Get Fit Expo Exhibits Exercise Experts!
Nearly fifty people attended the Utica Roadrunners’ free, first-ever Get Fit Expo at the Masonic Care Community Gym on Saturday, February 9th. Though Eastern blizzard Nemo and a windy, cold (albeit sunny) day conspired to deter attendance, organizer and Utica Roadrunners board member Karl Jones, along with co-sponsoring MCC health coordinators Kathy Contino-Turner and Rebecca Kearns, were very pleased with the inaugural event, and are already committed to next year’s!
There were many highlights to the day, as participants had one-to-one contact and personal practice with experts in racewalking, running form and footwear, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and nutrition, as well as on-site complementary massagesbyEscape Away Massage, and free Chobani yogurt.
The day kicked off at 11 A.M. with Syracuse’s Bob Nicholson and Oneida Castle’s Ed Lee sharing their decades’ decorated experience in racewalking, giving interactive demonstrations of the components of good form (i.e., keeping landing knees straight and one foot in contact with the ground at all times). There was “walk-talk” about possibly offering Utica Roadrunners 500-mile chevrons for cumulative walking, as well as including a mini-racewalk series within the Grand Prix. Anyone interested in or supporting these ideas is asked to contact Ted Lenio at 315-335-0090, . For more specific racewalking information, browse the excellent website,
The Sneaker Store’s Rich Karaz followed with an animated and detailed session on “Good Form Running,” and the latest in footwear. Rich focused on economy / efficiency of movement aimed at optimal performance and minimized risk of injury. Mike Brych, ATC Endurance chief and race director for the Falling Leaves then surveyed participants on their injury concerns, offering rehab warm-up and cool-down stretches to reduce likelihood of injury as well as enhanced recovery. The afternoon ended with nutritionist Pat Salazar. who talked about the importance of a balanced, yet creative and flavorful diet.
Among the exhibiters encircling the expo with their tables were the Utica Roadrunners and Roman Runners, the Mud Run at Masonic Care Community, AcaciaVillage, ATC Endurance, Escape Away Massage, and Oneida County Dairy princess and her court. Finally, besides the generous presenters named above, Utica Roadrunners volunteers were critical to making the expo a success. Many thanks to Jeffrey Adams, Mike Ambrose, Christian Cognetto, Sybil Johnson, Karl Jones, Charles Kane, Mike Kessler, Pat Knapp, Ted Lenio, Jim Moragne, and Jeremy West. ~ TGL 2/18/13