Pride, Fitness, and Fun All Part of 10k Media Day

by Jon Lugbill

Media Day for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k was special again this year. Sports teams do this before their seasons to let the reporters have access to all of the players and coaches. It is hard to have all 40,000 of the 10k participants over for lunch, therefore, Pete Woody, Sports Backers’ Public Relations Manager, arranged for representatives of the different types of people taking part in the 10k to come to our media day at Maggiano’s.

Carrie Parker – YMCA 10k Training Team

Our new head coach of the YMCA 10k Training Team, Carrie Parker, was on hand to provide information about our 10 week program at 19 different locations across the region. Carrie became very animated when I asked her about what motivates her to lead this group. She enthusiastically described the joy of making the running and walking lifestyle accessible to so many new people. She hopes to motivate each of the members of the training team to make at least one new friend and that they will meet and workout together on a regular basis not only getting ready for the 10k but for years to come. She said she feels very proud, “like a mother experiencing their child’s graduation”, as the runners she has coached cross the finish line. New this year, those runners will also receive a 10k finishers medal.

Jammin’ Grannies

I then turned to Nancy “Pink Pants” and Jayne “Green Pants” who were in character with full costume as the Jammin’ Grannies. Many of you might remember seeing a video of these women dancing at the start of the 10k last year. That video became a Facebook sensation with 550,000 shares of the video. I asked them what motivated them to run, dance and prancercize their way through the 10k and Jayne “Green Pants” replied, “We wanted to bring attention to the benefits of being fit and active for life and the joy it brings to many people in a fun way. We also hope to bring awareness for the need to be physically active for people’s mental well being.” The Jammin’ Grannies are seeking “friends” to join them in this year’s 10k and can be contacted through their Facebook Page.

Collegiate Running Association

The Collegiate Running Association has once again decided to have their National Championships at the 2015 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. College athletes from all over the country will be competing for a national title right here on the streets of RVA. Steve Taylor, the founder of the Collegiate Running Association, believes the competitive field will be even better than last year as word spreads about the fun, competitive atmosphere at the 10k.

Heritage Wealth Advisors – 10k Corporate Fitness Faceoff

Heritage Wealth Advisors was represented by Matt Williams to provide insight into why a small growing company would take part in the 10k Corporate Fitness Faceoff. “We not only see the advantages of being fit and active on a regular basis, but the 10k provides an opportunity to enjoy ourselves and get out of the tax return rush period for at least a Saturday. Heritage Wealth Advisors provides their employees entries into the event free of charge. “Our leadership takes fitness seriously”, added Matt. “We were each given Fitbits at the company’s holiday party this year.”

Brandy Lewis & Chanell Braxton

With encouragement from their pastor, Brandy Lewis and Chanell Braxton-Shaw started their own 10k training team at the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. They said it fit well with their church’s mission of serving the mind, body and soul. I asked them what it was like on race day with their 40 trainees experiencing their first Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k—“pure excitement!” they both shouted out. Their enthusiasm was bubbling over as they described all of the photos taken on the awards platform after the race and the feeling of accomplishment that washed over the group. They expect to have more walkers and runners this year because last year’s participants will let everyone know that this event embraces all athletes of all abilities, and everyone at Sixth Mount Zion is welcome to participate.

Kristen Callan

I wrapped up the luncheon talking with Kristen Callan who is a teacher and running club coach at Salem Church Middle School in Chesterfield County. The running club is now four years old and meets once a week throughout the year. They are supported through a school running club grant provided by Sports Backers and Richmond Road Runners Club. They take part in five running events every year. I asked her why she coaches and she replied, “I love to run and why not help my kids at the same time.” This is pretty special. Kristen let me in on her secret, “The race day is very stressful in advance because you are responsible for 15 kids. Thanks to the help of fellow teachers and one run club ‘mom,’ we are very prepared. It is all worth it when you see the faces of our kids and the joy they feel when they cross the finish line. I’m so proud of them. It is different than teaching; this feels like you are part of something really special in their lives.”

This is my 16th year being involved in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, and I already feel inspired with all of the fun, fitness, and pride that mix together in preparation for the race. I can’t wait until March 28 to soak up the atmosphere at one of the happiest places on earth—the finish line of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k!