JOINTS IN MOTION -   JOIN THE TEAM!


  www.arthritis.org/chapters/georgia


Become a member of the Joints in Motion Marathon Training Team, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, SE Region/Georgia Chapter.  This program supports raising funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation's number one cause of disability.  It includes your training to run or walk a marathon or half marathon in one of our exciting JIM team marathon destinations.  Together we will help improve the quality of life for millions of men, women and children with so many forms of disabling arthritis.   

                                      Walk or Run a  Marathon



Marathon training with Get Fit Atlanta is included in the Joints in Motion Marathon Team Program.   Training is designed to guide participants of all ages, 18 and above, with various fitness levels, through an extensive training program to complete a marathon or half marathon.  Virtual training is also available for those needing to train on their own schedules.

                                 Travel to exciting Destinations



2010 Reggae Marathon & Half – Negril, Jamaica -  December 4, 2010
2011 Georgia Marathon & Half – Atlanta, GA – March 20, 2011 


Once you have reached your fund-raising goal and completed your training, you will travel to one of the exciting locations selected such as the  Reggae Marathon & Half – Negril, Jamaica on December 4, 2010.   You will receive roundtrip airfare, 4 night hotel accommodations with food & beverage included, local transportation, and race entry fee and JIM running gear. Once you arrive at the destination, you will also enjoy a team pasta dinner, celebration party and, perhaps most importantly, the company of fellow team members equally committed to this cause and reaching that finish line.


                       Help raise funds to prevent, control, and cure arthritis.

Each team member will have a personal web page on the Arthritis Foundation – Joints in Motion website to assist with fundraising.  You’ll also have continuous support from staff.   


About Arthritis       The perceptions about arthritis vary, but the numbers don't lie:

• Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability
• 46 million Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis and chronic joint symptoms
• 300,000 people with arthritis are children
• Arthritis costs the US economy nearly $128 billion annually in lost wages
• There are more than 100 forms of arthritis

Your participation in Joints in Motion enables you to honor someone living with arthritis, increase awareness of this disease and raise much-needed funds for research, advocacy initiatives and programs to improve the lives of people with arthritis.

For more information on joining a Joints in Motion team, contact Marina Bryant at marina.bryant@comcast.net or (770) 454-8821.
   www.arthritis.org/chapters/georgia

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Leslie Lybarger – Blue Group (8:30 – 10:00); Assistant coach, Cobb

Marathons Completed:  Phoenix Rock n’ Roll, 2007; Nike Women’s, 2008

Background and Experience:  Leslie has been running for 5 years now and joined Get Fit Atlanta last October. She began running after deciding that she wanted to run a marathon. Even though she had never run a step, she was determined. After her first marathon she knew running was her passion. She realized after training by herself for years, the time had come to train with a group. Leslie joined Get Fit Atlanta with some pretty high expectations: to run faster and have fun doing it. “Get Fit has helped me start achieving these goals and I can’t imagine running with a more friendly and helpful group.” She looks forward to inspiring people to live their dreams and always know it’s never too late to start, even if you have never ran before.

Certifications:   CPR and FIRST AID

Contact Information:

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Kimbery Thompson – Purple Group (Walkers); Assistant Coach, Cobb

Fastest Marathon Time: 7hr 12min 46secs

Marathons Completed: Marine Corps ‘09

Half Marathons Completed:  Atlanta Thanksgiving Day ‘09, Mercedes-Benz ‘10  

Background and Experience:  In 1990, Kimberly began dabbling in running.  She quickly gave up after being riddled with shin splits and other aches and pains.  Being the ever so hopeful optimist, she gave running numerous futile attempts over the last twenty years.  During this time, she tried her hand at other sports and activities like tennis, racquetball, golf, and personal training to pursue her fitness goals. Nnothing kept her interested over the long haul. Most recently, she made a fitness commitment with some co-workers to participate in several 5Ks. That lead her to find a formal running program.  After the urgings from a fellow co-worker, she joined Get Fit Atlanta in 2009 with her eyes set on completing the Marine Corps Marathon the following fall.  On October 25, 2009, she accomplished that goal with some of her Get Fit family cheering her on at the finish line while other Get Fit members watching online.  Throughout her marathon journey, she reveled in the trials and triumphs that revealed what she was made of : a strong, fit person that had been lying dormant.  She now knows that with faith and determination ANYTHING is possible. Kimberly is a native of Washington, DC and has been living in metro Atlanta since 1991.

Certifications: 

Contact information: Kimberly@GetFit-Atlanta.com

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Karen Kaye – Purple Group (Walkers); Head Coach

Marathons Completed: New York City (2002, 2003), Marine Corp (2004, 2008), Outer Banks (2006), Nike Women’s Marathon (2007), Rocket City (2009)

Half Marathons Completed: Disney World (1998), Kiawah Island(1997), Mardi Gras (2004), Vulcan (2005), Atlanta Thanksgiving (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009), Warner Robbins (2006), Silver Comet (2006), allaway Half (2008), Berry College Half (2008), Zooma Half (2008), Auburn/Opelika (2009), ING Georgia Half Marathon (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), Blues At The Crossroads (2009), Locomotive Half (2009),

Other Distances:  Many 5k’s, 10k’s, 15k’s

Numerous age group awards + Racewalking

Background and Experience: Karen is very excited to return to Get Fit Atlanta after joining in 2006 as a mid-season replacement coach.  Prior to joining Get Fit, Karen served as head coach for the Train-To-End Stroke marathon program. Karen’s coaching career began many years earlier as a hobby and way to help friends who wanted to bring fitness into their lives.  Karen is experienced in coaching walkers and runners of all fitness levels. “I bring humor and fun to all the trainees I work with.  My goal is to have new athletes complete their races healthy and injury free.  Nothing gives me greater pleasure as a coach than watching my marathoners sport a big smile as they cross the finish line!”

At 51 years young, Karen is a self-proclaimed, lifetime fitness junkie. Karen caught the running bug early when she experienced after the thrill of winning a 100-yard race in the sixth grade.  She ran as a sprinter in Junior High School, and kept running from that point on.  After moving to Atlanta and developing asthma, running became a bit difficult. It was 19996 and that is when Karen learned the sport of Racewalking.  After 8 weeks of lessons, Karen won second place in her age group in her first attempt at a judged Racewalk.  She was hooked. Since then she has participated in countless 5k and 10k road races – winning her age category many times.  Racewalking proved much easier on the lungs, and this onetime sprinter became an endurance athlete.  After so many years of Racewalking, Karen brought running back into the mix, and enjoys it even more than she did years ago. Karen is so passionate about the lifestyle that she works as the Director of Communications and Community Relations and for Big Peach Running Co.  In that role she has coached/mentored at-risk youth as they prepared for their first half marathon. She led training sessions for charity marathon teams, discussed footwear needs as it relates to biomechanics at corporate wellness programs, and appeared as a guest lecturer at Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University.  She resides in downtown Atlanta. Certifications:  USAT&F Level I Coach, CPR & First Aid

Contact information:  Karen@GetFit-Atlanta.com

Kanen Kaye

Marathons Completed: New York City (2002, 2003), Marine Corp (2004, 2008), Outer Banks (2006), Nike Women’s Marathon (2007), Rocket City (2009)

Half Marathons Completed: Disney World (1998), Kiawah Island(1997), Mardi Gras (2004), Vulcan (2005), Atlanta Thanksgiving (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009), Warner Robbins (2006), Silver Comet (2006), allaway Half (2008), Berry College Half (2008), Zooma Half (2008), Auburn/Opelika (2009), ING Georgia Half Marathon (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), Blues At The Crossroads (2009), Locomotive Half (2009),

Other Distances:  Many 5k’s, 10k’s, 15k’s

Numerous age group awards + Racewalking

Background and Experience: Karen is very excited to return to Get Fit Atlanta after joining in 2006 as a mid-season replacement coach.  Prior to joining Get Fit, Karen served as head coach for the Train-To-End Stroke marathon program. Karen’s coaching career began many years earlier as a hobby and way to help friends who wanted to bring fitness into their lives.  Karen is experienced in coaching walkers and runners of all fitness levels. “I bring humor and fun to all the trainees I work with.  My goal is to have new athletes complete their races healthy and injury free.  Nothing gives me greater pleasure as a coach than watching my marathoners sport a big smile as they cross the finish line!”

At 51 years young, Karen is a self-proclaimed, lifetime fitness junkie. Karen caught the running bug early when she experienced after the thrill of winning a 100-yard race in the sixth grade.  She ran as a sprinter in Junior High School, and kept running from that point on.  After moving to Atlanta and developing asthma, running became a bit difficult. It was 19996 and that is when Karen learned the sport of Racewalking.  After 8 weeks of lessons, Karen won second place in her age group in her first attempt at a judged Racewalk.  She was hooked. Since then she has participated in countless 5k and 10k road races - winning her age category many times.  Racewalking proved much easier on the lungs, and this onetime sprinter became an endurance athlete.  After so many years of Racewalking, Karen brought running back into the mix, and enjoys it even more than she did years ago. Karen is so passionate about the lifestyle that she works as the Director of Communications and Community Relations and for Big Peach Running Co.  In that role she has coached/mentored at-risk youth as they prepared for their first half marathon. She led training sessions for charity marathon teams, discussed footwear needs as it relates to biomechanics at corporate wellness programs, and appeared as a guest lecturer at Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University.  She resides in downtown Atlanta. Certifications:  USAT&F Level I Coach, CPR & First Aid

Contact information:  Karen@GetFit-Atlanta.com

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Orlando Daniels – Red Group (8:30 pace) Assistant Coach; XTRN

Fastest Marathon Time: 3:28

Marathons Completed: 12

Half Marathons Completed: 12

Other races (optional): 15K’S @ 10k’s 

Background and Experience:  For over 15 years Orlando has been a professional Fitness Instructor working as both a group and personal trainer. He is a late bloomer to running. In 2001, as leader of the Run ’n Shoot Cross Trainers Group (of 18), he trained for Peachtree Road Race and followed that up by continuing to train for the Thanksgiving Half Marathon. In 2002 Orlando continue to train solo and ran his first marathon, the Gulf Beaches Marathon in Clearwater, FL. With no knowledge or training beyond 13 miles he adds this caveat, “Don’t do it.” After what he considered a not-so-great run, Orlando says that seeing an advertisement on line for Get Fit Atlanta was a blessing. The rest is history as he met Dana and David. He joined the “Red Herd” and became the self-proclaimed dinosaur in the rear. 

Orlando figured out how important that the commitment to Saturday long runs would be the key in his development as a runner. When he first met the coaches he wondered why they did all this running, biking and swimming and considered them a weird group of individuals and personalities. Over time his opinion about the coaches evolved from thinking of them as unusual to realizing that “the coaches are simply a unique, talented, selfless group of individuals giving of their time, experience, positive energy and constructive critique.” He loves the benefits he has reaped from interacting with a “first class, coaching staff year in and out, for a number of years.” He acknowledges them for being “consistent, inspiring and helpful.” When asked what it is like to be a part of this organization Orlando states, “In my mind Get Fit is part of the solution.  I am no longer that “Dinosaur” when it comes to running, and anyone joining this organization, will meet their goals while having fun. I have to say without a doubt my best marathon was the 2009 Huntsville, Rocket City Marathon where I simply cheered with a coach for GFA members at miles15 and 23, seeing their faces and calling their bib numbers out. The feeling was priceless!”

Certifications CPR and First Aid

Contact information: odaniels@Getfit-Atlanta.com

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Yvette Webb – Assistant Coach – Orange Group

Marathons Completed: Chicago (2005,2006,2007), Disney World Marathon (2008), Nike Women’s (2008 4:34)

Half Marathons Completed: Atlanta Thanksgiving Half (2005), Silver Comet Half (2005, 2006), Disney World Half (2007), Nike Women’s Half (2007), ING Georgia Half (2007, 2008, 2009), ZOOMA (2008)

Background: Yvette returns for a 5th year with Get Fit Atlanta. The group has been very motivational for her to start her Saturday mornings off right. Yvette started running in High School for the Seaside High track team. She ran the 100, 200, 400 yard sprint and along with her team won the Monterey County Mile relay title to advance to the California State Track and Field competition. She did not have any desire to run distances at the time. After years of being inactive she decided, with a little coaxing from friends (Jack Maloney, a Get-fit member), to train for the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Once she crossed the finish line it was one of the most amazing feelings she had ever experienced. At that point she knew she was hooked and wanted to pay it forward to others that had the same goal of finishing a Marathon. Her accomplishment sparked interest with her nephews who were waiting for her at the finish line and now plan to run a marathon with her some day. The group has also been very beneficial for her health. She decided to continue training and has accomplished her goal of improving her Marathon time. Her next goal is to complete an Ultra Marathon within the next year. Yvette currently lives in Roswell and works in Alpharetta for a Medical Software company
 

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Completed: ING Georgia 2008; Marine Corps Marathon 2008 Half-Marathons Completed: ING Georgia 2007; ING Georgia 2009

Background: Teesha began long distance running two years ago when she decided to train for her first Half Marathon. Before Teesha began training for the ING, she had never run more than four miles (all on a treadmill of course). When three of her friends decided to train for a half marathon, she was feeling just crazy enough to give it s shot. She chose the ING Atlanta as THE race and began training. Each week she ran farther than she had ever run before. After finishing the ING half marathon in 2:30, she knew she had found a life-long passion. Teesha joined Get Fit Atlanta in 2007 and has completed two marathons and one half marathon since that time. Teesha runs because it makes her feel strong and capable. Nothing beats the sense of accomplishment after completing a new distance or beating an old time. She is now ready to move to the next level of insanity and plans to complete her first ultra marathon in October 2009. Training with Get Fit has been the perfect way to reinforce her relatively new commitment to an active lifestyle. Two years ago, “athletic” is not a word Teesha would have used to describe herself. Get Fit has completely changed that. Training for a marathon is a life-changing experience and she looks forward to sharing in this transformation with the Get Fit team.

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Rebecca Bowman  – Asst.Triathlon Coach and Asst Half Marathon Coach and Head Coach of Kennesaw Half Marathon
 
Sprint Triathlons Completed – Callaway Gardens Sprint (2008), Acworth Women’s Sprint (2008), Navigator Sprint (Summerville, GA – 2008), Half Marathons Completed: ING Georgia (2009)

Miscellaneous – Cartersville Century Bike Ride (2007, 2008), Beautiful Back Roads Century Bike Ride (2008), Columbus, Ohio Turkey Trot 5mi (2008), ATC Resolution Run 10K (2009), Chattahoochee Challenge 10K (2009)

Background and Experience: Rebecca was a very athletic youth; she participated in gymnastics, karate, snow skiing, volleyball, basketball, softball, and track.  In her high school graduating class, she was voted most likely to compete in the Olympics!  She went to college and her competitive nature was focused on her Chemical Engineering studies and finishing in the top 5% of her class. After having lived in 7 states in 12 years, Rebecca landed in Kennesaw, GA in 2005.  Always searching for the next challenge and adventure, Rebecca joined GetFit Atlanta in 2008 simply to “get back in shape” – what better way then to run!  She quickly decided to combine the running with swimming and biking and joined the Triathlon group 6 weeks later.  What is her next challenge?  – to complete an Ironman by December 2010!!!  And between now and then, she will focus on ensuring that everyone finds some joy in GFA and their personal well-being!!!

Certifications: CPR & First Aid
 

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