"Gotta Catch 'Em All!" Run for Robots 5K at the Morgan County Fair

“Gotta Catch ‘Em All” Run for Robots 5K at the Morgan County Fair

Call it a frenzy!  Call it a fundraiser!  Call it family fitness!  Call it whatever you want!  But be sure to also call it Run for Robots 5K and Pokemon Go!  Now, while out on your walk or Run for Robots 5K coming up this Saturday, July 23rd, to launch the Morgan County Fair, be sure to capture a Pokemon, or two!  The fun begins at 9:00 a.m. from Berkeley Springs High School.

                 

What?!  Just how does the popular Pokemon Go! virtual game collide with a new event this year in Berkeley Springs?  Well....I’ll tell you.  Community running club at First United Methodist Church, or FUMC Go Run for God, is hosting an event to help Morgan County students raise money for STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  For a donation of $10 per person, all ages and abilities are encouraged to join us for a fun filled 5K run/walk through historic Berkeley Springs, from following the path of George Washington to creating a new Pokemon Go team, tie up your running shoes, bring the kids, and prepare to “Catch “Em All!”

Run for Robots 5K at the Morgan County Fair is for both athletes competing for personal times as well as others looking for a leisurely fun walk/run.  It is all about family fitness and fun under the watchful eyes of Morgan County safety officials!  Official times will not be taken nor awards for age categories.  Rather, meet Pastor Doug Hoffman of First United Methodist Church who will present the first six runners with wood “Run for God” medals hand-crafted by students of Berkeley Springs High School wood-shop.

For Pokemon Go enthusiasts, characters are waiting to be captured all along the route!  From Oddish, Gloom, Psyduck, Magikarp and more, runners and walkers will not want to miss surprises waiting at George Washington’s Bath, Portals, to Gifts & Souvenirs at Berkeley Springs Memories, and more. Return to visit merchants following the race for wonderful local arts and crafts, visit the Fair, stop by the park later for live entertainment at 5:30, then stay for dinner downtown at one of Berkeley Springs fine restaurants.

Run for Robots is a gentle, flat, 5K which after starting from the high school, will proceed north on Concord where Oddish was spotted, north on 522 passing the Berkeley  Springs State Park, crossing Fairfax Street, toward the Star Theater.  Turning there, the route then enters the park for refreshing healing water break, passes George’s bath, and circling West Virginia’s smallest State Park for a return south on 522.  After passing BSHS, meet more characters along Widmeyer Way’s south playground for a return to the finish line where refreshing water will be provided by Berkeley Springs Water, the original natural spring water!

Proceeds go to benefit the Morgan County Robotics Program, a county wide STEM initiative to help students have classroom robotics opportunities and Relentless Robotics 4H Clubs, an after school program to build and program robotics technology as well as competitive teams with FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

Registration begins at 8:00 at Berkeley Springs High School.  Run for Robots will begin at 9:00 a.m.  For early online registration, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/run-for-robots-5k-at-the-morgan-county-fair-tickets-25625368166 or call Angie Hott at 304-582-8696.  Morgan County Robotics and Relentless Robotics 4H Programs are administered by the WVU Extension Office and Morgan County Schools with generous support from community sponsors like State Farm Insurance, Tom Seely Foundation, Gat Creek Furniture, FAST, STS International, and the Eastern WV Community Foundation. 

The WVU Extension Office in Morgan County has hosted an annual fair and 5K for some time now.  It was five years ago when this now 50 year old grey haired PD bloggin hott mama of four decided to sign up the Hott family for their first family 5K.  For some reason, I got the crazy idea from Dan's neurologist that exercise is a good thing.  Well, until one attempts their first 5K in the mountains of West "by God" Virginia.

With two then little boys in tow, I cheated and finished early; however, my hotthubby Dan finished the race my hero! (It's true!  See here:  http://excusemecanitellyousomething.blogspot.com/2011/07/hott-family-finishes-5k-and-kicks-pds.html)  Believe it or not, this day began a journey that not only includes a few more 5Ks, a couple 10Ks, and yes (I kid you not), two, dare I say TWO half marathons!

Just how crazy is that?!

When Family Fitness Is Fun

Fun?! Are you kidding me?  

I'm really sorry, but this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four finds nothing at all fun about fitness!  Not one to do anything fast, working out is, well... w.o.r.k! Seriously!  Sometimes I wonder how did I manage to end up with this 5K running-400 meter dashing-basketball playing-daughter of mine!  Until this weekend at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K, I discovered that fitness IS fun... and inspirational!

Organizers report that over 250 runners, walkers, and spectators of all ages arrived in beautiful Berkeley Springs on a spectacular fall Saturday for the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K and Fun Run!  The benefit for the Berkeley Springs High School Cross Country Team was an action packed family fitness day held on Saturday, November 16^th, beginning with a 10:00 5K, 11:00 family fun run, followed by a 2:00 gentle walking tour through historical Berkeley Springs, WV. 

Runners arrived early to a crisp and clear morning from far and wide.  In addition to the tremendous community support, registered runners came from the four state regions, including Hagerstown, Frostburg, Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Inwood, Gerradstown, Big Cover Tannery, Bunker Hill, Williamsport, Falling Waters, and even Washington, DC. 

Sponsors of the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K included Gat Creek Furniture, Reed’s Pharmacy, Michael Family Practice, Treeworks, Valley Health, Luke Christie State Farm Insurance, Close C.P.A., and Food Lion.  Their support for community fitness was hosted by Guest of Honor, Rene Garcia-Kesecker and Reed Pharmacy founder and candidate for US Congress, Ken Reed, who promotes participation in fitness as a way to even “fight Obamacare by staying FIT!” 

Fitness was made fun with DJ Ken and Rene as they spun songs and Zumba danced for families.  Participating teams ranged in ages from 5 – 82!  According to coordinator, Tally Reed, “the First Annual Berkeley Springs Fall for Fitness was a tremendous success.  Folks showed up in force to show their support of community fitness and our Cross Country Team.”  Race records indicate that the top male runner was 17 year old Zach Simmons, finishing at 17:28:4.  The top female was 16 year old Kinsey Reed with a time of 20:04:3.

Mrs. Reed added, “We got to watch in awe as our own Rene Garcia-Kesecker walked a mile and was able to lead Zumba just a few short months after suffering a broken pelvis and multiple other injuries following a terrifying car accident.”  Honestly, I wondered if Rene would be cleared by her doctors to participate!  Well... she not only supported the athletes but Rene also finished the mile Fun Run!  Here she is, ...still smiling!  

Her participation was inspiring to witness and her recovery is a testament that families uniting in fitness can motivate a community.  Teammates from Hagerstown’s Mason Dixon Roller Vixens arrived to “walk with Rene.”  Check them out!

The First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K generated much needed funds to help our student athletes.  At a time when funding is of utmost concern, this event demonstrates a community that cares not only about its’ education but also the health of its’ residents.  

And for this unfit mom who managed to complete a mile with grandma in under twenty minutes, it was a celebration not only of fitness and community but also a reminder that the healthier we are, well, we just may get to enjoy friends and family that much longer!  

Guess someone better warn Dan that I signed him up for Zumba!  My first class at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K was a blast.  Heck, I might even try out for the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens.  After all, skating is just about the only thing I do fast.

Run With Rene at "Fall for Fitness" 5K

"Fall for Fitness" 5K and Fun Run, a benefit for the BSHS Cross Country Team, is a new event taking place November 16th in Berkeley Springs, WV. Organizers have created a fun family fitness day filled with activities from a 5K Run, a family 1 mile fun run, free post race DJ Dance Party, and a free family walking tour of historic Berkeley Springs!

A very special "Fall for Fitness" co-host will appear with emcee and Dance DJ Ken Reed, owner of Reed's Pharmacy and candidate for US Congress!  Recently suffering a tragic, death defying, car accident, local fitness instructor Rene Garcia-Kesecker will be the guest of honor to recognize fitness in our community and award medals to the top three of age groups.  "Run with Renee" at "Fall for Fitness" coming Nov. 16 and inspire your community to be fit!

Meet Rene.

Rene Garcia-Kesecker.

Always an incurable optimist and possessing a powerful positive attitude, Rene greets everyone she sees with that electric movie star smile and a "Hey you!"  Regardless of how busy her day is, Rene is one of those rare fitness moms that makes time for a hello and a hug.

Busy?  Yes, that's Rene!  With her oldest a freshman at WVU, a daughter in high school, and another fifth grade dancing doll, this busy mom's activities keep her fit as a fiddle as she hustles from high school thespian productions, dance recitals, lessons, and extended family events.  Add to Rene's plate her fitness expertise as the community "zin master" on all things Zumba, a combination of Latin and International music with a fun and effective dance workout, one can find Rene teaching at Rankins Fitness Center or MAC Ice House.

Meet Rene.

It is never a dull day when attending "Zumba with Rene"... or, watching her participate in one of the only four major sports created in America.  No, it's not basketball, American football, or baseball. Try Roller Derby!

Meet Rene.  

A member of the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens, a women's flat track roller derby league, "Rene -K47" knows for certain the meaning of "rock-n-roll" as she enjoys competitive and focused sports devoted to community service, good sportsmanship, physical fitness, and the "left turns" of sweet, sweet Roller Derby!

Meet Rene.  

She was recently heading to help teach a Zumbathon in Hagerstown, MD, when Rene took a turn on a wet road while driving her family car after a late summer shower on a hot September afternoon. The local media soon reported "Woman Taken to Hospital After Driving into Tree" and facebook exploded with concern for a beloved mom in this small community.  We saw this:

Really?...  Rene?  Dear God, please rescue Rene from this tragic accident, love her family, heal her body, ease her pain.

Posts online reported that she suffered a broken collar bone, broken pelvis, and broken ribs.  How's a thrice broken pelvis going to do salsa and merengue at her next Zumba class?  How Rene managed to survive such an awful accident continues to shake this small town.

Morgan County is a rural community.  Although it seems we often hear nothing but the negative news; i.e, failed levy, struggling schools, drug abuse, obesity, child hunger,... in the midst of what often seems a crazy, mixed-up world, we all stopped for a moment to remember our beautiful, smiling, warm-hearted, dancing Rene.

Now, meet Rene...

Still healing, (and smiling) it will take more than a car crash to stop this 45 year-old-roller-derby-mom-of-three!  Barely a month following her horrible accident, Rene can be seen here cheering folks in the local parade at the Apple Butter Festival Oct 12th.  Seeing her at the festival made.my.day!...and others too.

Why? Because a terrible accident has not stopped Rene.  Nope.  Out on a rainy weekend surrounded by her entire family, Rene returns to all things fun and fit.  With determination and a positive approach to her healing, Rene will soon be back in her Zumba class or making those left turns on the Derby Rink!

In fact, the Berkeley Springs community is pleased to have Rene join them as the guest of honor for the first annual "Fall for Fitness" 5K. As honorary officiate of the event, Rene will be presenting runner's awards and presiding over the event to benefit the Berkeley Springs High School Cross Country team!  On Saturday, November 16th at 10 a.m., family and friends will gather at Warm Springs Middle School to show support for a community fitness celebration for the "Fall for Fitness" 5K.

Following the race, there will be a Fun Run/Walk at 11 a.m., a free DJ Dance Party, and fun for all ages.  DJ Ken will attempt, with Rene's assistance, to lead a fitness Zumba dance while waiting for runners to return!  Inspiring others with her positive outlook, Rene will be present to cheer on the participants.  At this point (and if her doctor permits), she would even like to participate! Online registration to "Run With Renee" is available on Active.com, email tallyrx2@hotmail.com, call 304-676-7910, or click the link above. Join the BSHS Cross Country team for "Fall for Fitness" 5K on Nov. 16th, celebrate fitness, and

Meet Rene.

Team Fox Superstar Emerges

"It's not about how fast you run but how you run fast!"

Have you heard this?  Well, actually... maybe not.  You see, in Disney's movie "Planes" they tell Dusty that "it's not how fast you FLY but how you fly FAST!"  LOL!

Check out our new Team Fox Superstar!  Levi Hott, age 8, finished third in his age group at the Morgan County Partnership's  "Run for Recovery 5K" on Sept. 14, 2013.   Who knew he could run fast?  And who knows?...maybe he'll become a marathon runner for Team Fox someday and raise lots of money for Parkinson's Disease research.

Wouldn't that be a cool way to contribute to the cause to find a cure for PD in our lifetime?  It was quite by accident, by the way, that Levi chose to wear his "Team Fox" racing shirt.  But it was no accident that all six Hott's participated in another 5K.

This week, Dan had his five year appointment at Johns Hopkins Hospital where he has been a part of a research program for Parkinson's Disease.  His neurologist, Dr. Zoltan Mari, was wearing a button with the Michael J. Fox Foundation's logo and a phrase "ask me about PD research".

So... I asked!  Wow....  Dr. Mari's enthusiasm was encouraging and hopeful that all their work will lead to progress in finding ways to help those living with this stinking illness.  Most of all, we talked a great deal about the importance of exercise.  With four active kids and busy schedules, it is hard not to keep Dan active.

Dr. Mari told us that "they believe that exercise may slow down or improve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease" (well... he said something like that!).

Oh yeah!  So... exercise is the secret to beating Parkinson's Disease?  Well, let's get busy, off our butts, and exercise!  Come on!

Actually, Dan stretches and walks quite a bit.  In fact, we often find that when people see Dan they always say "Wow Dan!  You look great!"  I guess what they mean is "...for a 56 year old with Parkinson's Disease."  Well, fact is, he does look great!  (Pretty "hott" actually!)  And with well timed meds like levodopa it is hard to tell he has a chronic neurological problem at all.

An exercise program to help with Parkinson's Symptoms?  Sign us up!  Or, at least sign us up for a local 5K for a fun, family night out!  Makes this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four remember our family's first attempt at running a 5K.  It was 2011 when I signed up my reluctant crew to run at the Morgan County Fair, one of the many days my hotthubby Dan shone as our PD "Superstar".

But move over, Dan!  There are new stars in the house!  LOL!  And, these stars never have to finish first to show how much heart and soul they bring to our crazy race.

I'm proud of our stars every day.

Meet Team McGeoBeeHottBell!

Sporting some "Team Fox" for Parkinson's Researach shirts, 14 members of my family, ages 4 to 77, traveled from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh to participate in the 5K Run/Walk to End Child Abuse this Saturday in Hancock, MD.

Did I tell you 14?!  Here we are following the race at Widmeyer Park on a beautiful Spring morning.  Little did I know of some last minute entries... to include our honorary Hott for the day, Tori Reed, and grandparents, Bobbie (77) and Mary McBee!  Also pictured here are Brian George, Brandon Bell, Dan Hott, Isaac Hott, Crystal McBee, Ashley Bell, Caity Hott, Angie Hott (me), Levi Hott, Violet Hott, and Nahtaniel Bell (4).

Results?  Well, let's just say we all finished.  Violet (13) did both races, coming in second in age under 25 and third female overall for the 5K.  She and Caity were the first in for the 2 mile "walk", followed by Dan with Levi (8) and another friend, Pierce.  Me?... well, let's just say I finally managed to catch up with Grandma! LOL!

Chalk this up to one of my favorite days...EVer!

It "Runs In the Family"

Here is an inspirational running story! which shares the benefits of exercise for healthy living for ALL ages. (If I posted correctly, click the link above!)  Did you watch it?  Isn't that a cool story!

First, I want to thank Anne for allowing me to share her family's running story on my blog where I journal about this crazy family of mine.  You see, she sent me the link for PD awareness month and well, let's just say... it inspired me!

So, here's what I did.  I signed us all up for a family run!  And am I ever excited!  Violet's middle school track team is participating in a Run/Walk to End Child Abuse this weekend.  What a cool opportunity for some family fun and contribute to a great cause in our community.

The last time I did such a thing Dan told me I better never do that again.  Well, I sorta kinda did in March and we all had fun...so I did it again. (Yes, I'm exagerating here...a little!) Coming up, not just the Hott crew, but also our nieces from Philly and Pittsburgh will be joining us at the 5K Run/Walk to End Child Abuse in Hancock, MD.

Wanna come too?  Ashley and Crystal are!  (Did I tell you I am excited?)  It really "runs in the family!" Well, at least this weekend it does.

"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."  Hebrews 12:1

Hott Family Finishes 5K and Kicks PD's Butt!

Well, from the title of this post, you can see that the Hott Family finished, for the first time ever, an entirely NEW adventure.  Some families may go to a ball game, the beach, or amusement park; we entered a 5K race at the Morgan County Fair!... without a stitch of training, but with a load of heart and soul the size of a 50K and, I should mention, some well timed levodopa for Dan.  The "leader of the Hott Pack", Dan, has Parkinson's Disease, an incurable neurological disorder of the brain which severely impairs movement.  Six months ago, Dan could not walk across the room much less stand up at times.  Saturday, July 23rd, Dan finished the 5K in about 45 minutes! 

Let me hear you all say "WooHoo!"  Oh yeah!  Little louder now!  "WooHoo!"  Here we all are at the end of the race:

Notice the trophy?  (cough, cough)  Pretty cool, hugh?  I was awarded this prize for the best time for a mom runner with freckles and grey hair! How cool is that?  (Shhhh... I actually stole this bronze award from a strapping first place teen athlete that finished in record time.  That's why I am looking to the right, scoping for it's rightful owner.  Just after the picture was snapped, he spotted me.  Let me tell you this... I gave him a run for his money!  He had to chase me halfway through the park!  I gave it back... eventually.) 

Also from the title of the post, one could assume that the Hott family ALL "finished" the 5K, right?  Well.... let's just call this our little secret and I'll fill you in about how the "others" did! 

To begin with, I am also so proud of the Hott Sisters!  They managed to steal the show in record time:  just about one hour.  And to their credit, Caity and Violet actually ran something more along the lines of an 8K.  Seriously!  The girls had to run or walk double with their brothers.  One would alternate and speed forward then insist on being delivered back to mom, me, bringing up the rear -- of the entire 5K!

It wasn't so bad, really!  The scenery was beautiful on a lovely Saturday morning.  Unfortunately, I managed to start my very first ever 5K in a fit of giggles.  No wonder all the boys, Dan, Isaac, and Levi, kicked it in high gear and took off, leaping ahead of me like a horse in the Kentucky Derby when the gun was fired.  You see, leave it to the Hott Family to arrive last.  Yes, I said l.a.s.t.  To my defense, each participant had to register for the race over a mile from the the entrance and then walk back to the race's start location.

I wasn't about to add another mile to MY 5K!  Heck... at that time, I wasn't sure I was even going to make it one K.  So, to the embarrassment of my entire family, I managed to hitch a ride for us all on the back of a stranger's pick up truck.  You never know till you ask, right?  So this guy just happened to be parked there and I asked him if he would drive us all over to the beginning of the race.  Little did I know that his lady friend, sitting under a tree, yelled over "Oh go ahead and give them a lift!  That's Ida Lea's niece, Angie!"

What?  Just who the heck is that and how do they know my Aunt Ida Lea?  She's been dead for a decade!  So, I engage in a conversation on the McBee family tree.  How easily did I forget that we were all  entered in a 5K race which was about to start any second.  After rambling on and on about Aunt Marion and Uncle Junior, Dan grabs me around the race and just throws me in the back of the truck.  The kids just pretended not to know me, already realizing after the conversation that we were ALL related! 

So, off we go to find the beginning of this 5K!  After giving the wrong directions, we drive up another road and literally run head first in to the beginning of the race.  Nervous, I do the only thing that comes naturally,... I giggle.  Suddenly, I am attacked with a rage of uncontrollable giggles!  Not only that, what are we supposed to do now?  Those "real" athletes are no way letting us in at the beginning of the line.  Then I hear from somewhere in the middle of the crowd of racers, "Hey!  It's the Hott Family"

Who said that?  Now I am really getting nervous.  Should I not have gotten us all in to this?  Turns out, in the middle of the racers, is another mom and neighbor friend of mine:  Creama Shetler!  See, here they are:

Next, all six of us manage to find a spot, in the back, and in no less than two seconds, the Park Superintendent says, "GO!" 

And we're off! 

And I still have the giggles!  It's no wonder the boys dart ahead as fast as they can.  I can't even get close to them; six year old Levi included!  It is ten seconds in to the race and I am dead last.  Somewhere ahead of me, I can see Dan and our boys!  The more I giggle, the faster they run... hummmm!  There's something fishy here! 

As I run (and giggle), Caity slows down to catch me.  Between the giggles and my bouncing breasts, I am sure I am no way going to make this 5K.  I realized that I made a HUGE mistake in planning (or lack of planning) for this race.  How in the world do people run with bouncing boobs?  It's terrible!  I am running and having this conversation with Caity (just a little too loud) and she says, "Well, mom... that's what sports bras are for!"  Hummm... didn't think of that!

Duh.... she's the one with the MBA, right?

So, on we go... giggling and bouncing our way through the park in our first 5K!  I still have my eyes on the boys.  Yes,...  there they are!  I see them.  Dan running with both Levi and Isaac at his heals.  For a moment, I finally stop giggling.  That's it!  That's the picture I will always remember about this 5K!  Dan with the boys at his heels; every now and then Dan bends down to listen to Levi because, I am sure, our Levi is talking his ear off the entire time.  Sure enough, he is!  Then Isaac, only 7 but wise way beyond his years, insists on holding Dan's hand while he tries to run.  It's hard enough to run when one is healthy, right?  Now, try it with Parkinson's, two boys, and the uncertainty of future physical capabilities.  And you know what?  I could care less if any one of us finishes at that moment.  Because right now, this very second, we all won. 

Here is the picture that stinking ole Parkinson's saw:

Our backsides!  "Eat Our Dust Parkinson's Disease!"  WooHoo!

Needless to say, along about the 2.5K mark of our journey, little Levi and Isaac were well spent.  After all, it was about a 90 degree morning.  We had managed to pass our first water break which lead us by the parking lot.  Finding our car, we stopped to coat with bug spray and the complaints were pouring.  Dan was heading up the mountain.  Isaac, however, had a different idea.

"Hey Levi!  There's the Nature Center!  Guess what's in there?!  A timber rattlesnake!"  Levi's response was, "COOL!"  (Typical boy, right?)  So, I was bombarded with pleas to just stop in and see the snakes; we were standing right in front of the building after all, mom, pleeeeeeeease!

Looking at my boys, I knew they were too pooped to go any further!  And feeling the safest thing to do was take a break, I said "sure!"  After all, we were already winners, right?!

At this point, I would do anything to stop running too, even if I had to look at a rattlesnake, copperhead, and animal carcasses.  Eeewe, right?  But the boys thought it was the coolest thing ever.  and guess what, the Nature Center was air conditioned!  So as Dan, Caity, and Violet headed up the mountain to finish the 5K in the heat, we chilled out in the presence of a few snakes.  Hopefully, they won't tell.  And after a while, the boys were refreshed and we returned to report our "absence" and watch Dan and the girls cross the finish line.  Following our little "confession", the race coordinators gave the boys medals for being the youngest to enter and completing 2.5K.  Check it out:  

The Hott Family "Finishes" 5K, Kicks Parkinson's Butt and... we're ALL winners!

"Now thanks be unto God,

which always causeth us to triumph in Christ!"

2 Cor. 2:14