Posted on: Friday, March 4, 2005
RECREATION
Friendly group gets couch potato up and running
| • | Around town: Safari Club honors Big Island hunter Yap |
| • | Catch of the day: Tanaka brings in tako |
| • | Sports notices |
By Oscar A. Hernandez
Special to The Advertiser
Three years ago, Lynda Murakami, 39, of 'Aiea, was unhappy with her physique and decided it was time to find a program to fulfill her fitness quest.
Oscar A. Hernandez • Special to The Advertiser "Although there are a lot of really good groups out there, HMC is where I felt the most comfortable," she said. "I made a lot of friends who are very supportive of anyone who decides to join."
With the guidance from volunteers and other runners at HMC, Murakami finished her first marathon (the 2002 Honolulu Marathon) in a time of 6 hours, 40 minutes.
Fresh off that marathon — and 25 pounds lighter — Murakami, with the encouragement of sister, Sandy Murakami, tackled the Disney World Half-Marathon.
"(Sandy) told me since I had to exercise anyway, why not run the Disney Half-Marathon," Murakami said.
Murakami finished the half-marathon in 3:05.
Before joining HMC, Murakami described herself as a "consummate couch potato" spending hours snacking in front of her television.
"When I first came out to HMC, I couldn't even run from our starting point (at Paki Hale in Kapi'olani Park) to the end of Paki Avenue (where it meets with Diamond Head Road)," Murakami said.
She also admitted to being a heavy smoker, puffing through one pack a day. Murakami said her way of dealing with stress was to reach for a cigarette.
"Only my fingers got any exercise," she said. "But when I started training, my thought process in dealing with stress became, 'I wanna go for a run.' "
She quit smoking in 2002, though she nearly had a "weak moment" last year.
"I tried to smoke a cigarette, and I just felt sick," she said. "I knew then that I had truly given up that terrible habit."
Murakami was a member of a gym, but said there was a lack of camaraderie. And it was becoming too expensive.
In recommending a training group, Murakami said, "Ask people you know about their training, who they train with, and (ask about) their experiences. Then you can decide which group would work for you."
After a two-year hiatus for personal reasons, Murakami is ready to re-commit herself to training with HMC again.
This year, she hopes to celebrate her 40th birthday by completing the Honolulu Marathon, as well as run in the 2006 Disney World Marathon.
Murakami offered encouragement to others who are merely thinking of getting out to run.
"If I, the ultimate couch potato, can finish a marathon, anyone can," she said. "The feeling you get when you cross that finish line for the first time is indescribable, and worth the work you put in."
Reach Oscar Hernandez at oscar_photography@yahoo.com.
She approached the Honolulu Marathon Clinic and was immediately welcomed.
Lynda Murakami says that "when I started training, my thought process in dealing with stress became, 'I wanna go for a run.' "
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| Who leads it
Cardiologist Dr. Jack Scaff is the founder of the Honolulu Marathon Clinic. The free clinic is a nine-month program put together by Scaff and his volunteers that help beginning runners and first-time marathoners. Informative talks about marathon training and related subjects (diet, health, shoes, injuries, etc.) are held, followed by group training runs led by experienced volunteers. Club's mission To help beginning runners successfully complete their first marathon. This program stresses recreational, slow, conversational long-distance running in an enjoyable, fun environment. Who may join Anyone. Even if you don't plan to run a marathon, everyone is welcome to join the members of HMC for a run in paradise. Beginners and newcomers are always treated as friends. Training runs are broken up into three basic groups: • Beginners: Sedentary types and people just starting their exercise programs. • Intermediates: Those who are already running, but don't know how to transition to a marathon. • Advanced: Similar to intermediates, but at a faster pace. When and where to meet At 7:30 a.m., every Sunday except for three-day weekends (March 13 through December). Where to meet Across from Paki Hale at 3833 Paki Avenue (near Noela Street). Contact information Email: marathonclinic@hawaii.rr.com or http://home.hawaii.rr.com/marathonclinic
The Honolulu Marathon Clinic is not associated with the Honolulu Marathon Association. Source: Honolulu Marathon Clinic Web site Training clubs: Finding one that fits your needs The new year is well past us now, and perhaps you, like many others, are still 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 lacing up 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. Jan. 14—Try Fitness! Jan. 21—Team Jet Hawai'i Feb. 4—Jonathan Lyau's Personal Best Training Feb. 11—Brian Clarke's School of Running Feb. 25—Team in Training Today—Honolulu Marathon Clinic UPCOMING Farber's Flyers |
