almost two years!

Since I am no stranger to running injuries, I took my time working back up to this distance and have balanced workouts out with strength and core training with the other runs that my training plan prescribes - tempo and interval sessions - each week.

It is during these tempo and interval workouts where I see my body gradually work more efficiently over the training cycle. I spread these two workouts over the week and make sure to incorporate the resistance training, possibly a fun run, and some recovery to balance the hard work that the WOW team’s training calls for.

With that hard work, comes unbelievable reward! We are almost there. Allow that momentum to build and have faith in your training.

Cross Training Part 1

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CROSS TRAINING by Coach Stephanie

Cross training, for runners, refers to exercises that are different than running.

This could be almost any form of conditioning that gets your heart pumping at a minimum level and duration. So, if you walk instead of run, you are cross training. If you swim, you are cross training. If you do yoga, you are cross training.

The caveat here is that the activity needs to be done at a minimum heart rate level of 60% with continuous movement for at least 30 minutes or you are not replacing your running with another type of fitness training. You must have an equal or greater level of intensity to the exercise in order to replace running as your cardio-vascular training method.

WOW Week

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Here are the times and locations for this week's workouts. Want more than a week's worth? Go to the calendar tab for dates into the future. Need directions? Go the the WOW locations/directions tab for information on how to drive to our workout sites.

Here is what WOW is up to for the week of January 24 - 30, 2011

Join WOW - Fit Women of the World Today!

Please RSVP for workouts at meetup or on our facebook facebook page. While there is no additional fee for current members, whether you are a member or a drop-in we ask that you RSVP.

Not a member yet? Go to http://gowowteam.com/join-us to join long term. If you want to try a workout as a drop-in, pay and RSVP through the WOW Meetup Site. Click here. Thank you.

Oakland Running Fest Training Week 4 of 12
Tuesday, January 25 - No Live Call this week. Join WOW Team Coach Stephanie for the next live call next on February 1.
Where: WOW's Virtual World Online
What: Open dialogue about the world of women's fitness
When: Tuesday 5 - 6pm
Details: You will be sent an automatic invitation if you are a current, paying, subscriber to the WOW Team. Otherwise you must subscribe via our information form on this website (to your right). Thank you.

Wednesday, January 26 - SF Women Intermediate to Advanced Track Workouts
Where: Kezar Stadium
Map link: Click here
What: Interval workouts for increased speed and performance
When: 6:30am
Details: Workouts change each week. Bring water and layers. Must be able to run a mile in less than 10 minutes. Meet on the track. Look for a group of women and the WOW white board. We usually meet on the north side of the track but, due to lighting, sometimes we meet on the south side in the middle of the straight.
Meetup link: To RSVP click here

Wednesday, January 26 - Fitness Walk, Tempo Run and Strength Training, 6:30 PM. Join us!
Where: Lake Merritt, El Embarcadero
Map link: Click here
What: Speed and strength training for overall improvement
When: 6:30pm
Details: Workouts for walkers and runners - beginners through experienced athletes.
Meetup link: To RSVP click here
Saturday, January 29 - Intermediate Runners Train for the Oakland Running Festival
Where: Sawyer Camp, San Mateo. Repeats every two weeks.
Map link: Click here
What: Intermediate/Experienced runners and run/walkers keep working on improved speed and endurance
When: 9:00am
Details: Bring water and snacks. TNo water on the course. Porta Potty style bathrooms at mile 0 and mile 3.
Meetup link: To RSVP click here
Sunday, January 30 - Fitness walkers, runners, run/walkers. All abilities.
Where: Arbolado Park, Walnut Creek
Map link: Click here
What: All women welcome to this 60 minute or longer weekend workout.
When: 9:00am
Meetup link: To RSVP click here
Upcoming...not complete
Oakland Running Fest Training Week 5 of 12 (January 31 - February 6
Tuesday, February 1 - Live Call this week, open to EVERYONE.
Where: WOW's Virtual World Online
What: Open dialogue about the world of women's fitness
When: Tuesday 5 - 6pm
Details: You will be sent an automatic invitation if you are a current, paying, subscriber to the WOW Team. Otherwise you must subscribe via our information form on this website (to your right). Thank you.
Link to more information: Click here

Wednesday, February 2 - SF Women Intermediate to Advanced Track Workouts
Where: Kezar Stadium
Map link: Click here
What: Interval workouts for increased speed and performance
When: 6:30am
Details: Workouts change each week. Bring water and layers. Must be able to run a mile in less than 10 minutes. Meet on the track. Look for a group of women and the WOW white board. We usually meet on the north side of the track but, due to lighting, sometimes we meet on the south side in the middle of the straight.
Meetup link: To RSVP click here

Wednesday, February 2 - Fitness Walk, Tempo Run and Strength Training, 6:30 PM. Join us!
Where: Lake Merritt, El Embarcadero
Map link: Click here
What: Speed and strength training for overall improvement
When: 6:30pm
Details: Workouts for walkers and runners - beginners through experienced athletes.
Meetup link: To RSVP Click here
Sunday, February 13, 8:00am - Run, Walk, Run/Walk
Where: Harbor Bay, Alameda
Saturday, March 5, 8:00am
Where: Great Highway at Judah
Map link: Click here
What: Weekend workout (long run or walk) for improved technique for experienced runners.
Details: We're training for the Oakland 1/2 marathon and 5K. Join us!
Sunday, April 10, 8:00am
Where: Point Isabel
Map link: Click here
What: Weekend workout (long run or walk) for fitness maintenance and the races that WOW is currently training for.
Details: We're training for the Oakland 1/2 marathon and 5K along with our 60 minute maintenance workout offered every weekend. Join us!

WOW This Week

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Here is what WOW is up to for the week of December 13 - 19, 2010

To see a calendar of future workout dates, go to our website calendar at http://gowowteam.com/calendar

Join WOW - Fit Women of the World soon!

WOW Fall Training is winding down and we are starting to ramp up for the Oakland Running Festival Races in March 2011. Join us!

Note: Directions for all Workouts and Events can be found at http://gowowteam.com/directions or by going to our Directions Tab at the top of the website http://gowowteam.com. Thank you.

RSVP for events at the Events Tab on our facebook page or on meetup, please if you are a current member.

Pay at http://gowowteam.com/join-us if you are a drop-in or wish to become a member.

Tuesday, December 14, 8 - 9PM - Join us for our FREE Live Version of The Weekly Pep Talk! All the news you need to stay fit and involved with the WOW Team. You will need a code to enter the call. This week's call is open to MEMBERs ONLY and is free. Contact us at gowowteam@gmail.com if you need the code. Thank you!

Wednesday, Every Week

1. New time! 6:30 - 7:30 AM - SF Women Runners' Speed Training Track Workouts - Kezar Track in SF every Wednesday. Led by Coach Stephanie.

2. 8am - 10am - Coach Stephanie available for Personal Training Sessions. Meet at Kezar Stadium. Contact her at CoachStephanie@GoWOWTeam.com

3. 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Piedmont track workouts every Wednesday evening. Join us! - Piedmont High School Track near 301 Wildwood Avenue.

Friday, Every Week 7am - 10am - Coach Stephanie Available for Personal Training Sessions. Contact her at CoachStephanie@GoWOWTeam.com

This Friday, December 17- Info and Sign-up Party at See Jane Run, San Francisco. 6:00 PM. Join Coach Stephanie as she answers questions about novice through advanced training for the upcoming Oakland Half Marathon, Marathon, Relay, and 5K Training offered by the WOW Team.

Saturday, December 18 - SF Workout at Great Hiway and Judah. 8:00 AM.
Sunday, Dec. 19, Miracle Mile, 5K or Run afterward with WOW in Golden Gate Park. Volunteers needed. Details at examiner.com

Go Oakland - Train with WOW

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    The WOW Team is an official training club for the 2011 Oakland Running Festival offering training for all three events.

The ORF includes 3 races - a 5K (3.1 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles flat and fast), and a full marathon (26.2 challenging miles).

WOW Training starts soon and you can join any time for the marathon, half marathon, and 5K.

Time to Get Started! Join Now and Train until March for $99.

The WOW Team is a club that offers ongoing workouts in the East Bay on Wednesdays and Sundays, for women only, every week of the year and Saturday workouts in the Peninsula/SF Area. WOW chooses certain events to train for and the Oakland Running Festival - Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is one of those choices.

You can sign up and start training anytime between now and December 31, 2010 for the same price. Training includes weekend workouts and weekday track (not mandatory but very helpful), online weekly news and training pep talks with certified running coach and personal trainer, Stephanie Atwood.

You are also eligible for WOW Team discounts for the race itself, a post-race meeting area in the Celebration Village after the race, and more!

If you are ready to go for it, sign up now! Sign up early! Start training now!

Price goes up to $129.00 (plus one time application fee of $29) on January 1 for the Oakland Running Festival. Your membership allows you to 'roll over" into the SFM Training for $24.95/month and stay at that price for as long as you are a member.

*Member Discounts on races, bootcamps and other special events

For your racing success and injury prevention WOW requests that:

  • You have experience with a 5K or 10K race before trying a half marathon or marathon (you can fit in a 5K race while training with us if a half marathon is your goal)

  • You have experience with a half marathon before attempting a full marathon (start training now and you can fit in a half marathon between now and March if the Oakland Marathon is your goal.)

  • You have run for a minimum of a year or train in the walk/run technique for your first full marathon (the run/walk technique is a way to increase distance and minimize injury. An average pace of 9 minutes/mile is attainable with run/walk so you don't have to think SLOW! with this technique)

    • Come to a WOW Team potluck/orientation/get to know us meeting In Oakland on Saturday, October 9, co-hosted by Go WOW Team and Alive Chiropractic. Starts 5:30 and will include a meet and greet time, cheers and kudos for our current trainees in fall races (San Jose Rock'n'Roll, Nike Women's, Long Beach), and opportunity to participate in the upcoming relay or marathon at CIM on December 5, AND a chance to talk over the training program for the whole Oakland Running Festival - all 3 events - The Marathon, The Half Marathon, and The Twilight 5K.

    Join us! For more information, a free, daily, training program, or to register, please request more information in the form to the right. Get ready to get fit and have fun with the WOW Team!

    *All new members will be charged a one time processing fee of $29. Please look at our page for details. Click on this link

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

    San Jose Rock'n'Roll You did it!

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    Go WOW Team Members April N and Jessica M ready for a training run

    Dear Ladies,

    Congratulations on a great race at today's Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon!

     I had so much fun watching you as you raced by toward the finish line!

    It was such a pleasure to train with each of you, whether we got together a lot or a little. It's a gift for me to see women work hard, train with discipline, and go for it. Thank you for your gift!

    Now, please post your photos and stories on facebook at http://facebook.com/gowowteam to share with all WOW Members and facebook readers. If you are not already a member of the WOW Team Page on facebook Just click the Like button at the top and you can make an entry.

    Don't forget next Saturday's celebration dinner on October 9 in Oakland at Alive Chiropractic. Details and to RSVP are on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137454772967470. We want to officially congratulate you and celebrate your accomplishment!

    We will also go over the future for the WOW Team and share food and friendship. Bring a guest. Come early, stay late.

    To Success! You Did It! Coach Stephanie

    Check out the comments at this link.
    Would you like more information about the WOW Team? Please contact us by using the request form or contact Go WOW Team directly at Go@gowowteam.com or by calling 415 682-8819

    Marathon Minute

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    MARATHON MINUTE—September 26

    BRAVO to the women running their first Half Marathon next week, and all the other veteran women running a Half Marathon! You have trained hard and you have already run the distance, so you will have a great Half Marathon. Isn’t it wonderful to be in the taper week?

    Marathon training does present challenges. On September 10, Coach Stephanie and I had a great 20 mile run. When we started walking for 10 minutes and then running for 10 minutes after our 20 mile run we were able to continue comfortably. We were quite pleased with our 24 mile journey.

    Now, fast forward to this past Friday at Sawyer Camp, very excited about this being the very last long run; however, we did not follow the sound advice we give to others. It was warm, and we ran out 4 miles and came back to refuel. Then, we ran out again and decided along the way to go out 5 miles, not 4. The weather heated up into the 80’s, and both of us were without water on the 5 mile return. We ended up walking over a mile, and thus did not accomplish our pace goal. The heat and lack of liquid had us too depleted to finish the run--so the long run will be early this week. Thank goodness it’s three weeks until race day.

    This has to be a good learning experience—make sure you always have extra water on hot days. Luckily this was a training run, because there is water at the aid stations along the race courses. I still bring a small container of liquid to races, so I can have a mouthful whenever I need it.

    From Coach Stephanie:
    Lauren G is the marathon coordinator for the WOW Team. Please direct your questions to her at LaurenG@gowowteam.com

    Lauren is also training to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She's going to make it!

    Go Lauren!

    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 abilities, all year round. Join us!

    Go to http://gowowteam.com/join-us or click on the Join US TAB at the top of this page for details.

    Go WOW Team!

    Marathon Minute 7-19

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    The Marathon Minute is brought to you by Lauren Ganes, Marathon Coordinator for the WOW Team. Lauren is trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year, needing a 4:30:59 to get in. Join her in her training. Make your comments on these posts. Thanks!

    July 19, 2010

    What a great week-end.

    I was joined by Jen W, Claire D, Elke V, and Leti D at Cesar Chavez Park for our 10 mile taper run before next week’s S.F. Half Marathon. Julie Y was there to prepare for her 5K at the San Francisco Progressive Marathon. Cheering us on and putting in their own miles were Robbi C, Kara W, Mayra M. Jana C, Karen F, Jennifer W, Jennifer B, and Justine G. Fogive me if I’ve omitted someone.

    We also enjoyed a yummy pot-luck breakfast right on the Bay while we shared tips for running a race. Stephanie reminded us about the races/events for the rest of the year.

    As we look to October, our training continues for the Long Beach Marathon (Oct. 17), and the San Jose Rock and Roll Half Marathon (Oct. 3). Come join us in Emeryville on August 1. I will be running 18 miles, gently at a pace of 11 minutes or so per mile.

    Stephanie has provided us with the best training and we are strong and ready for the San Francisco Half Marathon next week-end.

    I’m sending a special “shout-out” to Claire who is running her first half-marathon.

    Go Claire!

    GO WOW TEAM!

    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

    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

    New WOW Sponsor – Dance You’re a** Off!

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    Photo Credit by hannahgirl16/photobucket

    Dance your A** off is sponsoring the WOW Team on two of its meetup sites. Go to http://meetup.com/go-wow-team-sf or http://meetup.com/go-wow-team and take a look!

    Follow this link for a preview of the show. Click here

    The WOW Team is about lifelong fitness and friendship for women through running and walking. Join us!

    Foam Rollers & "The Stick" thru WOW

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    The WOW Team now offers foam rollers, resistance bands, and other items for sale. This is really new and we're excited to offer quality products to our readers. You will need to order these products online as WOW has no in-house inventory. Thank you!

    WOW is working with Perform Better to sell exercies products that Coach Stephanie uses with her personal training clients and boot camps.

    First recommendation:
    Eva Foam Rollers - We recommend the 36", 3 foot version ($39.95) They're not too expensive and the longer type has more options.

    Second recommendation:
    The Stick ($19.95) You don't necessarily need both of these items but, if you have a little extra cash, I think they're both good to have on hand. The stick is smaller and gets into those little areas like your soleus and under your foot where the big rollers can't reach easily due to their size.

    Click on the photos above or follow this link for a general online catalog http://www.performbetter.com?kbid=3673

    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