Posted on: Friday, February 11, 2005
Camaraderie plays role in finding right group
| • | Club's Philosophy |
| • | Training clubs: Finding one that fits your needs |
By Oscar A. Hernandez
Special to The Advertiser
Holly Scott's first marathon experience in 2002 was so bad she quit running.
Oscar A. Hernandez • Special to The Advertiser But with her conditioning and energy levels hitting all-time lows, Scott considered a comeback.
While visiting an associate's office, she noticed several running certificates and awards from past marathons. An inquiry revealed that the associate was a member of Brian Clarke's training group.
After attending an orientation about five months ago, Scott was back in the fitness fold.
"With Brian's guidance I finished the Honolulu Marathon this year and had a much better marathon experience," said Scott, a Virginia native who now lives in Waikiki.
Clarke, 60, is a former Hawai'i high school state mile champion at Saint Louis School (1962), who also ran track for the University of Oregon under legendary running coach Bill Bowerman. He founded his training group in 1979, at the height of the running boom to prepare advanced runners for the Honolulu Marathon.
Scott described Clarke as having, "a true interest in the sport of running and in his runners ... he makes sure that you challenge yourself at your level (and) helps you stay injury free."
Clarke usually assigns runners into groups based on his or her comfort level or ability.
Scott said the key to choosing a training group is to "find a group that you are comfortable with and that will challenge you, but not make you feel like an inadequate athlete," she said.
Set your own pace
A native of Tahiti, Shiu had participated in various running events, including the Honolulu Marathon.
Still, he felt unfulfilled in his training and running.
Shiu, 60, has been a member of the Clark group for the past 12 years and has been re-energized.
"I look forward to (running) on a daily basis and often push myself to test personal limitations," Shiu said.
Shiu credits Clarke with providing advice and motivation. He has now completed more than 20 marathons.
Shiu finds comfort as a member of Clarke's group, which he describes as a "family style camaraderie and interaction."
Shiu appreciates that Clarke provides everyone an opportunity to feel welcome and enjoy themselves.
"Brian's program has no caste system and every individual ... is assigned (to a group based on) his or her comfort and ability level," Shiu said.
Shiu, an account manager for Horizon Lines, once was a member of a gym, but says he prefers being outdoors.
"I personally don't care for the contract (and) monthly dues ... as a jogger, you are in total control of your own time and pace while enjoying fresh air," Shiu said.
Membership is made up of walkers and runners, whose athletic experience vary from beginner, intermediate to elite. The ages of the members range from their early 20s to their 70s.
Reach Oscar Hernandez at oscar_photography@yahoo.com.
"I tried training by myself, and I didn't train well enough," said Scott, 29, a business consultant. "I ended up with a three-inch diameter blister on my right foot ... and at the end of the race I was (throwing up) ... It took me about one week to recover from my aches."
Brian Clarke, left, takes Holly Scott, center, and Alvis Shiu through some stretches before training.
"Brian helped me address my potential for blistering by helping me select the right shoes, and teaching me (a strategy) to change my socks during the race."
Holly Scott
Unlike Scott, Alvis Shiu was an experienced runner before joining Clark's group.
Alvis Shiu
Club's Philosophy
Who Can Join? Clarke's group welcomes all. His members' backgrounds range from homemakers to realtors to doctors. Clarke, like instructors of other groups, offers an informational meeting for those considering his group. "I recommend that interested athletes attend these meetings to get a sense of the people and programs they would like to join," Clarke said. Where and When Clarke directs five programs a year, helping athletes prepare for the upcoming Great Aloha Run, the Honolulu Marathon, the Volcano Wilderness Runs on the Big Island, the Honolulu Triathlon, and the Tinman Triathlon. Each program lasts three months, with three workouts per week, meeting at various locations in Honolulu. Information For specific information as to orientation dates and times, as well as training dates, times and locations, you may contact Brian Clarke at 737-4340, or via e-mail at BrianCSRun@aol.com. |
| Training clubs: Finding one that fits your needs
Here we are still early in the year, and perhaps you, like many others, are seeking to fulfill your New Year's resolution by lifting yourself off a couch that has molded to the shape of your body. Perhaps you considered joining a gym, but don't want to be pressured to sign on a dotted line that will ensnare you like a cell phone plan. But you lack one important factor that prevents you from tying on your fitness shoes: motivation. Well, procrastinate no more. In the following weeks, you will be introduced to a few training clubs/groups that will cost you less than a gym membership, and the only contract you have to deal with is your own will to succeed with your New Year's resolution. TIPS • A good way to find information on fitness clubs/groups is to check out fliers at your local sporting goods store. Most groups have informational fliers that provide a brief description of the types of fitness activities they offer. • When considering a group or club, ask if it offers a free trial period (most clubs offer this) to see if the training group is a perfect fit for your needs. THE SERIES The Advertiser will be profiling the following fitness/running clubs on O'ahu. Schedule is tentative. Jan. 14—Try Fitness! Jan. 21—Team Jet Hawai'i TODAY—Jonathan Lyau's Personal Best Training UPCOMING Team in TrainingContact Lyau via e-mail at lyauj001@hawaii.rr.com, or visit his Web site at www.bestplacesonline.com/personalbest. Offering his advice on finding a fitness group, Lyau says that, "every group is different, so compare with other groups and make sure it fits your personal expectations." Lyau also suggests that one should, "test the group out by asking for a free session ... (and) talk to others in the group." |
