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The Arthritis Foundation
The facts about arthritis are alarming. Nearly 70 million Americans currently suffer from arthritis--that's one in three adults and nearly 300,000 children! New projections predict arthritis to be the epidemic of the future. By the year 2020, the number of people with arthritis will almost double, affecting major life activities, such as working, going to school, enjoying leisure activities or keeping house. Arthritis research can make a difference. The Arthritis Foundation devotes more than $11 million annually to research and is leading the way to more successful treatments. In fact, a third of all funds raised will directly support research efforts. The Arthritis Foundation also makes a difference in the lives of those affected by arthritis by providing programs that help people with arthritis and their families better understand and cope with their disease.
Joints in Motion Team
The Joints in Motion training program is designed to guide people of all ages and fitness levels through an extensive training program to complete a marathon. Approximately 80% of all Joints in Motion athletes have never run or walked a marathon before, but with their careful guidance and encouragement, nearly all of them go the 26.2-mile distance and cross the finish line. In the past, Joints in Motion teams have raised money to run marathons in Nashville, Disney World in Orlando, Honolulu, Vancouver and even Dublin, Ireland.
Joints in Motion coaches are some of the best coaches in the world! Their knowledge and expertise has guided thousands of walkers and runners to the finish line! Our coach, Rich Bignall, is with us to guide us through each week of training and help us determine what distances we should be covering during our marathon preparation. Rich will also motivate us when we think the challenges of training are too much. The 20-week training session includes detailed training schedules, weekly group walks or runs, and ongoing support to increase endurance and improve walking and running strategy. In addition, we will have the opportunity to attend clinics to learn more about important subjects such as proper footwear, nutrition and the importance of stretching. The Joints in Motion Training Team's primary goal is to keep each and every participant healthy, safe, and well during the training program.
Team Leader
Our Joints in Motion team will be led by Smash. He is the morning show host on 97.1 FM Talk and is the lead singer of the Smash Band. Smash is committed to train for and walk a marathon in Alaska, while raising funds for the Arthritis Foundation. This year, our team is making a committment to ourselves to improve our physical condition, get healthy and help others along the way.
Team Honoree
The Joints in Motion 2005 Team Honoree for the Alaska marathon is 12-year-old Hannah Morgan. Hannah has been living with arthritis since she was 16 months old. She has trouble writing for long periods of time, and has sometimes tying her shoes or fixing her hair can be tough because of arthritis. She loves soccer, ice skating, music and making bracelets. She is happy to be chosen as this year's honoree, and she thinks the program is going to be a lot of fun. She hopes that better medicines are found to relieve the pain and stiffness, so that it is not degenerative to joints, causing knee and hip replacements. She works hard at school every day and hopes her teammates will work hard to raise money for a cure. |
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