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Calling All Women!
by Dr. Kathleen Kozak, MD.
How many of us have made New Year's resolutions this year to get into shape??? We all promise ourselves that we will take advantage of the gym membership we've had for a year, or to get outside and exercise at least three times a week. There are so many obstacles to overcome every day, but we have the best of intentions!!! The first step to making that resolution stick may be the hardest, but it's the most important to take.
Well, Hawaii's premier women's 10K race is right around the corner! Straub Clinic & Hospital along with Kapi'olani Women's and Children's Hospital is hosting the 29th annual 10K race in Waikiki on March 5, 2006. For the last quarter century, women of all ages have come together in a celebration of friendship and good health for this event.
Elite runners, competitive racers, race walkers, and beginners have come together for this yearly tradition from all over the state. Each year, as participants cross the finish line, they are greeted with a welcome smile and a single long-stemmed rose to celebrate their accomplishment!
To help those of you who have not committed to joining a formal race / event of this nature, training clinics are held ever Wednesday evening, from 6:00 pm at Niketown in Waikiki, with free validated parking. The Bone & Joint Center at Straub will provide a FREE Q&A session on race techniques, nutrition and training, injury prevention prior to race day. All levels of athletes are encouraged to join, and make the most of this premier event.
10K (6.2 miles) may sound like a lot, but it is definitely do-able. The best way to train is to slowly work up to the distance by beginning a workout program that starts today. Below are some quick and easy suggestions!
- Make sure you have a good pair of sneakers for your workout! Proper fitting shoes make all the difference!
- Take the stairs at work! You might even beat the elevator!
- Walk around the block during your lunch hour!
- Bring exercise clothes to work, and recruit colleagues to avoid the afternoon traffic and meet to work out instead! EVen if you just walk briskly for 15 minutes, it will make a difference.
- Drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day.
- Bring healthy snacks to work to resist temptation from any leftover holiday candy.
- Eat breakfast. You'll have more energy and feel better for the rest of the day!
It's never too late to get in shape! Make this year your year for fun and fitness for 2006.
Kathleen Kozak, MD.
Internal Medicine
Straub Clinic & Hospital