Woman of the Week:

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!

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!

 

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

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

Marathon Minute April 28, 2011
by Lauren Ganes, Marathon Coordinator

Recently Coach Stephanie mentioned the importance of taking a break from training and just enjoy running.

While I love having a goal and trying to run faster and achieve a PR, I also love to take in the nature of some of the beautiful places we run.

I’ve just returned from one of my favorite places, Sedona, Arizona. Where ever you are in Sedona you have beautiful views of red rocks. The formations are exquisite.

I just love the 4 mile run that I do. I run along a trail, surrounded by incredible views. Since there are some rolling hills, I definitely get a good work out. This year I spoke to a local runner and will add some new trails upon my return to Sedona.

See Jane Run Half Marathoners, as you continue to add more distance, remember to enjoy your surroundings.

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.

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.

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, 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

Coach Stephanie's track workouts for the week of August 22 - 29, 2010

Bring a digital watch to time yourself. This really helps you stay on target even if you're not trying for a specific time goal.

Before stretching, if we have time, we will check cadence for anyone interested.

Novice Run, Walk, Run/Walk
Warm-up 10 - 20 minutes
Cadence test - 1 lap plus 3 minutes RI
Timed 2 miles
Cool-down 1 - 2 laps easy
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

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

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

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

Mon May 17, 2010 - Week 3 of SF Half Marathon Training

Tue May 18, 2010
6:30pm - 7:30pm - Track and Core Bootcamp for Women
Where: Las Lomas Track, Walnut Creek - Extra Fee

Wed May 19, 2010
6:30pm - 7:30pm - Piedmont track workouts every Wednesday
Where: Piedmont High School Track near 301 Wildwood Avenue, Piedmont

Thu May 20, 2010
6:30pm - 7:30pm Track and Core Bootcamp for Women
Where: Las Lomas Track, Walnut Creek - Extra Fee

Happy Birthday Mareva G!

Fri May 21, 2010

Sat May 22, 2010
8am - 9am Great Hiway at Judah - 60 Minutes - 10 miles - Runners only
Where: Meet on the sidewalk on Upper Great Hiway, just above Judah, near Java Beach Cafe. Stay after for coffee...

1pm-3pm eighth Street and Central Avenue. Join Coach Stephanie for a pre-race clinic in Alameda.
To RSVP and for details go to http://meetup.com/gowowteam

Sun May 23, 2010 - Practice on See Jane Run Half marathon Course in Alameda - 60 minutes to 13.1 miles (10 for SJR Half Trainees)
Where: Corner 8th and Central Avenue, Alameda- 8AM

This week's workouts are as follows:

Wednesday - Track at Piedmont - 6:30PM

Saturday - 60 - 90 minutes at Sawyer Camp - start 8AM - Run, Walk, Run/Walk, led by Sarah T

Saturday - 60 minutes at lululemon Walnut Creek - start 9AM - Run, Walk, Run/Walk, led by Coach Stephanie

Sunday - 60 - 90 minutes at Inspiration Point in Berkeley - start at 8AM - Run, Walk, Run/Walk led by Coach Stephanie

Sunday - 60 minute Run/Walk Technique Workshop - start 9:30AM. We will utilize Gymboss and WOW will offer them for sale - ($25 includes battery). Workshop is $5 for WOW Members $15 for non members

For directions and routes please look at the directions tab

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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

• 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

WOW Women Love to Walk - With Strollers, Dogs, or Walking Sticks!

Hi Coach Stephanie - I saw your post to Yanicke and I'm curious about your workouts. I am no longer running, but love to walk. Am not training for marathons.

My questions:

See Coach Stephanie's answer below in the responses...

I thought you might like the article I wrote about The WOW Team in my examiner column this week. Follow the link. Thanks!

Free Running Groups

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

Debbie T and River K at Kaiser Half Marathon

The WOW Team track workouts this week will continue to push you. For a half marathon there is not much of a taper required so we're still trying to get the full enchilada out of each of you.

Novice Track Workout - 10 min warm-up, 6 X 400 hard with rest until intermediate group is also rested, 10 min cool-down, stretch

Maintenance and "Veg-out" long day at work Workout - 10 min warm-up, 1 lap hard, 1 lap easy, 10 minutes easy at end, stretch.

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

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

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

Dear WOW Members and Interested Readers,

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

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

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

Work out with The WOW Team. It's fun!

For the Week of March 8-14, 2010

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, SF Zoo - Java Beach on Sloat. 60 minute tempo run. Runners only.

Sunday, 8:00 AM. Two separate locations:

• 5K - 60 minutes*
• Novice Half Marathoners -3 hours, 20 minutes or 14 miles, whichever comes first
• Intermediate Half Marathoners - 14 miles (1 miles warm-up) plus 13 miles steady pace

Listen up. This stuff is important!

For the Week of March 1-7, 2010

Here's what WOW is up to this week.
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.

Tuesday, 6:00 AM Kezar Track, San Francisco, 60 minute intervals for runners only. Must RSVP by Monday at 9:00 AM

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. All Abilities Welcome

Sunday, 8:00 AM. Practice at The Berkeley Marina. Meet at Sea Breeze Market

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

• 5K - 60 minutes*
• Novice Half Marathoners - 3 hours or 13.1miles, whichever comes first
• Intermediate Half Marathoners - 13.1 miles (1 miles warm-up) plus 12.1 miles on pace

Here's what WOW is up to this week. 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.

Tuesday, 6:00 AM Kezar Track, San Francisco, 60 minute intervals for runners only. Must RSVP by Monday at 9:00 AM

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, Great Higway at Judah. Tempo Run 60 minutes, Runners only

Sunday, 8:00 AM. Two separate workouts

• 60 minutes to 12 Miles at Sawyer Camp, south of San Francisco
• 60 minutes to 12 Miles at Arbolado Park, Walnut Creek

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

An enthusiastic WOW Member

Oakland Running Festival Trainees. Here is this week's long run/workout

• 5K - 60 minutes*
• Novice Half Marathoners - 2 hours 40 minutes or 12 miles, whichever comes first
• Intermediate Half Marathoners -  12 miles (1 miles warm-up) plus 11 miles on pace