Corporate 5K Quickie Race Report

I need to write a proper race report for this year's Corporate 5K, but I still have not gotten around to it 2 weeks later. So I figured I might as well post this mini race report in the meantime.

1. According to Track Shack, the race had 617 teams and 12,633 runners/walkers!
2. Team Stats:
• 34 registered participants; 31 completed the race (we had 9 last year + 1 cheerleader)
• 12 completed their first 5K!
• 7 returned from last year, and our cheerleader Sammy did the race this year
3. One of our runners, Bob Reed sang the national anthem at the race with his quartet Makeshift. View the video on YouTube.
4. Per my garmin, I ran 3.13 in 34:37 (11:03 min/mile pace). My clock time was 43:20 as it took almost 9 minutes to cross the start line. Read my mini race report on dailymile.
5. Below is a group photo of most of the team before the race. You can see more photos on Flickr, and I'll be adding more to that album soon.

not pictured: Alison, Beth, Bob, Danny, Don, Manny, Matt, Patricia, Regina, Shannon

Well, I stayed too late at the office (everyone say "aaaaaah") and arrived at Kitzzy's place too late to find parking! Not being familiar with the neighborhood I joined the magnificant motor parade of other drivers also looking for an empty spot and finally decided to bite the bullet and pay for a parking garage. Needless to say, in a crowd of 12,500+, I never reconnected with the team .....

The good thing about not walking while also talking is that you can set your own pace. A key objective for my participation in the 5K was to see how the nerves and muscles in my legs and arms would hold up to a steady pace for 3 miles on a paved surface.

With double compression stockings on my left leg, the body did fine. I crossed the finish line at 1hour 2 minutes - Kitzzy thinks that my actual time was less by about 10 minutes because of the lag time in walkers getting to the Start line.

I regret having to miss the pizza party afterward - final projects are due in both of my doctoral courses this week - but enjoyed seeing all the pix. I'm sure that somewhere in all of the thousands of photos taken, there's one of me crossing the Finish line ......

Patricia

1:55

12000+ runners. I've always started a race near the back close to the walkers. This time I was at the starting line for the National Anthem, so I joined some team members behind the barricades to try and get into the race. Mike Durso and I spotted David and Austen near the front, so we busted into the large queue and surged across the starting line at only 1:55 after the starting blast.

Its a different race that close to the front - not nearly as congested as the back half, and I was passed more often than passing. Mike and I quickly lost the other guys, but we finished together at about 36:36.

Get Active in Your Community (and don't pass out)

Below is my review of the race/push to get others to try it out. Thanks guys for the support and fun!

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So tonight I ran my first 5k! I never thought it would be my bag and I still don't think it is but I'm glad I did it and I may do it again. So I guess it's my minibag, a satchel per say.

Some Background:

So you guys know I'm getting married in 6 months. Haven't been so successful in losing the "new job 20". Kitzzy & Jason my awesome coworkers at Online@UCF/CDL/UCF (where I work) decided to put together a group for the Orlando Corporate 5k, the biggest sporting event in Orlando with 12k people! Really its a stroke of genius because coworkers feel the pressure to bond/participate, its short enough to walk, office workers always need exercise and this is a gateway activity. So CDL set up a team and a blog and though my knee and extra bone in my foot makes it hard to run I felt this was a perfect opportunity to jump start my routine.

Didn't work that well. But I tried. Allergies/sickness and lethargy kept me to only training 2-3 weeks for it. But the beauty is, with a 5k you can always walk!

Why I'd Do It Again

Not sure I'd TRAIN heavily for a 5k again (due to knee/footness I'm sticking to biking) but I'd do one again. Especially if I move to a new city. Because:

• You get to see the city. Roads blocked off, bands playing (mariachi!), running in mass, its a pretty awesome sight.


• You get to meet people. Like 12k of them... all in mass. Running. Humanity running, often in funny outfits.


• Entertaining t-shirts: Everything on them from godzilla killing a city to threats of being superior to commands to "eat your dust" to ascertains of their physical prowess over you. Okay, really there are just a lot of threatening t-shirts. In fact, I think our team was one of the few positive ones, with affirmations blaring on the back.


• Feel accomplished: Run as much as possible, walk, then jog, do whatever. No matter what by the end you feel pretty good!


• Community outreach: Not only can you reach over and touch your brother but many of these events are charities. And charity is good, as well as, brotherly love.


• Pack Mentality... I mean Spirit! It's just a good bonding experience where people are taken out of their element and must rely on each other for support. Not that I talked much, what with concentrating on breathing, but it was nice to have them there (nicer than I expected as I liked training in quiet). I'm not sure I'd want to do it without seeing the happy affirmations on the backs of my team member's shirts... as I pass them... like Godzilla. ;p At least, you'll know who you can outrun in the office, for when the zombies attack.

So I guess what I'm saying is, not sure I'd do more then a 5k but its a fun occasional community activity that should not be intimidating!

How'd I do?

Why thanks for asking. Did it in 36-37 minutes (not good at this number thing). I jogged/ran the whole way except for one minute. Pretty proud I must say. Austin pushed over some grandmas to make his time of 25.5 minutes. You see it is a race to him.

Possible pictures to possibly come.

run sheila run - S

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Originally posted on sdeflores.wordpress.com

Final Corporate 5K Training Session

Today was our last training run before the Corporate 5k on Thursday. Our group has come a long way in just 2 short months, when running for 1 minute seemed like an eternity for most. Today those who've been following the Couch to 5k program ran 5 km in 41 minutes with only 2 minutes of walking. I'm so proud of what they've accomplished, and I can't wait to share their first 5k race with them.

This is only a fraction of our Corporate 5k team. We recruited 34 coworkers, friends, and family who will be running and walking this race. I live 1/4 mile from the start, so we'll meet at my place for a pre-race group photo, walk to the start together, and have a post-race potluck at our apartment where we'll share race stories and watch the slideshow of all the photos and videos we've taken during training and the race. I can't wait!

Corporate 5k Race Day Logistics

Race week is finally here! Is everyone ready for Thursday? Please read this email carefully for details about race day (such as meeting time, meeting location, and parking), and let me know if you have any questions.

Last Training Session
Our last training run/walk is tomorrow, Tuesday 4/13. Even if you've never come out before, join us tomorrow in the P2 parking lot at 5:20 p.m. for a group run/walk to get to know the rest of the team.

Meeting Time/Location
Due to traffic congestion and road closures, they recommend you arrive downtown at least 1 hour early. The race starts at 7:15 p.m., so plan to be there around 6-6:15 p.m. We'll meet at my apartment (417 E Livingston St) to get ready, drop off food, and take a group photo, then walk to the start line together 1/4 mile away.

Parking
There is free parking on nearby side streets or at a parking garage (fees may apply) 2 blocks away on Livingston St. See parking map for more options. You are welcomed to arrive earlier and leave your stuff at our place during the race.

Post Race Potluck
Everyone who is 21+ years old gets one free beer after the race, and they'll have water and fruit at the finish line. We'll then meet back at my apartment for a post-race potluck and to watch the slide show of all the photos and videos we've taken before, during, and after the race. If you plan to join us for the post race party, please bring a snack to share. Jason and I will provide some beer, frozen pizza, and fruit.

Scoring
This race is not chip timed, so you'll need to look at the clock when you cross the finish line and remember that number. Look for Jason or Kitzzy after you finish to record your time.

Course Map
Water stations will be located at the start, in two places along the course and at the finish. Split times will be given at miles 1, 2 and 3. See course map for details.

Rockin' Course Entetainment

Mile 1.4: DJ Hollywood
Mile 1.8: Willtown Band
Mile 2.1: Group Therapy
Mile 2.6: Mariachi Band

Bob Reed and his quartet will be singing the National Anthem at the start of the race!

Canned Food Drive
We encourage you to bring canned or non perishable food items for the canned food drive. There will be 2 drop off locations: 1) Christian Service Center truck on Rosalind Ave (Red Tent Zone); 2) Info/Scoring Tent off Eola Drive (Green Tent Zone). Look for black/white checkered feather banners. Food items in high demand include: baby food, powered milk, canned vegetables and fruits, canned tuna, soups, pastas, pasta sauces, instant potatoes, rice, breakfast cereals, cake mixes, bisquick, peanut butter, jellies, and beverages such as fruit juices.

Event Site Map
http://www.trackshack.com/corporate5k/PDF/sitemap2010.pdf

Let me know if you have any questions and we'll see you on Thursday!

Corporate 5K Food Drive & Beneficiaries

In addition to your race fee benefiting the Track Shack Foundation and Parramore Kidz Zone, you can contribute to the Christian Service Center canned food drive on race day. Below is a note and more details from their Executive Director.

Come prepared to race AND feed your neighbors in need.

The Christian Service Center invites your team to join our team by helping us to reach our goal of collecting 12,300 (one can per person) cans during this year’s Corporate 5K!

We would like to challenge all teams and participants to collect canned or nonperishable food items, which can be dropped off during the race in either of two drop off locations at Lake Eola. The first donation site will be set up on Rosalind Avenue near the Amphitheatre and the second site will be located on Eola Drive, near Panera.

The Christian Service Center is honored to be the recipient of such collective support from our community for the fourth year in a row. 100% of donated items will go directly to families in our community who are struggling to put food on the table. Not only will your donation satisfy someone’s belly, but your kindness and generosity will encourage their heart.

Food items in high demand include: baby food, powered milk, canned vegetables and fruits, canned tuna, soups, pastas, pasta sauces, instant potatoes, rice, breakfast cereals, cake mixes, bisquick, peanut butter, jellies, and beverages such as fruit juices.

On behalf of the Christian Service Center and the families we serve, I look forward to joining you for the race on April 15th and personally invite you to check out our website to learn more. www.christianservicecenter.org

Robert F. Stuart

Executive Director

Vote for our t-shirt design

Victor designed us an awesome Corporate 5K shirt (see design below) and now we need your help to win the best shirt design contest. Visit the Corporate 5K Blog and vote for "UCF CDL" in the poll to the right. Everyone can vote, even if you are not participating, so spread the word!

Relay for Life Pancake Breakfast Tuesday, March 23

Let's continue learning to live well and support our Relay for Life team as we raise funds to fight cancer. This breakfast is a fundraiser with 100% of the donations collected going to the American Cancer Society. Feel free to drop in between the appointed times below and enjoy delicious food with friends and colleagues.

• Date: Tuesday, March 23 
• Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• Where: LIB-157

For a recommended donation, you can enjoy delicious pancakes and/or waffles. Juice and coffee will also be served. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see the Directors and Assistant Directors of the Center for Distributed Learning flip pancakes and make waffles!

The breakfast options and suggested donations are as follows:

• Pancakes and juice/coffee - $5 donation
• Waffles and juice/coffee - $5 donation
• Waffles, pancakes and juice/coffee - $8 donation

Please use the following form to RSVP for this event to help us get an idea of how much food to prepare: http://tiny.cc/XrfDm

Money will not be collected until March 23. Cash or checks made payable to the American Cancer Society will be accepted.

Thank you for supporting this very worthy cause!

Bike Clinic Tomorrow 3/17 at noon in LIB 157

In keeping with our theme, "Learning to Live Well," we're expanding this blog to include all wellness related events organized by UCF CDL staff.

March is Florida Bike month, and March 26th is bike to work day. Like last year, we are organizing a group to bike to work and will have free bagels for all who participate. In preparation for this event, Jason is hosting a lunch and learn tomorrow (March 17th) at noon in LIB-157. Bring your lunch and join us to learn about safety equipment, riding tips and tricks, and how to change a tire so you’re ready to go for Bike to Work Day.

If this is your first time riding your bike to work, Jason can help you find a safe biking route and riding buddy. Also, be sure to check out the newly released Google Maps Biking Directions.

More details:

• Bike Clinic Facebook Event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=389700301419
• Bike to Work Day Info Page - http://bit.ly/cdlbike2work 
• Bike to Work Sign Up - http://bit.ly/cdlbike2worksignup (so we have enough bagels!)
  
• Bike to Work Day Facebook Event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=348488641707

Congrats Jen, Kerlene, and Beth on 1st Race!

On Saturday, March 14, three members of our Corporate 5K team completed their first race! A huge congratulations to Jen, Kerlene, and Beth who did a great job at the Winter Park Road Race 2 miler. All their hard work training during the past 4 weeks really paid off. Below they are finishing their race with a smile! Great job ladies!

Another member of our team, Bob Reed, provided on course entertainment. You can hear him since the National Anthem at the Corporate 5K on April 15th!

Profile: Amy Sugar

The series of events that led me to start running: During the summer of 98, my brother and I backpacked through Europe. After the trip, I realized that I needed to get a second job to pay off travel expenses. There was a really nice parent (Betsy Hughes) at the school where I taught who mentioned they were hiring part time employees at her business - the Track Shack .

When I started working at Track Shack, I noticed that all of the employees lived a healthy lifestyle and were very dedicated to their running routines. I was a musician, not an athlete. I didn't understand how running could be a hobby!

The enthusiasm for running was contagious while working at Track Shack and race events. I decided to join one of the Track Shack training programs : the Walk/Run Accomplishment Program, which is similar to the Couch to 5k program. While in this program, I realized that I enjoyed running and preferred it to walking. So I started running (for fun!) and participated in a few local 5ks.

Next, I decided to join the Track Shack's Half Marathon Training Program and ran two half marathons. Then I joined the Marathon Training Program and completed two marathons.

I don't run as much nowadays (insert squeaky knee sound here). I spend more time cycling, swimming, and doing other low impact activities. I try to participate in a few 5ks each year because the running community is still my favorite group of people. I love the fact that as you run or walk a 5k, you see people of all shapes, sizes and ages. Strangers cheer you on to help you reach the finish line.

I look forward to participating in the Corporate 5k again this year, especially with our much larger team! I am more consistent with my training when I set goals, so I am glad to have this race as one of my training goals. This race will be a fun (and healthy) social event for all of us.

It is exciting to see my colleagues embark on their own personal running or walking journey. I am also happy to see so many people in our department set personal goals to be healthier and learn to live well! This is motivating me to stay on track and keep moving forward to reach my personal health goals.

Team Shirts

The first team shirt has been printed and it looks great! Thank you Victor and Matt for doing the design work for it.

If you would like a shirt, they are $10 each. Give your money to Kitzzy or Jason and let them know what size shirt you want. We'll have a sample available for viewing next week. The deadline for ordering shirts is March 31st.

Front

Back

Training Update - Week 4

Our little training group is still going strong, and it's hard to believe that we are already on week 4 of our training. The excitement is great and many are eager to continue training even after the race. We've even discussed doing other things, such as rock climbing and a fitdeck workout. If it rains on Thursday, that will be our Plan B, so bring your workout clothes and be prepared for a workout rain or shine!

It's great to see this diverse group of people come together for a common goal week after week. Today I ran with Kerlene and Jen doing week 4 of the Couch to 5K program while the boys ran a little over a 5K and some of the other ladies walked. The workout consisted of the following, after a warm up:

• run 3 minutes
• walk 90 seconds
• run 5 minutes
• walk 2-1/2 minutes
• run 3 minutes
• walk 90 seconds
• run 5 minutes

My group was amazed at how easily we ran for 5 minutes straight, TWICE, and how quickly that beep came to switch to a walk. We ran 16 out of the 22 minutes in the workout plus walked an additional 1/2 mile as a warm up and another mile to cool down for a total of 3.6 miles! It's amazing that in less than a week they'll be running over a mile non-stop! :)

I almost did not run today because I realized when I went to change into my workout clothes that I forgot my running shoes at home. Thankfully, I do not wear heels to work and had on sporty flats so I took a chance. They are fastened by a velcro strap that likes to come off, so I was worried that they'd come undone and fly off during one of the run intervals, but they held up ok.

I can't wait until this Saturday 3/13 when several will be participating in their first race, the Winter Park Road Race 2 miler. We'll be sure to take lots of pictures and post all about the race next week, so tune in then or join us at the race Saturday or for breakfast after.

Team Shirt Winner!

We finally have a winner of the team shirt! (Sorry it took so long, but I was a bit preoccupied this weekend and then got sick.) So without further ado, watch this short clip for the results:

Congratulations Austin! You get the team shirt free. Everyone else who wants a shirt, it will be $10 and we'll be collecting orders soon. If you did not win, stay tuned. We still have plenty of other stuff to give away in the coming weeks.

Profile: David Paul Lyons

I have long maintained that I am not a runner. I used to hate it when I was a kid and when they made us do laps in P.E. I signed up to do the Corporate 5k for two reasons; 1) I am excited to get to know my coworkers a little better and this seems like a great bonding experience and 2) I've always wanted to run one.

I have friends who run 5ks, marathons, triathlons, and other competitions consistently and that goal oriented life style (always another race around the corner!) seems to be such a powerful motivation to keep training. It can be difficult to find the motivation to get moving when you just have an ethereal goal like 'being healthy' so it's nice to have a more tangible target to aim for.

I'm excited to prepare for the race and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone out there. Hopefully anyone in the department unable (or unwilling!) to run (or walk!) will come out and cheer us (me!) on.

Sidebar: as a point of interest to the more experienced runners I submit this additional reading for your consideration. Barefoot running has been hugely beneficial to all the runners I know who have embraced it, myself included.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/23/fashion/thursdaystyles/23Barefoot.html

http://barefootted.com/

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

Recruitment Update

Recruitment is going great! We now have 29 registered participants in our team and almost every CDL team is represented, plus several have join us from other departments or friends and family. Below is a list of who is registered, broken down by team.

• 3 iDev: Kitzzy, Beth, Patricia
• 2 Advanced Systems: Jason, Sammy
• 3 Exec Team: Tom, Bob, Kelvin
• 2 Admin: Jennifer, Olga
• 5 ID: Amy, Baiyun, Sue, Nancy, Daniel
• 1 Rite: Chuck
• 1 CMS: Kerlene
• 1 ITG: David
• 1 DM: Victor
• 2 TR: Sherry, Sheila
• 3 Other UCF: Matt, Patti, Lauren
• 5 Friends/Family: Wendy, Don, Austin, Regina, Allison

Thanks to everyone who has registered so far. Everyone listed here will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free team shirt. I'll be announcing the winner very soon. Keep spreading the word and recruit your coworkers, friends, and family. Let's see how big of a team we can get!

National Anthem

Not only will I be running in the event, but Track Shack has hired my quartet to sing the National Anthem at the start of the race.



I'm excited! 12,000+ people will be the biggest audience we've ever had!

Profile: Sheila Suarez

I'm doing the Corporate 5K for a two fold reason, get myself back into a active lifestyle after a recent foot injury and to commune with my awesome coworkers at Online@UCF.

I've never been a "traditional" athlete. I've always preferred alternative sports. I have my black belt in martial arts and I am a professional swing dancer. I started running a few years ago but had to stop due to knee problems. And recently foot problems have kept me from dancing. I'm hoping that training for this event will slowly transition me back into being active, now that my foot is getting better. Also, it will get me back into the flow of working out AFTER work on weekdays. Working out really feels great and I have to reteach myself that!

And my real reason? I'm getting married in 7 months! Gotta fit in that dress!

Profile: Patricia Leclaire

I am an avid hiker, kayaker and backpacker/camper. Did sea-kayaking around the San Juans while working in the Pacific Northwest, and have hiked and camped in several European countries and many American states. After arriving in Florida in February 2007, I found several Meetup groups with whom I could continue these much-loved outdoor activities, and have enjoyed exploring from the Everglades to Ocala National Forest.

I participated in several 2007-2008 Track Shack events with friends.

I'm a member of the YMCA and, up until the first week of April 2009, was doing interval training (cardio + muscle toning) at the gym 5 - 6 times a week.

Then life changed unexpectedly:

On April 6 2009, I went to bed feeling fit and healthy; when I got out of bed the following morning I realized that I was having difficulty balancing on my legs - I had to consciously think about how to walk. There wasn't pain for the first few days .... that was all to come ..... and so began 9 months of nerve and muscle problems with both legs, hips and left arm. I remained under the care of many specialists during that time, including eventually the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL.

I had physiotherapy twice a week for 8 months. What I owe the physiotherapy team at Florida Hospital is more than I can ever repay. At a time when I feared that my active life was ended forever, with all the attendant sadness and depression that comes with seeing life so impossibly and negatively altered, the physiotherapists saw me me through - knew my hopes for a return to complete activity .... hikers, kayakers, dancers and bicyclists themselves they knew my goals and put me back on the path to recovery with knowledge, compassion, humor and sheer human decency.

Although the disabling pain, inflammation and inflexibility is no longer a daily challenge, I do experience occasional flare-ups that put me down hard and send me back to the meds, the ice pack and the heating pad.

But I am back to the gym whenever possible, given the scheduling challenges of a full-time job + two graduate courses for my doctoral program, and am starting from the basics again. Sometimes hard to be patient and give my body time to complete the healing process!

So, I have several reasons for participating in the Corporate 5K:

• I believe in the value of Online Learning at UCF and want to publicly support and promote it.

• Having participated in Track Shack's "Race For the Trees", after which my team donated trees for planting in the Parramore, I would like to continue supporting efforts for that area of the city.

• April 15th. is the day after my birthday. On my birthday last year I was considering a possible future spent in a wheelchair - so this birthday, and this event, is my personal "victory dance".
  

Couch to 5K in 9 Weeks

Thanks to everyone who has been coming out to our training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and indulging us with the photos and videos :) Everyone is doing great!

 If you have not seen them, here's a slideshow of the training photos and videos:



I wanted to post a little information about the program we are following during these training sessions so you know what to do if you want to train on your own or have to miss a training session.

The program is Couch to 5K (http://c25k.com/) and it increments how much you run every week, so it's important that you do the 3 workouts each week to be ready for the following week. Here is a handy checklist of each workout: http://shepherdweb.com/lab/2007/Couch-to-5K/Couch-to-5K.html

We are currently on week 2 -- run 90 seconds/walk 2 minutes for 20 minutes after a 5 min warm up walk. We will do that again on Thursday and then you should do it again on your own on Saturday or Sunday. Next week we will be doing 2 rounds of this: run 90s/walk 90s/run 3 min/walk 3 min. Don't be intimidated; if you do the 3 training sessions this week, you will be ready and we'll take all the run segments slow! I know you guys can do it!

Here is a list of things you can use to help you when you need to do workouts on your own:

• download the podcasts and load them into your mp3 player. These have music and tell you when to run and walk. You can download them from iTunes or from this page http://c25k.com/ (scroll down to the podcast section).

• if you have an iPhone, they have an app for that! :) It has the intervals programmed into it and you can use your own music. Details at http://c25kapp.com/

• buy an interval watch -- make sure it supports multiple intervals

Let me know if you have any questions.

Profile: Kelvin Thompson

I'm excited to be joining the ucfcdl5k team this year!

I'm particularly thrilled that this event is giving rise to a "living well" movement within CDL, and I'm all about people setting goals for themselves to live more healthily.

Here's a quick story. In the summer of 2004 after thinking about it for quite some time, I finally decided to start "eating right and exercising." I couldn't take looking in the mirror anymore and being confronted with the 30+ pounds I'd accumulated over the preceding nine years. So, after picking up Jorge Cruise's 8 Minutes in the Morning (which always took me closer to 20 minutes thank you very much!), I started a journey of monitoring and managing my food intake and getting regular exercise for the first time in my life. (A few short months later I had dropped the 30 pounds and found myself the healthiest I had ever been.)

Nearly six years later, I still log my food intake daily to keep it in bounds (for the most part), and I log my exercise too. Sometimes I go through dry spells where I get a little bit off track in eating or in not exercising, but I have to confront my log and eventually decide to get back on track again. It's a lifestyle, not a diet or a resolution!

In talking to other folks on their own journeys over the years, I've concluded that when it comes to "living well," you have to set small, attainable goals that you're willing to stick with. Everyone's different, and you have to find what clicks for you. In my case, I was able to get my head around 8 Minutes in the Morning, and then when I met my goal with that program, I just kept going and eventually learned to incorporate other ideas/methods into my own program; which brings us to running...

I'm not a runner, but I've been running off and on since late May 2008 when Kitzzy convinced me to try the Couch to 5k program. I have since created my own "interval" jogging/running music soundtrack with voice over cues (similar to this one) and just use this to get about 40 minutes of cardio. (I'll share it if you want, but I have eclectic tastes in music!)

After doing that for awhile, I took the plunge and actually ran a couple of 5k races (just for fun, to benefit worthy charities, and to get a "free" t-shirt).

I'm looking forward to running with friends and colleagues (and my wife!) during the corporate 5k and think that it will be a great season for emphasizing healthy living for everyone.

As far as my current goals, I just looked at my exercise log while writing this post and realized that I haven't run during 2010 at all!

Ok, true confession, my entire exercise regimen is off! (Last logged exercise was on December 28, 2009!) Yikes! :-(

I'm going to try to use this prep for the corporate 5k to kick-start myself back to exercising regularly. Period. I'll let you know how it goes.

By the way, I've been trying to tweet helpful resources for living well (physically, spiritually, relationally, and emotionally) as I find them at http://twitter.com/kthompso using the #livingwell hashtag (if you're into that sort of thing).

Corporate 5K Training Kickoff

Today was our first group training session for the Corporate 5K, and I'm really pleased with the turn out. We had a total of 9 people show up (including me and Jason), and I know a few others could not make it but will join us in the future. Recruitment is also going very well, and we already have 11 officially registered, plus my parents makes 13. That's 4 more than last year, so I'm confident we'll reach our goal of 20-25.

Everyone met at Partnership II in Research Park after work. Jason and Bob ran a 2.3 mile loop around Research Park while I led a group of beginners using the Couch to 5K program. After a 5 minute warm up walk, we alternated running for 1 minute and walking for 90 seconds for a total of 20 minutes. My group covered 1.5 miles in 26 minutes, including the warm up and cool down walk. I think everyone had a good time, and I hope to see them back on Thursday.

If you could not join us today, you can still join us on Thursday or next week. Just give us a heads up so we don't leave without you!

The photo below is the whole group after we finished. Notice that they are still smiling! Yay! :)

See more photos on flickr

Profile: Bob Reed

I was never an athlete. But I want to live to a ripe old age, so I started running when I completed my Masters degree in December 2004. At the outset my endurance was non-existent and I very very slowly increased my distances and speed by using a treadmill in front of the TV. For thanksgiving 2005 I ran my first 5K. For thanksgiving 2007 I ran my first half marathon and when I finished, I figured I would never do that again. But I completed my first full marathon just last month, and I'll probably do more. I'm not fast, but I can finish.

There are two things I've discovered I like about running: being alone with only my thoughts and my mp3 player, and being outdoors. I mostly run in the early morning and I've seen some amazing sunrises while pounding the asphalt. I like shallow water fishing for nearly the same reasons, but the running keeps me fit and I can eat almost anything I want these days.

The Corporate 5K was fun last year. Did you know there is free beer and bands afterwards?

Profile: Jason Buckner

I am not a runner. I've complained every step of the way to getting into running. But now I think I'm addicted.

Helmetcam @ Corporate 5k 2009

In early 2008, Kitzzy was starting to get into running so I decided to run the 5k races that she did, but I didn't do any running in between the races. Eventually, she signed up for a 10k with her dad and my dad decided to do it. Well I couldn't let my dad show me up.

I signed up for the 10k and knew I would actually have to train for it so I started running on a somewhat regular basis. I still didn't like running after the 10k, so Kitzzy talked me into training for a triathlon. I like biking and swimming much more, and suffered through the run portion.

After triathlon season, Kitzzy decided to train for a marathon and I decided to join her. Well, sometime in the last four months of training for a marathon, running grew on me. I still don't like the really long distances, but I really like my nice short weekday runs. It clears my head and helps me focus.

I'm doing the Corporate 5k because it brings people together and encourages living a healthy lifestyle. As much as I used to hate running, it really helped me live better physically and mentally. We had an awesome time participating last year and I think this year is going to be even better!

Profile: Kitzzy Aviles

First time I ran 3.1 miles!

In February of 2008, I realized I was overweight and decided to do something about it, so I started exercising and eating better. At the end of March of 2008, I finished a 2 mile race that I mostly walked; at the time, I still believed I would never be a runner. Sprinting the last few feet across the finish line, which took every ounce of energy I had, was so exhilarating that I decided then that I wanted to be a runner like my dad, who has run 3 marathons of his own. Both my parents ran the Corporate 5K with us last year and will again this year.

The week after this 2 mile race, I started the Couch to 5K Running Program. I've now completed over 30 races, including 3 half marathons, 4 triathlons, and I will complete my marathon maiden voyage in less than 2 weeks.  You can read more about my journey at my blog.

Running has changed my life, and I love sharing this new world I've discovered with anyone interested. I used to look for excuses not to exercise; now I can't imagine going a few days without running or some other form of physical activity. But the best part is that I've inspired many along the way to begin running or embark in their own journey to lose weight, get fit, or eat better. That's what truly keeps me going.

We had a small team participate in the Corporate 5K last year, and we had a lot of fun. Out of the 9 members of the team that participated, 3 had never completed a 5K before. It was awesome to share this special moment with them. My goal for this year is to double our team in size, and to help anyone interested in walking or running their first 5K cross that finish line.

Are you up for the challenge? I hope so! :)

Profile: Beth Nettles

I am new to CDL. In an effort to let you get to know me better, I thought I’d share with everyone why I signed up for the Corporate 5k. To start, first let me tell you I am less than two weeks away from my birthday. Let’s just say I’m just past 50. In the past 5 years, I’ve done very little in the way of exercise.

Well, except for the obvious - walking the mall, the grocery store, the parking lots, and the super stores. Also, I have pushed a stroller; lifted, carried, and ran after my son, who not consequently, is 5 years old.

Recently, my doctor told me my cholesterol was borderline. I needed to eat more healthfully and to exercise in order to avoid getting put on meds for it. More importantly, I want to live long enough to see my son have a career and raise his own children. So, for motivation, I signed up to participate in the Corp 5k as a walker.

I’ll bet you have a similar story. Why not sign up too? I’m going to start training for the walk this Tuesday, Feb. 16 after work at 5:15 pm. Come join me and I’ll bore you with stories of my son. Or not.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress!!

Participant Profiles

We encourage everyone who joins our Corporate 5K team, or takes on the wellness challenge, to make an introductory post in the blog with your background, why you are participating, and your goals.

We're tagging all of these posts with the label "profiles" so everyone can find them easily, read them, and be inspired by them.

You can also use the blog to post about your progress and challenges along the way. And of course, comment on each other's posts to motivate ourselves to keep up the good work!

If you want to contribute to the blog, contact Kitzzy to gain access or you can email her your story to post on your behalf.

Free Fitness Assessment for UCF Faculty and Staff

All UCF full time employees have access to the UCF Faculty and Staff Research and Wellness Center located in the Education building. They administer free fitness assessments that measure the following areas: Blood Pressure, Resting Heart Rate, Body Composition, Cardiovascular Fitness, Flexibility, Muscular Endurance, and Muscular Strength.

I've had the test done twice, 4 months apart, and I highly recommend it to everyone. Having this assessment done now, before you begin training for the Corporate 5K or undertake the wellness challenge, then repeating the test in a few months is a great way to see how your fitness improves and motivate you to continue training. You can read about my experience in my blog to get an idea of what the test entails and see my results. Read more about the service and schedule an appointment at their website.

Corporate 5K Kickoff Meeting

Today we had our Corporate 5k kickoff meeting and what a great kick-off for this event! We had a lot of great ideas and enthusiasm (and artwork provided by Kelvin for those in the Library). Some of the topics we discussed were recruiting people to participate, our team name, what we want team goals to be, and how we can help people prepare for the event.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Online@UCF Corporate 5K Team blog.

If you’ve ever wanted to try running or walking a 5K, this is your chance! Invite your family and friends to join our team too or come support us. We had a small group last year who had a blast, and hope to recruit a few more this time to share in the fun. View photos from last year’s event and a brief video that Jason took while running the race.

We had a very productive meeting today (details posted soon) and are eager to get started. We'll use this blog to keep everyone updated on training opportunities, training progress, and other team news. If you would like to be added as an author to contribute content to this blog, contact Kitzzy.

So what are you waiting for? Join our team today!