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!