Capital District Women Coming Together For More Than Just Exercise
The Albany Team LUNA Chix provides more than just triathlon training to local women
ALBANY NY - Local women now have a terrific new group to join for exercising, learning about exercising and to support a great cause. This group is the Team LUNA Chix Albany Triathlon Team. But don't be fooled by the name - this group is not all about participating in triathlons. It's about getting women to feel more confident when running, biking or swimming, and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle. It's for women of all levels of fitness, and it's free.
Do you have to enter triathlons to participate?
Of course not. The Albany team is organized by women who participate in triathlons, but that's not their only mission. They encourage all women to come and participate as they exercise. From walks and runs to swims and bikes, all women, no matter if they are an experienced athlete or not, are welcome to join for one or more of their scheduled group trainings.
One of the Albany team members, Kristen Hislop, says the women who currently come out and participate do so for various reasons. "Some are getting over the fear of getting back on a bike, or swimming in open water," she said. "For others it's learning more about putting all three triathlon disciplines together and competing."
The Albany team believes that all women are part of the LUNA Chix family, and they are happy to say that they are meeting more and more of their family members each week. "Right now the Albany team gets between 5 and 20 participants for each of our Monday rides," says Hislop. "And we are hoping for some big numbers for the upcoming open water swim clinic at the Southern Saratoga YMCA."
Other upcoming events, open to all area women, are a May 22nd run/walk in Saratoga Spa Park at 9 am, followed by a bike clinic taught by the women of Blue Sky Bicycles. All women are treated to LUNA bars after each event (of course), as well as exciting opportunities for discounts on gear and other cool items - anything to get more women involved in choosing healthier lifestyles.
"The women who come to our events are looking for a fun environment where they can learn and ask any questions they have," continues Hislop. "We know we are on the right track when women work hard to get up a hill and at the top say they want to try that again next week! Or when women ask advice on getting a new bike. And we're especially excited when women say they want advice on what event to enter since they have never entered a race before."
So what exactly is Team LUNA Chix?
Team Luna Chix is a national program that "brings together women interested in learning new sports, staying active and inspiring others to do the same." There is a national team, but they also support 27 (and growing) local teams, including the one right here in the Capital District.
Supporting a good cause at the same time
Team LUNA Chix also is a proud supporter of the Breast Cancer Fund. This goes for both the national organization and the local Albany team. They encourage people to learn more about the prevention work they do by talking with others and by visiting their website at http://www.breastcancerfund.org/. The local team is hosting a big fundraiser next winter, LUNAfest, so keep your eyes peeled for details. For those looking to donate before then, just show up at one of their many events and ask how you can help.
Hislop has one last message for area women. "Come out and join us. We are fun. We are welcoming. We are supportive. And to all the guys, yes, we will include you in our skirt chaser events!"
To get more involved with Team LUNA Chix Albany, visit their website teamlunachix.com or shoot them an email at kphislop[at]yahoo.com.
Learn about other health and wellness activities and services available in and around Albany.