Team Chances schedules first organizational meeting

Are you a first time marathoner, seasoned runner or a walker? Whatever your experience level, you are invited to participate in Team Chances’ first meeting regarding participation in this year’s P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.

The organizational session will be held at the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m. For those who can’t make that one, there will be a second meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Area residents will have the opportunity to meet the runners and coaches from last year’s P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. The date for that event is Sunday, January 17, 2010.

Team Chances is offering a specialized, twenty- week training program to prepare participants to succeed in either the full marathon or half marathon. Staff members offer a wide support group, from personal coaching to seminars as well as professional support, including nutritionists, sport and physical therapists. According to Program Director and coach Susan Loken, “Team Chances members will spend the fall fundraising and attending group training runs in Maricopa.”

Last year 28 members of Maricopa’s Team Chances crossed the P.F.Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon finish line. Funds raised by that group totaled $5,000, which was donated to the F.O.R. Maricopa food bank.

Mayor Anthony Smith and his wife Nancy participated in the 2009 marathon. Mayor Smith said, “You don’t have to be an experienced runner; you just need to make a commitment to do something very healthy for your body.”

Asked if he would be participating again this year, Smith replied, “I plan on stepping down to the half marathon, but, hey, I might change my mind, too.”

“Last year in Maricopa, friendships were built and weight was lost; confidence, health and fitness improved for all members,” said Loken.

Team Chances/Chances for Children-AZ, a not-for-profit organization since July 2003, has been active in supporting programs with funding that provides access to physical education and character building for school-aged children. Visit www.chancesforchildrenaz.com for more information.

If you go:

What: Team Chances organizational meetings for P.F.Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
When: Tuesday, July 21, or Tuesday, Aug. 4; both at 6 p.m.
Where: Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, 44870 Hathaway Ave., Suite 5

Submitted photo