January Newsletter

2013 Team Calendar

Check out the 2013 Team Hope For The Warriors® calendar!  If you are interested in joining the Team, please contact Jenlene Nowak at jnowak@hopeforthewarriors.org for more information.

 Kids Can Join in on the Fun!

2013 is going to be even better now that we are launching our new kid’s Team Hope For The Warriors®!  Kids can join the Team for specific kid’s races noted in the calendar above.  Kids can be involved in more ways than just racing.  Lemonade stands, pancake breakfasts- the sky’s the limit when it comes to fundraising ideas for kids!  For more information, please contact Jenlene Nowak at jnowak@hopeforthewarriors.org

Team Hope For The Warriors® Tampa

For the past two years, Team Hope For The Warriors® has participated in the Gasparilla Half Marathon.  This year, Hope For The Warriors® was selected as a charity partner with the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and will receive part of the proceeds from the weekend of races.  The Gasparilla Distance Classic weekend has a 5K and 15K on Saturday, February 23rd and a half marathon and 8K on Sunday, February 24th.  We would like to have a sea of Team Hope For The Warriors® jerseys over the weekend, so be sure to register for one of the races at http://www.tampabayrun.com/.  If you are not already a TH4W member, join Team Hope For The Warriors® at http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/story/18728026/team-hope-for-the-warriors to get your Team jersey and kit.  We will also have a Team dinner the Friday before the weekend at a local restaurant to be determined.

For all of the Team members down in the beautiful Tampa Bay area, you are invited to join our Tampa Team for their weekly group gathering and run on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Beef O’Brady’s on South MacDill. For more information, please contact Devin Young, Team Captain at tampah4w@gmail.com

Team Hope For The Warriors® Community Team Member Highlight: Dawn Benz

2012 Team Footprints And Running Groups:

11/11 Freedom Half (Norfolk,VA)

12/9 VA Runner Blue and Gray Half (Fredericksburg, VA)

Marathon Maniacs, #1993 (three marathons completed)

Half Fanatics, #57 (30 half marathons completed)

Crow Athletics (lifetime membership)

Southern Maryland Running Club

Average Joes Running (Oak Harbor, WA)

What Inspired You To Become A Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

“I come from a military family. Both of my parents (AirForce and Navy), both of my grandfathers (Army and Navy), all my parent's siblings (Army, AirForce and Marines) and I have been married to a Navy Chief for 18 years.  I believe in supporting causes that do positive things for the military, veterans and their families.  What better way to combine two of my passions than a running team that supports the military?”

Fun Fact About About Dawn:

“I have created a small side business for myself creating a Navy Chief Santa Hats.”

2012 ING New York City Marathon Resolution

We wanted to thank all of the 2012 ING NYC Marathon Team Hope For The Warriors® members for their stellar fundraising efforts.  Rest assured, your donations have been 100% credited to Hope For The Warriors® and will be used to further our mission of enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.  Your donations will be used to implement the ten programs we currently offer to our service members and their families.  If you have not reached your $3,000 goal, Sarah Wilkens, Team Captain, will be in touch with you to work out a specific plan to reach your goal, depending on what option you choose above.  Please contact her at swilkens@hopeforthewarriors.org

The New York Road Runners have agreed on a solution for the cancelled 2012 ING NYC Marathon. 

MARATHON RUNNERS
2012 Marathoners may choose one of the following options:

·         Option #1 – Refund. While NYRR has always had a no-refund policy for the Marathon, given these extraordinary circumstances, we are offering runners who were entered in the 2012 Marathon, and were unable to run due to the cancellation ¹  , the opportunity to obtain a full refund of their 2012 Marathon entry fee (excluding the $11 processing fee); OR

·         Option #2 – Guaranteed entry to the ING New York City Marathon for 2013, 2014, or 2015. Entrants in the 2012 Marathon who choose this option will be granted guaranteed entry to the Marathon for the year they choose. Runners will be required to pay all processing and entry fees at the time of application (in the given year), with fees maintained at the same rate as those paid in 2012; OR

·         Option #3 – Guaranteed entry to the NYC Half 2013. Entrants in the 2012 Marathon who choose this option will be granted guaranteed entry to the NYC Half 2013, to be run on March 17, 2013. Runners will be required to pay all processing and entry fees at the time of application. Availability will be limited.

CHARITY RUNNERS
All runners who signed up to run the 2012 Marathon on behalf of Team for Kids or one of the official ING New York City Marathon charities and obtained their entry from NYRR will be offered the same options. The fundraising you did in connection with the 2012 Marathon will entitle you to any of the options above. If your 2012 Marathon entry fee was paid through your charity partner, you will be contacted directly by your charity.

Please click here for more details:  http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/resolution.htm

We are working with the ING NYC Marathon to get more information on how the charity bus and charity village will work for  the 2013, 2014 and 2015 marathons.  We will keep you updated with information as we receive it.

Thank you for your patience and for being part of the Team!

Become a Team Member for Life!

Join our General Community Team for $35 and become a Team member for life!  Membership perks include:

•        Team jersey

•        Team kit which includes fundraising and training plans that accommodate runners of all levels

•        Individualized online fundraising page

•        Team calendar

•        Monthly e-newsletter

               •        Access to the Team Facebook page, Team blog and Twitter feed

•        Invites to Team events

•        Weekly training opportunities with the DC Road Runners (DC area only)

•        Top Fundraiser Incentives

•        New Kid’s Hope For The Warriors® Team opportunities

•        Option to purchase additional Team gear

Click here to become a Team Member for life and support our nation's heroes!

For more information, please contact Jenlene Nowak at jnowak@hopeforthewarriors.org

 Team Gear

Keep warm in the winter months by sporting one of our Team hoodies!  Don’t forget that we also have Team running, cycling and triathlon jerseys to keep you looking good while you train for your 2013 races!  To order, please contact Courtney Gately, Team Coordinator at cgately@hopeforthewarriors.org

Gasparilla Distance Classic

For the past two years, Team Hope For The Warriors® has participated in the Gasparilla Half Marathon.  This year, Hope For The Warriors® was selected as a charity partner with the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and will receive part of the proceeds from the weekend of races.  The Gasparilla Distance Classic weekend has a 5K and 15K on Saturday, February 23rd and a half marathon and 8K on Sunday, February 24th.  We would like to have a sea of Team Hope For The Warriors® jerseys over the weekend, so be sure to register for one of the races at http://www.tampabayrun.com/.  If you are not already a TH4W member, join Team Hope For The Warriors® at http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/story/18728026/team-hope-for-the-warriors to get your Team jersey and kit.  We will also have a Team dinner the Friday before the weekend at a local restaurant to be determined.

Team Hope For The Warriors® Tampa 

For all of the Team members down in the beautiful Tampa Bay area, you are invited to join our Tampa Team for their weekly group gathering and run on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Beef O’Brady’s on South MacDill. For more information, please contact Devin Young, Team Captain at tampah4w@gmail.com

Team Hope For The Warriors ® Profile: Gabriella Brockett

Team Hope For The Warriors® Member Since: 2012

2012 Footprints:

Orphan Hope Trail Relay Marathon (Hunstville, TX)

Blue Bell 10k (Brenham, TX)

Watermelon Run for the Fallen 5k (Hempstead, TX)

Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL)

San Antonio Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon (San Antonio, TX)

BCS Half Marathon (Bryan and College Station, TX)

Scheduled 2013 Footprints:

Houston Chevron Half Marathon (Houston, TX)

Hot Chocolate Run 15K (Dallas, TX)

Hopeful 2013 Footprints:

The Woodlands Half Marathon (Woodlands, TX)

Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL)

Marine Corps Marathon (Arlington, TX)

ING NYC Marathon (New York, NY)

Have You Always Been a Runner?

“No, I have not always been a runner- a friend of mine, asked me to join her team, for a 10 mile race in 2010. She had asked me one week before the race, and my longest run up to that point was six miles. After accepting her challenge and upon completing it  I was hooked on running.”

Who Motivates And Inspires You?

“My friends and family members that have been struck with debilitating diseases, setbacks and loss that live life without complaint and to the fullest inspire me; people that tell me that it can't be done motivate me. I also run to show, teach and inspire my eight year old son that one can reach ones goals with persistence, training, faith and a good attitude!”

What Made You Want To Become Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

The Warriors of course!! All of their stories inspire me to give back what I can for them, and will continue to do so!

 What Has Been Your Favorite Part Of Being Part Of The Team?

"Getting to call myself a Team member of Hope For The Warriors® is one of my favorite parts. Another favorite part is wearing my Team jersey during my training runs and races. During my training runs people would stop and ask me about the Team Hope For The Warriors® program. Also, during races on the sidelines, I would see the faces of military personnel literally light up and they would always give me a high five as I was passing them by on the course."

What Is Your Favorite Race You Have Ever Participated In?

"My favorite race was the Chicago Marathon because it was like magic, everything that could have gone right-did; from the people that I met along the way, to the weather, to the course, to the spectators, etc. It was truly a blessing." 

"The most meaningful race was the San Antonio Marathon-because I was finally able to fulfill my promise to Hope For The Warriors® and because the race was on Veterans Day. It was a special day for so many reasons and I ran my heart out on that day!"

Team Hope For The Warriors ® Profile: Sara Ford

2012 Footprints:

New York City Run Anyway Marathon

Team Member Since: 2011

Have You Always Been a Runner?

I have never considered myself a runner. It is just something that I enjoy to do and every once in a while I want to push myself with a race. I had always wanted to run a marathon but the most I had ever run in my own was six miles.  It wasn't until the spring of 2006 when my boyfriend, now husband, was deployed to Iraq and I figured I had the time to train while he was gone.  I was able to do my weekly workouts on my own and then share in the experience of running long runs with others. Since my boyfriend was in the Marines I choose to run the Marine Corps Marathon. 

What Made You Want To Become Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

After seeing many friends run the ING New York City Marathon, I knew that race was on my bucket list.  In 2011, I decided that 2012 was going to be the year I was going to run NYC.  My husband was no longer in the Marine Corps but many friends and family either are or have served and wanted to give back.  I looked into many charities and found Hope For The Warriors®.  I chose them because of all the programs they offer not only to the service members but how they also help the families.  A moment that always stays in my mind is when I went to visit my husband one last weekend he had leave before he deployed.  As we drove to the entrance of the base the fences were lined with posters and banners saying "Welcome home Daddy/Mommy."  My eyes welled up.  I just had to take care of myself while my husband was gone.  I didn't have children to be strong for or take care of while my husband was away.  My heart went out to those that had children and others they had to take care of and be strong for.  So when I decided to run the ING NYC Marathon, I looked for a charity that would give back to service members and their families.  That’s when I contacted Team Hope For The Warriors®. I wanted to run this time in honor of those what have served and those still serving as well as for the families that serve at home in support of their loved ones.

What Has Been Your Favorite Part Of Being Part Of The Team?

I didn't get an opportunity to meet with my Team members during training, but my Team Captain always checked in to see how I was doing and willing to help or answer any questions I may have.  Then Hurricane Sandy hit.  I had really mix feelings on running and was going back and forth on what to do. The emails from my Teammates I hadn't met yet were such great support.  I made the decision that I was going to run and the support from the Team was fantastic!  So I chose to run in Central Park.  I did the four laps and an extra 1.8 miles to complete my full Marathon and although my time will never be recorded I am so happy I ran.  I had a personal record time!  My family still came from Virginia and Florida to watch and cheer me on even though I was still without power. The amount of others who also choose to run and the New Yorkers who came to watch and hand out water and snacks was amazing.  It felt like a real marathon.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Holiday Gifts 

Looking for that perfect gift? Look no further! Surprise your loved one with a Team Hope For The Warriors® membership for life for only $35! Included in the membership is an official Team jersey, personal fundraising page, exclusive training tips from the DC Road Runners, fundraising ideas and Hope For The Warriors® informational materials.   To purchase a membership, please click here.

Already have a membership? We have that covered too! Why not spiff up their Team attire with a new Team hoodie or running tank? Check out all of our Team gear on our Facebook page for the latest in our Team Gear! 

If you would like to purchase any of the stylish Team gear, or if you have any questions regarding membership, please contact Courtney Gately, Team Coordinator, at cgately@hopeforthewarriors.org.

Meghan Cohen

Team Hope For The Warriors ® Profile: Meghan Cohen

Meghan and her Dad, Michael, before the Columbus Marathon

Team Hope For The Warriors® member since: 2012

2012 Footprints:

    Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon (Columbus, OH) 
    Turkey Trot (Chesterfield, MO)

Have You Always Been a Runner?

“I have not always been a runner. I played lacrosse in High School (and for years before that) which of course requires a lot of running, but I was never very fond of it. It wasn't until I witnessed both my parents, my Mom mostly (whom were not always runners) train and run a marathon. It was a huge inspiration and that got me thinking, "Hey, if they can do it then I can do it!" So I trained and ran one.”

What Made You Want To Become Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

“In 2007 my Dad, Michael Cohen, decided to run the Marine Corps Marathon as a part of Team Hope for The Warriors®.  Watching both him and my Mom complete marathons, I decided I wanted to run one as well.  I didn't want to just run a marathon; I wanted to run for a cause and help raise money for the very organization that my dad ran for.  So this past October I raised $538 to help out Hope for the Warriors®.” 

What Motivates You?

“My motivator for running and training are both of my parents. I would not have been able to run my marathon if it wasn't for both of them. They both run so they gave me pointers and helped me out. My Mom even signed up and ran the marathon with me to keep me motivated during the actual event. My Dad ran the 1/2 marathon and he would still get out on Sundays and run those long runs (I'm talking a 22 miler) with me just so I wouldn't have to do it alone. They have always been supportive of what I choose to do with my life and I couldn't be more thankful. My brother was also a huge motivator. He would always text or leave me little notes telling me good luck with my run, he knew I could do it. It kept me going. The morning of the marathon he sent me a text saying, "It's just another run" so I wouldn't freak myself out beforehand.”

What Has Been Your Favorite Part Of Being Part Of The Team?

"My favorite part of being part of the Team is definitely knowing that I am raising money for an incredible organization and that I am also spreading the word of the work that this organization does. I love how friendly everyone is that works for this organization and even those who are team members like me. They have great posts on the Facebook page that keep me running and make me want to get out there and keep sharing everything that this organization does."

Sleep Tight!

Tip From The DC Road Runners! 

Sleep!

Get enough sleep – how simple is that for a training tip?  And for this weekend’s 20 miler, it’s not just about getting a good night sleep on Friday night, but on THURSDAY night. In the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, they reported a study which found that athletes' VO2 max (an indicator of aerobic fitness) wasn't adversely affected after one sleepless night; it was lowest two days after sleep deprivation.

In fact, when it comes to recovery, sleep is every bit as important as what you eat or drink. There's evidence that lack of sleep interferes with the metabolism of glucose, which muscles depend on for recovery. And recent findings even link sleep deprivation with weight gain. Leptin, a brain hormone that regulates appetite, isn't secreted in adequate quantities when you get less than six hours of rest.

The attached Runner’s World article gives some great tips on getting the best rest: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-267--13281-0,00.html