Plans to run may help keep New Year's resolution
By Andrea L. Minium Special to the Acorn

January is well known as the month for New Year's resolutions, most notably the pledge made by many to maintain a healthier lifestyle with exercise and better eating habits.

But as February is set to arrive, many of those resolutions are soon forgotten and old habits, all too easily, return.

Experts agree, however, those who remain committed to an exercise program often do so because they have a specific goal in mind which they want to reach.

For some, it's to lose a certain number of pounds, but for others, the key to maintaining their New Year's resolutions is by setting their sites on an upcoming run with a specific date.

Whether it's a 3K or a marathon, an organized run with a defined deadline allows those set on a healthier 2008 to strive for a real-life finish line.

Camarillo is home to a handful of upcoming runs that may very well help locals keep their resolution to get in shape.

After having two kids, Camarillo resident Sara Richardson, knew she had to get back to what she loved and was passionate about- personal fitness.

Richardson is recruiting other mothers in the community to join the fitness group Moms in Motion with the goal of running the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon Sat., May 10.

Moms in Motion, founded by Santa Barbara resident Jamie Allison, is a global network that helps moms meet others with similar interests and fitness goals.

"I wanted to do this to connect with other moms and give back to my community." Richardson said.

An orientation meeting will be held in early February. Beginning Sat., Feb. 23 the Moms in Motion group will meet for 12 weeks, on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and during the week at local parks to get in shape for the upcoming run.

The Camarillo team of Moms in motion will donate money raised through their team's sponsorships to Casa Pacifica, a Camarillo-based shelter for mentally and physically abused children.

For further information, plesae call (805) 340-8548.

California State University Channel Islands' Rotaract Club will host the 2008 Peace and Love Fest on Sat., Feb 9 at the Camarillo university.

The Peace and Love Fest raises funds for the Rwanda Orphanage Project. The money funds an orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda that houses 120 orphans who lost their families due to genocide.

The Peace and Love Fest kicks off at 6 p.m. at the CSUCI Hub. It begins with a two-mile walk followed by a dance.

For further information, please contact Marysia Wancewicz at Marysia.wancewicz380@dolphin.csuci.edu.

The Kiwanis Club of Camarillo will host their 30th annual fundraising 5K and 10K on Sat., April 26 at Pleasant Valley Park. For more information, please call (805) 484-1604.

The CamarilloSomis Pleasant Valley Lions Club will hold its 9th annual 5K Lion run and 1K Cub run in September at the Adolfo Camarillo Ranch House.

For more information, please call (805) 987-4272.

In October, the Ventura County Sheriff 's Department sponsors the 9K for K9 run. A date has not yet been set, but the race typically begins at Constitution Park and raises money for the sheriff's department various K-9 units.

For more information or to register for the 9K for K9 run, please call (805) 654-5135.

Just before the holiday season starts again, the Diaz Human Performance Thanksgiving Day 5K and 10K run and walk will take place on the Calleguas Trail in Mission Oaks.

Diaz Human Performance will donate the proceeds from the event to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a San Diegobased nonprofit that raises money for handicapped athletes. For more information, please call (805) 484-1347.

Because this fitness-filled year could be a challenge for some, Richard Diaz of Diaz Human Performance, suggests not to do too much too early.

"Try to be comfortable with the distance you are running," Diaz said. "Prepare for something such as a 10K by running an average of three to four days a week two to three months in advance of the event."