Rise of Triathlon

Triathlon ~ the rise of a sport

According to the USAT (USA Triathlon Organization), the sport continues to gain popularity despite hard economic times. People are signing up for races in record numbers; annual USAT membership increased by 14.2% just in 2009, with more than 125,000 belonging to the organization.
It has been the fastest growing sport in the US since it first appeared at the Olympics in 2000. One of the reasons for it popularity is the fact that there is a race for anyone who is willing to train. Distances range from the very short, or “Sprints” to extreme endurance “Ironman” to the in between, “Olympic” and “Half-Iron” distances. Races may be either on or off road. It is possible to race as and individual or to compete as a team in a relay with one person doing each leg. Really the sport offers something for everyone. There are also other multi-sports venues for those who are not fond of the swim, bike, run. For the non-swimmer, there is the Duathlon, which is a run, bike, run, or there are a multitude of Adventure Races, which may include things like paddling, climbing, and repelling.
If you are interested in training for your first multi-sports event or you are an experienced Triathlete the Middlesex YMCA is a great place to train, and to meet training partners. The Middlesex Y is hosting a number of triathlon, and multi-sports focused events including a Fitness Contest, with the goal of completing the Ironman Distance in less then a month (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run), an indoor winter sprint series on February 27th, March 13t, hMarch 27th, and April 10th (email: kchampagne@midymca.org for details). We will also be hosting our first YMCA Camp Ingersoll Off Road Duathlon on April 24th 2010, and our 3rd Annual Camp Ingersoll Youth Triathlon on August 8th 2010. Hope to see you there!

Benefits of Summer Camp

For both parents and kids it’s never too early to start thinking about summer vacation; though they may think about it for different reasons. Parents are concerned with ensuring that their children are safe, supervised, and engaged in activities that develop skills and keep their minds and bodies active when school lets out for the summer. Youngsters eagerly anticipate the free time, simply want to have fun, learn something new, and make friends. The right summer camp will be able to provide all of these experiences for your family.

Gone are the days when day camp meant simply tying knots or making pot holders Today, summer day camp programs are as unique as the campers themselves. We still provide arts and crafts, but we also offer kids exceptional opportunities to enjoy activities and resources that are often unavailable to them during the school year. Campers can go for a hike, play sports, climb the tower, learn how to maneuver a canoe, dress up as their favorite superhero and much more!

Camp programs are always designed to provide opportunities for physical activity. This is vital due to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that 9 million young people between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight and on a very unhealthy path to adulthood. The number of overweight children in the U.S. has more than doubled since 1980. Increasing the levels of physical activity in the lives of our children is a critical component of this country’s efforts to help children get healthier. Children are at less risk at camp where they have a sense of community, develop intergenerational relationships, and learn through first-hand experiences. Camps help children grow and learn by providing a supervised, positive environment that has building strong minds, bodies and spirits as a primary commitment.

Day camps are positioned to help young people get healthier and feel connected to their communities during summer months. I want to encourage parents and kids to experience our longstanding commitment to strengthening the spirits, minds and bodies of kids firsthand.

Middlesex YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

Did you know...

The YMCA of Northern Middlesex County was established in 1886. In 1928, a new building was added to meet growing enrollment, offering a swimming pool, two gymnasiums, billiards, bowling lanes and 64 dormitory rooms. This building remains today as the primary base of operations. In 1972 the building was expanded, adding a second pool, health center, and additional racquetball courts to the facilities. Here are some other little known facts about the Middlesex YMCA:

- Thirty percent of our memberships are families.
- We are the largest before and after school childcare provider in the area.
- Over 1,000 campers attend YMCA Camp Ingersoll and Outdoor Center each summer.
- We have an aquatics program for people suffering from arthritis.
- Many use our pool for physical therapy purposes.
- Our Mentoring Program helps children with special social and behavioral needs.
- Our Phelps Ingersoll Center for Children provides preschool and school readiness for 45 children.
- The YMCA Barracudas swim team has a roster of 130 kids that pound the water in our winter swim season and 75 kids in our summer season.
- We still provide 62 units of safe, affordable housing for men.
- We have a membership of over 3,370.
- Over 300 individuals receive financial assistance based on need.

Did you also know that...

The Middlesex YMCA awards over $300,000 of financial assistance to families each year. The Strong Kids Campaign is an annual fundraiser whose proceeds benefit our YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. The fist leg of fundraising is our Employee Campaign. Middlesex YMCA employees have thus far donated over $12,000 to ensure that all families and children have access to YMCA programs at affordable prices. Employees who donated were given a leaf to proudly display on our Strong Kids Employee Giving Tree located in our lobby. Thank you to all employees who supported this great cause! This is just another example of how the Middlesex YMCA is a Community of Caring People Who Support Families, Build Character and Promote Wellness.

The employee campaign is just the beginning of the fundraising. On February 11th we began our Strong Kids Community Campaign. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers who share their YMCA stories and spread our message throughout the community. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the following businesses who are showing their support to our Strong Kids Community Campaign by offering matching funds:

A & A Office Systems

Best Cleaners

Citizens Bank

Comcast

Daniels Oil

Liberty Bank

May, Bonee & Walsh

Suburban Office Products

Generous donors make it possible for our Open Doors financial assistance program to respond to the needs of all community members. If you know anyone who is interested in making a charitable donation, please have them consider the Middlesex YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. If you have any questions about our campaign or for more information please contact Bob Spencer at (860) 343-6232.

The Right Summer Camp

Chances are you have already been inundated by flyers, brochures, and other promotional camp materials. I know what many of you are thinking: Is this guy really talking about camp a day before were about to get "walloped" (their words not mine) by a winter snow storm? Well I am. Camp registration is in full swing and if you don't start the process now you might be closed out of a program you really want.

If you have ever looked for a summer camp you know it can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some questions and tips to prepare you for picking the right camp for both you and your child.

• Camp Philosophy: Does the camp philosophy match your opinion of a successful summer camp experience? Are you looking for a competitive sport camp, something adventurous and new, or a little bit of everything with emphasis on personal interaction?
• Staff: How does the camp recruit and train staff? Are counselors certified in CPR and First Aid, and are there background checks? Also how much time does a camp spend training there staff and how are they prepared to handle your child?
• Safety: You want to be assured your child is in a safe and fun environment. Who is the first aid provider, is there a certified nurse, how big are your groups, and what are your pick up and supervision policies? Are there any special schedules or precautions for adverse weather? Safety should be just as important to your camp as it is to you.
• Activities and Schedule: Is it important to have a schedule with 8 periods a day where campers are led through various counselor driven activities? Does your child tire easily and need special accommodations to make it through the day? Some camps may offer a few choices of activities and others may make activities available to all campers. How important are specialized unique program such as Archery, Ropes, or Boating to you and your child?
• Convenience: Children come to camp for many different reasons, which is why it's important to choose a camp that fits your needs. You may want to look for transportation, before and after camp, or lunch options. Will driving to a camp far away add more stress to your day, or is it worth the time spent?

So now you know what to look for, but where do you get the information? Call local camps directly, research online, and look in brochures to get an overall feel. Attend an open house, take a tour, and ask other parents for recommendations. If you do not know any other parents call the camp and they will often refer you to a parent willing to talk to you. Yes it's a lot of information, but now you know what to look for and just imagine the smile on your child's face after a fun day at camp.

Health Care Reform Starts with You

All of the debate circling around Health Care Reform has led me to the conclusion that it is more important than ever to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible. I want to avoid costly medical expenses, I don't want to be a burden on the system and I want to have enough energy and vitality to enjoy my family time.
So, I'm taking the responsibility of making my own health care reform. I haven't had any committee meetings, and haven't done extensive research into new solutions (although I would admit that this plan has been bogged down for a few years.) I am starting with what seems to make sense for me, I am trying to eat better and exercise....not revolutionary concepts.

Beginning in November I have been trying this new strategy and two things have happened:
#1- People are very supportive and some are even inspired to do something, too.
#2- I feel great, and that has given me momentum to do more in hopes of getting even better results.

So, put down the Big Mac Snack Wrap, lace up your sneakers and getting started. If you need help or a coach come down here to the YMCA and we'll do it together.

Winter as it could be

When you were a child what made winter something to look forward to rather than dread? It was the snow: transforming what was known and ordinary into a new world filled with mystery, intrigue, and adventure. Fast forward to the present: are you stressing about tomorrow's commute in the snow, desperately making backup plans for a school delay, or counting the days until this uncomfortable inconvenience will end? For a lot us the wonder of winter has become a burden and our whole mentality takes a negative slide. We don't enjoy the season like we used to: our exposure to the sun lessens, we might exercise less, and activities we love are no longer available.

Why not learn a new winter skill? Skiing or snowboarding can change your whole outlook on the coming of winter. Now I know what you're thinking: it's expensive for the family, it's cold, and I don't know how. Well here are some tips to get you started:

1. Join a ski club. Aetna has a ski club available for anyone. A thirty dollar membership can save you close to 50% on a lift ticket. It also provides discounts at local ski shops (Alpine Haus).
2. Rent equipment. Ski equipment doesn't need to be expensive. Rent at a local ski shop and get huge savings compared to mountain rental prices.
3. Take lessons. Learning can be difficult, but think of the memories your family will be making together as you experience your first snow plow or carve. They cost money, but you can get discounts through ski clubs and it's the fastest and easiest way to learn.
4. Plan an outing. Take time to prepare and plan your experience. Some mountains might be close, but have bad conditions, others might be known as family mountains (Okemo). Avoid busy weekends and holidays; you don't want to learn in the middle of thousands of people. Early and late in the season offers discounted lift tickets and more comfortable weather.
   
5. HAVE FUN! Learning any new skill can be challenging, but whether you're with your family, friends, or yourself think about the benefits. Enjoy the outdoors, get a sense of accomplishment as you get off your first lift, experience a whole body workout, and enjoy the picturesque scene you remembered as a child!
   

The benefits of skiing do not end on the slope. If you do enjoy skiing you might find yourself more motivated to work out in the winter. Now when you come into the YMCA it won't be forced, but an extra incentive to improve your skiing. If down hill skiing isn't for you try other sports like: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, indoor rock climbing, indoor triathlons, and park and rec leagues. Most importantly, find something you can enjoy and look forward to doing in the winter!

Keeping that Resolution

Over the Holidays you ate with carefree abandon, knowing full well that you had committed to starting an exercise routine in the new year. And this year would be different because you didn't just tell yourself that you would start but you told EVERYONE. You even went down into the basement and found your old gym bag, you know the one, with the Reebok high tops and the Champion sweatsuit. You even joined the YMCA.

Well, it' been 2 weeks...how's it been going? Have you started with the excuses? "I'll just skip today because I need to go grocery shopping." "I'll go tomorrow, I really have to take down these Christmas decorations." "Isn't American Idol on tonight?". Before you know it you've given up. Of course you're still telling yourself that you haven't...but you have.

If this describes you, it's not too late. Before you give up, try this: work with a personal trainer. There is a reason why celebrities exercise with personal trainers and it's not because they're wealth, it's because they get results. A personal trainer can help you set and reach your goals. Your trainer will make sure that you are optimizing your time and efforts. Your trainer will motivate you by making you accountable and helping you measure your successes.

So, it's time to take your fitness personal. For info on personal training email Kristin Champagne kchampagne@midymca.org or ask a YMCA fitness staff member.

The Ribbon Project at Kids' Korner

Students of the YMCA Kids’ Korner at Macdonough School had the opportunity to show caring and compassion by creating handmade pink ribbons for breast cancer patients in Connecticut.

The Ribbon Project is a community art project founded by Miss Porter’s School senior, Jenny Roach. Participants craft handmade pink ribbons using non-ribbon materials. These “ribbons” are then distributed by Jenny to breast cancer patients in local hospitals and cancer treatment centers. The Ribbon Project connects nicely to our YMCA positive value, CARING, which is also featured as #26 on the Search Institute’s List of 40 Developmental Assets.

Our Kids’ Korner program contacted Jenny Roach via The Ribbon Project website (http://www.theribbonproject.webs.com/) after the Hartford Courant had posted an article about her work. Jenny immediately sent our site a publicity packet, including posters, postcards and websites about the project. (You can find The Ribbon Project on Facebook!) We also placed a PINK DONATION BOX on site, looking for donations of fun pink materials for Jenny. She accepts a variety of materials, including fabric, ribbon, beads and fake flowers. Soon after, Jenny agreed to visit our site and speak to the children about creating and planning service-learning projects, including how she turned her inspiration into a reality.

On Friday, December 18th, Jenny brought along pink foam sheets that she had formed into ribbon shapes and bag full of decorative pink objects. Every Kids’ Korner student worked together to create several ribbons that Jenny was then able to take for distribution. To date, The Ribbon Project has created well-over 1000 “ribbons” for Connecticut breast cancer patients. Our program is glad to have contributed to this achievement.

Kids' Korner Visits Coffeehouse Recording Studio

Twelve Macdonough School Kids' Korner students participated in their second Kids’ Korner CD Production Club with Michael Arafeh of the Coffeehouse Recording Studio. The first project was an updated version of the school song, “Knowledge is Power.” This second CD, Holiday Songs, features four tracks and includes holiday classics such as “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Auld Lang Syne.” The final song on the track, “Auld Lang Syne” features several well-wishes from the students. There is also a special reading of Moore’s poem, “T’was the Night Before Christmas” where each child read lines from the story. While walking to and from the Main Street studio, the children wassailed and delighted several people with their holiday cheer. Each child who was involved with the project received two copies of the CD, one copy for themselves and a copy for gifting this holiday season. Also, CD sales to Macdonough Staff went quite well. Hopefully these joyous carols will delight for years to come.

Try the Y Week!

I read a blog written by Seth Godin everyday. For a long time I kept it to myself, and just walked around with this feeling that I knew something that very few others did.
Then it struck me, I need to share this so that other people could get the same benefit that I do. That got me thinking about our YMCA. So many people LOVE our YMCA, but they often keep it to themselves. Well, we are trying to change that.
Beginning on Monday, January 11th we are having "Try the Y" Week and it is an opportunity for our members to "show off" and "brag" about their YMCA. We want them to bring a friend to an exercise class or have another family join them for Open Swim. There are so many wonderful things that happen here at the Middlesex YMCA and so many benefits to be had, we need to share the experience with others.

So, please visit our website for complete details www.midymca.org and a schedule of "Try the Y" Week.

And just for the record, you might like Seth's blog, too.

The importance of Family Dinner

It's hard to believe the heart of the holiday season is already past us; but it is, and now we look forward to fulfilling those New Years Resolutions. Seemingly, every year we make heartfelt goals and most years, I at least, fall short: there's no time, it's not that important, or maybe I just forgot. With that being said, why not choose a resolution that benefits your family while being attainable.

The article "Family Dinner Linked to Better Grades. . ." on the ABC News website reviews a Columbia University survey that has concluded family dinners are beneficial to your children. In addition to limiting some negative social pressures associated with growing up; family dinners, or any meal in general, also "were associated with better school performance, with teens 40 percent more likely to get A's and B's". A professor of child development at Tufts University states: "At a time when kids are under a lot of stress for a lot of different reasons, having that regular mealtime that they can count on, that their parents are there for support, that can be very helpful". So we all knew dinner with the family was a good thing, but now we have proof and with our hectic schedules of practices, clubs, and play dates it's never a bad time to take a deep breath and spend some quality time with your family.

Related articles:

Family Dinner Linked to Better Grades

University of Columbia Research Study Results

Sundays are FUN Days at the YMCA

Eight years ago, Tony Sharillo, Camp Director, and I would spend Sunday afternoons trying to find the best place to watch football. The criteria were simple, lots of TVs, good wings and something to do when the games got boring, like Golden Tee video golf. Sundays were a good day.

We still look for things to do on Sunday, but now that we have young children the criteria are different...affordable, safe and something that our family can do together. That was the basis behind creating "Sunday FUN Days" at the Middlesex YMCA.

This Sunday, the YMCA Staff member, Kevin, helped us take out the gymnastic mats so that our kids could practice tumbling and then pulled out some hockey sticks and we knocked a puck around. Tony then took his son to a swim lesson, while I took mine to the family center to play some games. Sunday is still a good day.

Next week we're going to take the family fitness class and stay for Open Swim.

Why don't you bring your family to the YMCA this Sunday?