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Sports Backers Blog

The YMCA 10k Training Team Secret

by Jon Lugbill

Today I was on a quest to find out why people sign up for the YMCA 10k Training Team to prepare for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by MARTIN’S. There must be something that is key to people signing up year after year in such large numbers.  What is the secret to this program?

I chatted with Jacki Quinlan, Sports Backers Community Engagement Coordinator, and she said she first did the 10k Training Team to get back in shape after having had her daughter Kasadi. She had some extra weight and was looking for a way to lose pounds. “The YMCA 10k Training Team started me on my fitness journey,” she said. “It was so hard those first few runs, because I was so out of shape and it is was hard to get up and go.  But, I did it and the pride I felt at the finish line was amazing.” I asked her what about the training team was different? She responded, “I felt obligated to show up, I was part of a team and you don’t let your teammates down by not showing up. “

I got back to the office and asked Max Hepp-Buchanan, Sports Backers Bike Walk RVA Director, why he signed up for the YMCA 10k Training Team this year. He laughed, “I have never run more than 5 miles and I don’t like running alone.” He added, “I know if I sign up and have people to chat with, the running will be no problem. Now the getting there is going to be an adventure.” Max will be biking to the North Richmond YMCA for his training sessions and dropping his son Lars off with a sitter on the way. After his runs, he will bike back to get Lars before returning home.

ttAt least for my sample of two, the resounding answer for why they are participating is about being part of a team. I then called Stephanie Burpoe, who had minutes before signed up for the training team. I asked her why she signed up and heard a similar answer. “I ran with the Prince George team two years ago and really enjoyed it and tried to do it on my own last year, and just had a hard time getting in the miles.” She added, “I signed up this year at the Tuckahoe YMCA, and I know I will show up because I’ve made the commitment to be on the team.”

There is that four-letter word again–Team.

I then saw that Kalimah Vereen and her two sons had just joined the North Richmond YMCA branch of the 10k Training Team. I gave her a call and asked her why the three of them signed up. “This is my fourth year doing the training team and it is a great way to stay active,” she replied. She added, “The program is so welcoming. When I first started I had to run and walk, and there were always other people with me.” I asked her how she talked her teenage sons into doing it with her, and she replied matter-of-factly, “This is the boys’ second year. I just signed them up and told them they were doing it.” She then snickered and said, “I do bribe them with a doughnut after each long run. They really like that.” She added, “I know if we are committed to the team, it will be easier for us to go each week.”

You would think that after 15 years of being part of organizing this program, I would have realized how important it is for people to be part of a team. This Saturday morning, when I show up for the first YMCA 10k Training Team run, I will have a new appreciation for the 200 coaches and the 3,500 participants that make up the team. They will show up each week for ten weeks to prepare together for March 28th simply because they are part of a team and that’s what teammates do.

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