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.

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.

Sports Backers Seek Strategic Ideas

The Sports Backers efforts to make the Richmond area healthier has now entered the blog universe. Since we are new at blogging, we would welcome any comments or suggestions on how to improve our content.  Receiving your feedback on what programs, events and activities the organization should consider will expand our pool of collective wisdom.  We know we are not alone in believing that a healthier community can in part be realized by increasing the physical activity of area residents.  It doesn't matter if you are into walking, running, swimming, biking or working out at a gym, as long as you are getting your regular exercise.

The Sports Backers strategic planning process kicked into full gear this month.  During this six month process, we will explore new strategies to increase the number of healthy heads on Richmond area beds (including hotel beds.)  We must be realistic about what we can accomplish in the next five years but at the same time we should be pushing the envelope to maximize our impact on the community.  We'll keep posting new blogs about the process as we move forward.

Let's get the conversation started.  Post your comments or send us your ideas on how the Sports Backers can make the Richmond region healthier.