Did anyone see the article in the Village News on 12/22? If you didn't, check out this link. It focuses on Richmond being a participatory sports town as opposed to a spectator sports town, and how maybe that's not such a bad thing.
In his article, John Hall refers to the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k as Richmond's "crowning glory." He says, "Our fair city is, however, beginning to rival the likes of Boulder, Colo., as the center of the universe when it comes to participation sports."
Could this really be? And is it largely in part to the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Considering training for the 10k?
The YMCA 10k Training Team is a proven program that prepares you for the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k on April 2. Since the training team began in 2002, more than 26,000 people have taken part in the 10-week program. IT WORKS! And, it's only $55, which includes your entry into the 10k. You also get a training booklet, expert advice from experienced coaches, special clinics on topics likes shoes and nutrition, a 10k Training Team T-shirt and organized group runs on Saturday mornings at the YMCA closest to you.
Here are some testimonials:
“When I began the training team, I had not run a full mile since college. I missed the early training sessions because I was out of town and then we had snow. When I made it to my first team run, we were scheduled to do 3 miles and I was scared. I went out with the expectation that I would walk most of it and try to run a little. I even contacted Coach Laura about moving to the walker group but she encouraged me to stay with the novice running group. I am thrilled that she did. With the enthusiasm of Coach Richard and his warm up and the other runners, I managed to run all 3 miles! It was the most amazing feeling! After that, I never walked and on the morning of the 10k, I ran my first 10k from start to finish. I could not have done it without the training team. Since January, I have lost numerous inches and have gained a tremendous amount of confidence. Most importantly, running has become something I do to clear my head and relax rather than the dreaded chore I thought it was before the training team. I am going to keep running but will be back for next year's training team and I hope I can help motivate others as I was motivated.” -Stacie Cass
"I would insist on new runners and not-so-new runners join the YMCA program. The coaches all have great attitudes and dedication. If I didn't join, I never would have run on Saturdays and during the week (so I could be ready on race day)...and thus, I wouldn't have run the race. I’m considering joining the ½ marathon training team now!" --Steve Metzger
“For years, I have always wanted to be a runner. I watched marathons and 10k events from the sidelines; admiring the participants who were able to push themselves. For the first time in my life, I really feel that I can do this! The training team provided support and priceless tips to include body position and what to wear. However, what I gained from the team reaches far beyond the 10k. I gained valuable friendships, a joy in running , and more importantly, a new found belief in myself. I am now living my dream and will be running in the Half Marathon this November. Thank you training team!” -Janice Graham
“After encouragement from a coworker that is a marathoner, I decided to join the training team with a friend. Previously I put zero effort into working out, but a few weeks prior to training I started doing some run/jog/walks with another friend. After training started, I fell in love with the sport of training and now I'm a runner for life! I loved meeting new people and hearing the words of encouragement from the coaches each week via email and on Saturday morning runs. Because everything was so effortless and positive it felt like each week I was climbing a small ant hill instead of a giant impossible mountain. Once race day came, the feeling of running with 35,000 people was amazing and it was easily one of the best days of my life! I've already signed up for 2 more races! I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience! Thank you Sports Backers and YMCA!” –Ashley Taylor
"I really can’t begin to tell you how much you and your team have done for me. The training program and your encouragement have been astonishing. The changes – mental and physical – I’ve seen in myself have been significant. I have lost 25 pounds (with a few more to go, but I’ll get there), and my outlook is much more positive." --Robert Tyler
“Thank you so much for having this program! For the last ten years, my New Year’s resolution was to get back in shape. This is the first year I’ve done something about it because of your training team. Everyone is so energetic, welcoming, motivating, positive and friendly! I need that to keep myself going each week. Now my goal will be to change from the novice group to the intermediates.” –Helena Marchi
If you're interested in signing up, but aren't quite convinced yet, check out one of the orientation meetings near you.
Branch - Date - Time
John Rolfe YMCA - Monday, Jan. 3 - 6:30 PM
Downtown YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 6:30 PM
Midlothian YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 7 PM
Tuckahoe YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 7 PM
West Point YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 7PM
Manchester YMCA - Wednesday, Jan. 5 - 6:30 PM
Shady Grove YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 6 PM
Chickahominy YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 6:30 PM
Chester YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 7 PM
Midlothian YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 7 PM
North Richmond YMCA - Friday, Jan. 7 - 6 PM
Downtown YMCA - Sunday, Jan. 9 - 4 PM
Goochland YMCA - Monday, Jan. 10 - 6 PM
John Rolfe YMCA - Monday, Jan. 10 - 6:30 PM
Powhatan YMCA - Monday, Jan. 10 - 7 PM
Southside YMCA (Petersburg) - Tuesday, Jan. 11 - 6 PM
Patrick Henry YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 11 - 6:30 PM
Tuckahoe YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 11 - 7 PM
James Center YMCA - Wednesday, Jan. 12 - 5:30 PM
Swift Creek YMCA (@ Midlothian Y location) - Wednesday, Jan. 12 - 7 PM
Shady Grove YMCA - Wednesday, Jan. 12 - 6 PM
If you have any additional questions, call (804) 285-9495 or send an e-mail to info@sportsbackers.org.
Here are some testimonials:
“When I began the training team, I had not run a full mile since college. I missed the early training sessions because I was out of town and then we had snow. When I made it to my first team run, we were scheduled to do 3 miles and I was scared. I went out with the expectation that I would walk most of it and try to run a little. I even contacted Coach Laura about moving to the walker group but she encouraged me to stay with the novice running group. I am thrilled that she did. With the enthusiasm of Coach Richard and his warm up and the other runners, I managed to run all 3 miles! It was the most amazing feeling! After that, I never walked and on the morning of the 10k, I ran my first 10k from start to finish. I could not have done it without the training team. Since January, I have lost numerous inches and have gained a tremendous amount of confidence. Most importantly, running has become something I do to clear my head and relax rather than the dreaded chore I thought it was before the training team. I am going to keep running but will be back for next year's training team and I hope I can help motivate others as I was motivated.” -Stacie Cass
"I would insist on new runners and not-so-new runners join the YMCA program. The coaches all have great attitudes and dedication. If I didn't join, I never would have run on Saturdays and during the week (so I could be ready on race day)...and thus, I wouldn't have run the race. I’m considering joining the ½ marathon training team now!" --Steve Metzger
“For years, I have always wanted to be a runner. I watched marathons and 10k events from the sidelines; admiring the participants who were able to push themselves. For the first time in my life, I really feel that I can do this! The training team provided support and priceless tips to include body position and what to wear. However, what I gained from the team reaches far beyond the 10k. I gained valuable friendships, a joy in running , and more importantly, a new found belief in myself. I am now living my dream and will be running in the Half Marathon this November. Thank you training team!” -Janice Graham
“After encouragement from a coworker that is a marathoner, I decided to join the training team with a friend. Previously I put zero effort into working out, but a few weeks prior to training I started doing some run/jog/walks with another friend. After training started, I fell in love with the sport of training and now I'm a runner for life! I loved meeting new people and hearing the words of encouragement from the coaches each week via email and on Saturday morning runs. Because everything was so effortless and positive it felt like each week I was climbing a small ant hill instead of a giant impossible mountain. Once race day came, the feeling of running with 35,000 people was amazing and it was easily one of the best days of my life! I've already signed up for 2 more races! I couldn't be more thrilled with my experience! Thank you Sports Backers and YMCA!” –Ashley Taylor
"I really can’t begin to tell you how much you and your team have done for me. The training program and your encouragement have been astonishing. The changes – mental and physical – I’ve seen in myself have been significant. I have lost 25 pounds (with a few more to go, but I’ll get there), and my outlook is much more positive." --Robert Tyler
“Thank you so much for having this program! For the last ten years, my New Year’s resolution was to get back in shape. This is the first year I’ve done something about it because of your training team. Everyone is so energetic, welcoming, motivating, positive and friendly! I need that to keep myself going each week. Now my goal will be to change from the novice group to the intermediates.” –Helena Marchi
If you're interested in signing up, but aren't quite convinced yet, check out one of the orientation meetings near you.
Branch - Date - Time
John Rolfe YMCA - Monday, Jan. 3 - 6:30 PM
Downtown YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 6:30 PM
Midlothian YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 7 PM
Tuckahoe YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 7 PM
West Point YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 4 - 7PM
Manchester YMCA - Wednesday, Jan. 5 - 6:30 PM
Shady Grove YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 6 PM
Chickahominy YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 6:30 PM
Chester YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 7 PM
Midlothian YMCA - Thursday, Jan. 6 - 7 PM
North Richmond YMCA - Friday, Jan. 7 - 6 PM
Downtown YMCA - Sunday, Jan. 9 - 4 PM
Goochland YMCA - Monday, Jan. 10 - 6 PM
John Rolfe YMCA - Monday, Jan. 10 - 6:30 PM
Powhatan YMCA - Monday, Jan. 10 - 7 PM
Southside YMCA (Petersburg) - Tuesday, Jan. 11 - 6 PM
Patrick Henry YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 11 - 6:30 PM
Tuckahoe YMCA - Tuesday, Jan. 11 - 7 PM
James Center YMCA - Wednesday, Jan. 12 - 5:30 PM
Swift Creek YMCA (@ Midlothian Y location) - Wednesday, Jan. 12 - 7 PM
Shady Grove YMCA - Wednesday, Jan. 12 - 6 PM
If you have any additional questions, call (804) 285-9495 or send an e-mail to info@sportsbackers.org.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Volunteers make it happen
So registration opened last week for the 2011 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by MARTIN’S; the annual 6.2 mile race that takes place in Richmond, VA. As you may know the course starts on Broad Street near Harrison and finishes on Franklin St. at Monroe Park. You may know the 2010 race had over 37,000 registrants, making it the 4th largest 10k in the country and 26th largest race of any distance in the world. You may know a lot of things about the event that was founded in 2000 with only 2,462 participants and has since grown to become the signature road race in Richmond. What you may not know, however, is the behind-the-scenes, day-to-day planning that goes into the race that USA Today calls one of the best running races in the country.
From marketing to t-shirt designs and registration coordination to volunteer coordination, every detail of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k is discussed and evaluated during the year-long planning process. As we continue this blog, we’ll discuss some of these lesser-known attributes of the 12th running of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by MARTIN’S. If there is something race-related you want to hear about, let us know.
It’s only appropriate to start with what, or who, we should say, is quite possibly the most critical, yet under-recognized element of the event: the volunteers. Over 2,000 volunteers are needed to make a race of this magnitude successful.
Saying this event wouldn’t be possible without the help of hundreds upon hundreds of gracious and willing volunteers would be the understatement of the century. The different roles our volunteers play range from helping out for a couple hours on race day to logging a handful of hours each week for months leading up to the event. Each role: extremely significant. The multitude of tasks gives any interested volunteer a chance to get involved with a commitment level with which they feel comfortable.
Perhaps the best way to write about the various volunteer positions is chronologically. The first volunteers, however, aren’t the people at the start line or even the expo volunteers working the Thursday and Friday leading up to race day. The volunteers that must first dedicate their time and effort to the 10k are on our race committee. The 10k race committee is comprised of about ¬¬¬45 individuals, each heading up a certain aspect of the race. These areas include, but are not limited to, water stops, awards, medical, t-shirt distribution, and elite athlete coordination. The committee members, many of whom have full-time jobs, dedicate many hours a week, every week for months leading up to the race.
Chronologically, the next group of volunteers helps out at the Anthem Health and Fitness Expo. The expo is where participants come pick up their race packets and event t-shirts, shop for race merchandise and check out the more than 50 health and fitness-related vendors in attendance. The race packets, t-shirts, and bibs are all given to the participants by volunteers. Some volunteers come for a couple hours, others work the entire time the expo is open – a total of 22 hours in two days.
Once the expo has opened and closed and 40,000 bibs, t-shirts and race packets have been handed out and race day has finally arrived, the first volunteers on race morning show up around 4:00 a.m. There are a number of different opportunities for race day including:
• Holding wave signs at the start of the race
• Acting as security at the start line ensuring that all participants are in the correct waves
• Helping out in the bag check area
• Assisting with the Virginia 529 Kids Run
• Passing out water and POWERade to runners and walkers on the course
• Delivering generators to bands and other entertainment groups on the course
• Signing up your band or musical group to perform along the course
• Competing in the Hirschler Fleischer Spirit Content to cheer on the runners
• Working in the post-race food area after the race
• Passing out water bottles at the finish line and congratulating finishers
• Working at the bag check area.
The last volunteers won’t leave the finish festival in Monroe Park until the final walker has crossed the finish line, been given their post-race food and water and the last bag has been picked up from bag check, usually around 3 p.m. Again, they may have been there all day or for just a few hours, but the importance of every role can’t be stated enough.
Obviously, we haven’t explored the details of every volunteer position associated with the event (that may be for a future blog entry), but it goes without saying that this event, like so many other great events in the Richmond region, is simply nothing without its volunteers. They come out year after year, rain or shine, for nothing more than a free t-shirt and the opportunity to help. So, as you are picking up your packet, lining up at the start, taking a cup of water, crossing the finish line, or grabbing a bagel and banana in Monroe Park, please take a moment to thank the volunteers that made it all possible.
For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please visit our website. You can also contact Mary Marshall Graeber, our volunteer coordinator, who will be more than happy to find the perfect fit for either groups or individuals interested in volunteering.
From marketing to t-shirt designs and registration coordination to volunteer coordination, every detail of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k is discussed and evaluated during the year-long planning process. As we continue this blog, we’ll discuss some of these lesser-known attributes of the 12th running of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by MARTIN’S. If there is something race-related you want to hear about, let us know.
It’s only appropriate to start with what, or who, we should say, is quite possibly the most critical, yet under-recognized element of the event: the volunteers. Over 2,000 volunteers are needed to make a race of this magnitude successful.
Saying this event wouldn’t be possible without the help of hundreds upon hundreds of gracious and willing volunteers would be the understatement of the century. The different roles our volunteers play range from helping out for a couple hours on race day to logging a handful of hours each week for months leading up to the event. Each role: extremely significant. The multitude of tasks gives any interested volunteer a chance to get involved with a commitment level with which they feel comfortable.
Perhaps the best way to write about the various volunteer positions is chronologically. The first volunteers, however, aren’t the people at the start line or even the expo volunteers working the Thursday and Friday leading up to race day. The volunteers that must first dedicate their time and effort to the 10k are on our race committee. The 10k race committee is comprised of about ¬¬¬45 individuals, each heading up a certain aspect of the race. These areas include, but are not limited to, water stops, awards, medical, t-shirt distribution, and elite athlete coordination. The committee members, many of whom have full-time jobs, dedicate many hours a week, every week for months leading up to the race.
Chronologically, the next group of volunteers helps out at the Anthem Health and Fitness Expo. The expo is where participants come pick up their race packets and event t-shirts, shop for race merchandise and check out the more than 50 health and fitness-related vendors in attendance. The race packets, t-shirts, and bibs are all given to the participants by volunteers. Some volunteers come for a couple hours, others work the entire time the expo is open – a total of 22 hours in two days.
Once the expo has opened and closed and 40,000 bibs, t-shirts and race packets have been handed out and race day has finally arrived, the first volunteers on race morning show up around 4:00 a.m. There are a number of different opportunities for race day including:
• Holding wave signs at the start of the race
• Acting as security at the start line ensuring that all participants are in the correct waves
• Helping out in the bag check area
• Assisting with the Virginia 529 Kids Run
• Passing out water and POWERade to runners and walkers on the course
• Delivering generators to bands and other entertainment groups on the course
• Signing up your band or musical group to perform along the course
• Competing in the Hirschler Fleischer Spirit Content to cheer on the runners
• Working in the post-race food area after the race
• Passing out water bottles at the finish line and congratulating finishers
• Working at the bag check area.
The last volunteers won’t leave the finish festival in Monroe Park until the final walker has crossed the finish line, been given their post-race food and water and the last bag has been picked up from bag check, usually around 3 p.m. Again, they may have been there all day or for just a few hours, but the importance of every role can’t be stated enough.
Obviously, we haven’t explored the details of every volunteer position associated with the event (that may be for a future blog entry), but it goes without saying that this event, like so many other great events in the Richmond region, is simply nothing without its volunteers. They come out year after year, rain or shine, for nothing more than a free t-shirt and the opportunity to help. So, as you are picking up your packet, lining up at the start, taking a cup of water, crossing the finish line, or grabbing a bagel and banana in Monroe Park, please take a moment to thank the volunteers that made it all possible.
For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please visit our website. You can also contact Mary Marshall Graeber, our volunteer coordinator, who will be more than happy to find the perfect fit for either groups or individuals interested in volunteering.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Are you blogging?
We want you to share your blogs about the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k on our Facebook page. We know many of you blog about your experience because we have seen your posts in past years on your blog sites. Your stories about your personal journey can provide motivation to someone else looking for that little bit of extra inspiration. We will link our Facebook page to your blog site. We want our Facebook page to be the center of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k blogosphere.
We are looking for stories about preparing for the 10k. Maybe you are losing weight and are keeping track of your journey. Or, you are just starting to run after not being physically active for the past ten years. Perhaps, you are coaching a group of friends from church to run their first 10k. You never know who can be inspired by your story, so we want to help spread the word about your blog.
Many of you have decided to raise funds for the Massey Cancer Center and will be writing about the process. Sharing this information might motivate others to raise funds or simply to give a donation to Massey. Others might have a hard time articulating what they are feeling about their battle with cancer, but you might have the time and skill to bring their thoughts to life.
We, of course, reserve the right to make sure the content is about the 10k. We don’t mind slight detours, but ultimately we are not looking to read about your recent tacky light tour -- unless you were running around the neighborhood to see the lights.
So let’s get started. It’s time to start blogging about the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. If you are blogging about the 10k in any fashion, let us know by sending an e-mail to info@sportsbackers.org or posting a link on our Facebook fan page. We'll list it as one of our favorite blogs, which will hopefully help drive traffic to your blog as well as provide interesting content to our other participants.
We are looking for stories about preparing for the 10k. Maybe you are losing weight and are keeping track of your journey. Or, you are just starting to run after not being physically active for the past ten years. Perhaps, you are coaching a group of friends from church to run their first 10k. You never know who can be inspired by your story, so we want to help spread the word about your blog.
Many of you have decided to raise funds for the Massey Cancer Center and will be writing about the process. Sharing this information might motivate others to raise funds or simply to give a donation to Massey. Others might have a hard time articulating what they are feeling about their battle with cancer, but you might have the time and skill to bring their thoughts to life.
We, of course, reserve the right to make sure the content is about the 10k. We don’t mind slight detours, but ultimately we are not looking to read about your recent tacky light tour -- unless you were running around the neighborhood to see the lights.
So let’s get started. It’s time to start blogging about the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. If you are blogging about the 10k in any fashion, let us know by sending an e-mail to info@sportsbackers.org or posting a link on our Facebook fan page. We'll list it as one of our favorite blogs, which will hopefully help drive traffic to your blog as well as provide interesting content to our other participants.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)