Is Southwest Michigan becoming one of the healthiest regions the country?
Borgess Run for the Health of It! co-chair Chris Lampen-Crowell believes it.
Blaine Lam, race director for the Kalamazoo Marathon and co-chair of the Borgess Run, admires his friend's drive and optimism, but Lam thinks the area has a few kilometers to go before crossing the finish line Lampen-Crowell envisions.
Then again, most who know Lam understand his lifelong passion for running and for making the place where he and his wife, Bobbie, have called home for 43 years a little healthier for everybody.
By everybody, Lam means anybody who's willing to trade channel surfing for actual surfing. And by surfing, Lam means actually being more active, whether it's catching waves, pounding pavement or playing jai-alai.
"We try to provide every avenue for getting off the couch," he says. "We don't have numerical goals, but our increasing numbers improve the likelihood that we reach our primary goal: to help change lives for the better. For example, we had 100 beginning 5K-ers sign up for Borgess Run Camp last year. This year, we have 150."
Run Camp, a 13-week training program, is a significant differentiating factor of the Borgess Run.
"What sets us apart is that we're open to people of all shapes, sizes and abilities," adds Janeen Docsa, Borgess Run co-chair and director,
Borgess Health & Fitness Center. "From the high risk to the very healthy, we strive to make everybody feel comfortable."
Of Conditioning and Camaraderie
More than 800 runners showed up for the first day of Run Camp, which officially kicked off Feb. 4. Run Camp offers dedicated coaches, including physicians, physical therapists and experienced runners, as well as team leaders for groups racing at all paces.
"We specialize in individuals who are just starting their running journey or veterans seeking to improve their performance," says Lampen-Crowell, who also directs Borgess Run Camp. "Many of our groups begin with run/walk regimens. For those willing to run outside in our Michigan winters, this Camp gives them the chance to receive proven guidance and direction, and above all, motivation and support."
Beyond conditioning, camaraderie plays a critical role in Run Camp. Camp organizers have worked to create a welcoming environment that does more than simply encourage ties between runners who already know one another.
"We like to bring in strangers and have everybody shake hands. Together, they must think, 'we can't all be crazy,'" Lam says. "Though we don't endorse hugging, it just seems to happen."
Docsa has also seen some pretty amazing things happen with the bonding that sprouts from Run Camp. "The peer-to-peer support is inspiring," Lampen-Crowell says. "People really come to consider Camp as 'their tribe.'"
Along with the Basic and Marathon Camps, the 2012 training program also includes the new "Weight Changers" and "Game Changers."
Weight Changers was created for people working to finish their first 5K, as well as shed some pounds. Nearly 60 people signed up for the Weight Changers optional module. "It isn't a 'medically supervised' program; we don't offer guarantees or a strict diet. It's just another tool for people with a strong desire to achieve a healthier weight," Docsa says. "We understand that exercise is only part of the weight-loss battle. This program also brings some sound nutritional guidance and extra support to the table."
The Game Changer module helps seasoned runners boost their performance. As with Weight Changers, Game Changers includes four 90-minute information sessions held at the Borgess Health & Fitness Center. Game changers incorporates special intensity guidelines, measurement of heart rate, reference materials, and strategies on minimizing running injuries and maximizing workout effectiveness.
Although Run Camp is closed to new members, there's good news for those wondering if they can still lace up their running shoes for the 2012 Borgess
Run for the Health of It! Registration for this annual celebration of wellness remains open. Taking place May 4- 6, the lineup includes something for everybody and every body--from a half- and full-marathon to a 5K-run and walk to a kid-friendly race.
Run Kalamazoo Run
At the close of Lampen-Crowell's e-mail his valediction reads "Keep Moving"--a mantra that sums up his vision for a healthy Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan.
Gazelle Sports, which he co-owns, is renowned for more than selling quality fitness apparel. This local health champion not only hires experts who go the extra mile to always satisfy their customers (even allowing them to "test-run" and return shoes if they discover the fit or the feel doesn't quite work), but also features a wide range of training programs, clinics and corporate fitness programs designed to keep people moving.
Some other key area initiatives Lampen-Crowell praises for their commitment to connecting individuals and families to a healthier way of life are the Greater Kalamazoo
Girls on the Run,
Champions for Healthy Kids,
Kalamazoo Area Runners and the
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.
"We're part of a bigger movement," he says. "Just look around on a Saturday morning or a Wednesday evening, and you can see dramatic change. People are moving. They're walking, running, cycling, deciding they need to be healthy. The way change happens is by developing more 'on-ramps' to the health highway. Girls on the Run, Champions for Healthy Kids, a beautiful outdoor trail that will eventually extend 35 miles, these are great examples of our area on-ramps."
Wellness leaders like
The Studio,
Holtyn & Associates, and
Borgess CorpFit are working to ensure that health has a valuable position at our workplaces, too.
"Whether it's at work, home or school, linking people in our community to healthy touchpoints is growing," Lampen-Crowell says. "As people see and join others who are on the move, regular exercise and adopting a healthier lifestyle stand to be accepted as the cultural norm."
Amie Heasley is a freelance writer who resides in Portage.
Photos by Erik Holladay.
Runners get ready for the upcoming Kalamazoo Marathon.