Kids and Cancer Survivors to Celebrate Healthy Lifestyles

After a busy summer, the is kicking the fall season off with a bang.

Postponed from June 4 due to the renovation at Gaither High, the final leg of the Y’s Youth Triathlon Series has been rescheduled to Sunday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 a.m. 

Registration is still open to all Tampa Bay area families, although many have attended training sessions along the way.  Although there are a few adults who participate – especially those preparing for a bigger race down the line – the majority of entrants are children.

Tri events took place at two other branches this summer – New Tampa on June 4 and FishHawk on Aug. 7.  The former attracted 185 contestants, and the latter raked in 160. The Y is looking to crack the 200 mark this weekend. 

This is the third tri for the Carrollwood/Northdale branch; the inaugural event began in 2009 with 60 kids.  The organization would like to extend to more branches, but the permitting process is tedious and costly. 

“It’s been amazing to see kids and their parents training and getting healthier together,” said Maureen Chiodini, associate vice president of membership and program of Tampa YMCA.  “This quality time impacts the families in so many ways – they get healthier, have fun, set goals together, achieve goals together, and reconnect as a family.” 

As the participant’s ages increase, so do the distances, starting with “The Sprinters," or kids aged 5 and 6, who swim 25 yards (one pool length), bike one-half to one mile - some still on training wheels -  and then run a quarter of a mile.

Children 12 and older fall into the “Adult Super Sprinter” category and  swim 200 yards (eight pool lengths), bike four miles and run one mile.

All participants receive a medal, and everyone’s name is announced at the finish line.

Five months ago, the organization released a survey based on their Healthy Kids Day events.  Fifty two percent of parents polled admitted that the economy has forced them to cut back on after-school activities – a period during which many children accrue their active playtime.  Furthermore, an overwhelming number of youngsters (74 percent) ages 5 to 10 do not participate in the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. 

Said Rebecca Bray, communications director for the Tampa YMCA: “Our goal is to provide a place where anyone can come to get healthier, and feel more connected and confident, regardless of his economic situation.”

The Y's LiveSTRONG members will join a post-tri celebration (from noon until 2 p.m.) including a picnic sponsored by Sonny’s BBQ and Smoothie King, along with zumba and yoga sessions.

The – in conjunction with LiveSTRONG – launched in January after testing a pilot program at the New Tampa location in August 2009, which proved successful. 

Cancer patients and survivors are invited to participate in a 12-week fitness training program designed for those experiencing weakness or fatigue resulting from their treatment or disease.  In nine months, the Tampa YMCA has recruited 286 members, primarily from word of mouth. 

Nationwide, October 2nd is “officially” known as LiveSTRONG day – the date that professional cyclist and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer in 1996, which spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain. 

A year later, during his treatment, the famed athlete formed the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), a non-profit organization whose mission is to “inspire and empower cancer sufferers and their families.” 

In 2003, LIVESTRONG.org launched as an online resource for cancer survivors like himself, and soon thereafter, the Wear Yellow Live Strong campaign launched the ubiquitous bright-colored rubber wristbands.

The Y’s LiveSTRONG members will be stretching their limbs and lacing up their sneakers as they participate in the 13th Annual 2011 Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure the day prior at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The YMCA’s Youth Triathlon kicks off on Sunday, October 2 at 7:30 a.m. at Bob Sierra Youth & Family Center (4015 Ragg Road in Carrollwood). 

Visit the Susan G. Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure website if you are interested in registering for either the 10K (6.2 mile) ot 5K (3.1 mile) race on Saturday, October 1 at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. 

Contact the Bob Sierra YMCA at (813) 962-3229 for information on both events.