Posted on: Friday, January 21, 2005
RECREATION
Ability-based training keeps motivation high
| • | Honolulu Marathon offers $15 early fee for Hawai'i residents |
| • | Catch of the day: Camille's taste of success |
| • | Around Town: Windward O'ahu youth basketball program offered |
| • | Sports notices |
By Oscar A. Hernandez
Special to The Advertiser
Chet "The Jet" Blanton is an accomplished athlete who has completed 36 marathons, 80 ultra-marathons, and 13 Ironman triathlons.
Oscar A. Hernandez • Special to The Advertiser "If I could do races until I was 69, I'd be very happy," said Blanton, 46, of Honolulu. "She never complains, even when we plan the most intense workout."
Blanton is the founder of Team Jet Hawai'i, which offers a variety of training programs throughout the year. Training clinics range from marathon, triathlon, rough-water swimming and cycling.
Kitagawa has been a Team Jet member since 2001. The retired state worker said her training regimen includes cycling, running and swimming six times a week.
"I wanted to seek a healthy way of life," Kitagawa said. "I have a family history of poor health, dealing with diabetes and hypertension."
Kitagawa said Team Jet provides a supportive environment, and she doesn't feel pressured to be the best.
Kitagawa attributes her success to Team Jet creating training routines based on her abilities.
"I may be slower than others, but I finish all of my races," she said.
Blanton founded Team Jet in 2000. Considering his numerous athletic feats, he is quick to credit the group's members and coaches with providing him inspiration.
Team Jet's training staff is composed of several accomplished athletes, including Debbie Hornsby, who holds the women's record in the Tinman Triathlon set in 1993; Rick Varley, who incorporates his experience in track and field training into the triathlon; Stephanie Richardson, who was a member of the 1996 Canadian Olympic swim team; and "Wen" Le, who was a member of the University of California cycling team. Le offers his experience in cycling training, tactics, safety and maintenance.
Team Jet offers a variety of fitness activities to meet the interests of its members.
The groups meet at various locations, depending on the planned training activity. Although some clinics recently started, it's never too late to give Team Jet a free trial run, and decide if this group is a proper fit for you.
Reach Oscar Hernandez at oscar_photography@yahoo.com.
• • •
Training clubs: Finding one that fits your needs
"Anybody can do anything if they put their mind to it."
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Running groups meet from January to the end of February. Meetings rotate between the Kap'iolani Park Bandstand and Ala Moana Beach Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m., and Sundays at 7 a.m.
Preparation for the Honolulu Triathlon started the second week of January and will continue to April 17. Triathlon days are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 a.m.
Cycling clinics also have started and will continue until March 8. These meet Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:40 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.
Rough-water swim clinics meet three days per week from July to September at Ala Moana Beach Park.
INFORMATION
To learn more about Team Jet Hawaii and its training clinics, visit www.teamjethawaii.com, or call 941-6485. 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!
Today—Team Jet Hawai'i
UPCOMING
Brian Clarke's School of Running
Jonathan Lyau's Personal Best Training
Team in Training
But when asked to mention an individual who inspires him, he quickly named Eleanor Kitagawa, 69, of Palolo.
Eleanor Kitagawa of Palolo enjoys her training with Team Jet Hawai'i's Chet Blanton because her routines are based on her ability. "I may be slower than others, but I finish all my races," she said.
Here we are at the start of 2005, and perhaps you, like many others, are seeking to fulfill your New Year's resolution by lifting yourself off the couch that has molded to the shape of your body.
MISSION STATEMENT
