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How did Team Finnish Line do?

June 10, 2006

I started a running class at the Finnish Line Fitness Center in Hudson back in January, with the OK5k as the goal 6 months away. I was looking for something new and fun that would help keep my clients motivated through the winter and give them something tangible to work toward. I knew the Kinderhook race would be the perfect race for someone’s first, or to get a PR…it’s fun, local, FLAT and the atmosphere is relaxed and unintimidating, and they had plenty of time to train for it safely. I also wanted them to experience first hand the feeling that you get when you cross the finish line for the first time…accomplishment, pride, excitement, even more so for the self-proclaimed non-athlete.

After the first class in January, the enthusiasm and excitement spread and other members of the gym became involved. It was exciting to overhear conversations between members comparing their progress and giving each other words of encouragement. Two other trainers at the Finnish Line, Jen Colwell and Janet Rankert, who manages the Valatie location, also spread the word and got some of their clients involved. On race day we had a total of 32 participate in the OK5k as Team Finnish Line. The most exciting fact is that 13 of those people have never even run before this, let alone a race. On our team the average age was 44!!

Our times ranged anywhere from 21:31 by Glenn (his first race!) to 49:44 (Mike’s dog had to stop and poop….a lot). Most everyone had a PR and almost all of the new runners finished faster than what they had expected. Robert Carroll ran the informal Healthy Heart Run one month ago, which was on the same course, and dropped 6 minutes off his time. According to Janet, Bob Cornelius, finishing in 23:03, was once 80lbs heavier and had high blood pressure. A few of the morning gym rats, Kathi, Mary, Mike, and Deb M, all had PR’s. Janet herself tried for a PR, but injury kept her from running the past few weeks, and she still did great.

The recreational runners like Alexys, Terry L, Julie, Tom, Liz, Sabine, Jenna & Melissa (even though she had the stomach bug), all ran very impressive times. Sabine (having only run up to 2 ½ miles prior to the race) said to Janet after the race, "the last ½ mile I was near death". Luckily she was laughing when she said it. Jen, Pam, Nancy and Bonnie all stuck together until they hit Rothermel Ave at about 2.5 miles, when Bonnie, very politely, asked if it was OK if she run faster to the end. Bonnie, mind you, has never run a step, period. An avid walker, she decided to run because everyone else was doing it. I should mention, she’s 65!

We had 2 marathoners in the group, Terry M and Colleen, who, by the way, shaved an hour and 20 minutes off her last marathon! Colleen promised her workout partner, Priscilla, that she would run with her to the finish line. Priscilla motivates Colleen in the gym every morning and she was happily returning the favor. Pat stayed with them for most of the way, and although they pulled ahead slightly at the end, Pat crossed the finish line with a big smile on her face. Colleen’s two kids, Patrick & Shannon, are following in their mother’s footsteps…but faster. Some of the members, Katy, Jon, Mike & John, decided to walk and unfortunately got a bit wet toward the end. I bet they run next year.

Every story is not without it’s sad moments though. One of the members, Deb J started running in February and was doing a great job training and very much excited about doing the race, but the Wednesday night before the race pulled her calf muscle and couldn’t run. I was very impressed when she showed up Saturday morning though to cheer everyone on and be a part of it all. She was kind enough to stay at the finish line taking pictures until the last member went through the chute.

Overall, it was mission accomplished. Everyone had a great time and it was an emotionally uplifting experience for many. A first timer, Pam Finn described her feelings by saying, "It was amazing. A thrill. It was an honor to be a part of something like that. Seeing the community come together, it was so motivating."

Everyone is already talking about doing the Race for Cure on October 7^th…..follow us to the finish line!