Urban Challenge 2007
You are cool!
Let’s agree on one thing about CariFin Urban Challenge - it says something about the people who participate ... It says that you are “Cool”. Cool because you are willing to take responsibility for your health and fitness; that you have developed self-confidence and have a sense of humor to appreciate good “kicks”, even if it’s directed at you; and that you understand “success” is not about who reaches the finish line first, but it’s about our journey to get there.
Not only do you get the opportunity to
run the most popular running and training route in the Port of Spain, but you do so during the week, after work, during peak time traffic, without a music truck, and the only beverage is water or gatorade!
Then you make a contribution to the dying history of the horse racing industry – you run the route of the old horse training course, called the Sand Track. It was an o.k. course for our four-legged friends, but for us, some would describe the terrain as difficult. You run like creatures of the earth, away from the traffic and smoke, surrounded by greenery and patches of grass, born free, but eager to reach the end of the course.
But to show how fortunate you are, to be able to run in a natural green setting, in the heart of our city, you run a cross-country in the Hallows of the Savannah. You challenge yourselves with an undulating terrain, in rather romantic, rustic, calm surroundings with the bright signs of nature in brilliant colour ... Some of you may have wished you could sit and enjoy the clean smells and soothing calm of the still pond but ... you would have to wait till the end of the race.
In retrospect, this was a welcome change to the route in the Botanic Gardens which had challenges of a different kind – in addition to the space constraints for our 200+ participants, the limitations of the Security service and the long list of rules and regulations was just “un-cool”. It felt better to go to an area where we could have more freedom, less rules and restrictions.
But the part of the Urban Challenge that takes runners/walkers out of their comfort zone is the finale – the Aerobics burnout. To many, the Aerobics Burnout is the signal to drop out of the Challenge, and maybe for good reason. You see, runners basically move in a forward horizontal direction – however, the Aerobics workout challenges them to move in a more lateral, side to side, and even vertical manner, with requirements for varying, co-ordinated hand movements. This could be rather confusing for our sense of balance and movement. Understandably, while this event evens the odds and show female supremacy, we recognize the brave men who may appear to lack timing in a very “un-trini like” way.
While this last event provides the most comic relief, it shows that these participants have reached a stage of maturity where they don’t take themselves too seriously, and are quite comfortable with who they are – what’s a little laugh on the side? These participants are in a much better position than the rest of us who chose to be spectators.
At the end of the (4) events, all our athletes are bonafide CariFin crew – they are self-assured, aware of their physical, emotional, spiritual and social development and in (1) word, “cool”.
this is an audio report of the Carifin cricket competition held at Republic Bank Grounds at Barataria on Saturday June 23, 2007.
Winners were Republic Bank Limited and the runners - up were CLICO
CariFin Cricket Final
When it comes to cricket and the passion for game, it’s hard to beat the RBL team and this weekend proved it. CariFin cricket and football competition, which was held at Republic Bank Barataria Sports facilities, was abuzz with cricket and football activities. The CariFin lime – Fun, Fitness and Friendship, was transported to Barataria this Saturday.
There were 6 teams in the competition, comprising of First Citizens, CBTT, RHAND, GHL, CLICO and RBTT. It came down to the final between last year’s winners RBL and the first time participant in this competition, at Republic grounds in Barataria.
CLICO made it clear from the beginning that they were taking this game seriously and demanded a neutral umpire, which they said RBL threw a tantrum about. This could very well be part of a psychological deployment by RBL to create that little self doubt in CLICO, to have that edge on them and better utilize that home ground advantage.
From the onset of the game, RBL found that runs didn’t come in many big shots, but with delicate placements and sharp glances off the bat, interspersed with a few “big shots”. The bad balls were given the treatment they deserve.
CLICO’s fielding was brilliant at the boundary, with the fieldsman making a terrific piece of fielding to run out a RBL batsman, giving you the feeling that the intent, the heart and soul was into this game and we the spectators could expect some fantastic cricket.
The game was thrilling and support from the sideline, by spectators, was vociferous and partisan. The CLICO posse was chiding their own players when they made a mistake or didn’t perform to expectation and bigging them up when
they did something brilliant, like one superlative run out from the boundary.
RBL was all out for 76 runs. It seemed like a beatable or attainable target for CLICO, but CLICO started cautiously and never took command of the proceedings with any kind of real authority and ended up being put in a cramped position, by RBL bowlers. They were hoping for a flurry of big shots at the end to pull them through, but the ball prevailed against the bat and that onerous sound of ball hitting wicket was all the indication that CLICO was in dire straights. The last over - 8 runs to achieve - Jaleel Baksh to bowl. Four wickets fall in the over - two women and two men - this spells the collapse and disaster for CLICO, as they only muster one run.
The tight bowling by RBL kept CLICO restricted to the end and RBL took the CariFin Cricket trophy for yet another year.
Shastri Norman Girwar - PROFILE
As part of our CariFin Personality of the Month series – CariFin is please to present the story of Mr. Shastri Norman Girwar. This is the kind of story that we like to refer to, where the individual not only starts to take responsibility for his own personal health and fitness but is committed, motivated, disciplined and focused. It took the news or information from his doctor to propel Norman on the road to fitness. Once there, he never stopped, he kept moving and had been moving ever since.
We will like to present the Shastri Norman Girwar story in his on words.
Name - Shastri Norman Girwar
Age - 49 years
Employment - Republic Bank
At age 38 on the advice of my physician to lower my Hypertension and Cholesterol level, I started exercising by walking on mornings and evenings. I changed my lifestyle and started yoga and hiking. From walking I started competing in 5 and 10K’s, I have participated in CARIFIN for the past 10 years. My first half marathon was the OWTU 20K from San Fernando to Fyzabad.
It was in 2002 that I challenged myself and entered into the CLICO Marathon (26.2 miles) together with 10 other entrants. Since then I have completed 6 CLICO marathons, 2 UWI half marathons, 2 walks from P.O.S. to Arima and 8 OWTU half marathons.
Some years CARIFIN and the Point Fortin Marathon would clash. So I went to Point in the morning and then to CARIFIN in the afternoon. I recall 2 years ago I went hiking to Mt. El Tucuche and on my return I entered the CARIFIN Cross Country competition, because all the other events were completed.
personality
I was a Republic Bank team member for the B.G. Energy Challenge in 2004. I have accumulated over 40 medals. Over the years I have made a lot of friends from all walks of life throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
In 2006 I was invited to Hillview College, to be honoured for my active participation in athletic competitions and to act as an incentive for a healthy and active lifestyle to the students of the college.
At this stage of my life I enjoy difficult hikes like Matelot to Blanchisseuse, El Tucuche and Paria. I also enjoy full and half marathons. Believing in oneself and competing the events is important. I continue with walking daily, sometimes once or twice a day as it keeps my health in good order. I hope one day to enter the Boston marathon and London marathon
Runner’s Knee and the processes of prevention & healing
The term “runner’s knee” refers to an inflammation of the tendon, the (ITB), that is located on the outside of the thigh.
As injury to this tendon often results from overuse of the knees, and runner’s rely on their knees to function within their sport, the title “runner’s knee” is quite appropriate. The name is, however, deceptively exclusive as runner’s knee describes an ailment common among individuals who are active in a spectrum of activities such as biking, walking, or jumping.
As mentioned above, the inflammation of the ITB can be a result of overuse or overstretching of the tendon in any activity that requires repeated knee bending. Misalignment is also a factor in the injury. If a bone is out of it’s correct position, then the excess stress being placed elsewhere can result in the pulling and inflammation of the ITB. The tendon can also undergo stress because of weak thigh muscles or a direct injury to the knee such as a fall or a blow.
Further Reading>>>>
The mini cross country
CariFin (CariFin Financial institutions) Urban Challenge – mini cross-country took place at the Hollows of the Queen’s Park Savannah on Thursday June 14, 2007.
There was a decent turnout of runners and walkers, of varying ages, sizes and levels of fitness. This event had that “feel good” feeling to it – we were enveloped in nature, an almost pristine setting of vibrant greenery, flowers and contours of a landscape that created an oasis in the midst of all the activity of urban life.
The Guardian Life team was very organized, as they went through their warm-up routine, something which is sure to maintain this team in “fun and togetherness”, which is becoming synonymous with the Guardian Life name.
The other teams were mingling, gathering in smaller groups, warming-up and reviving contacts with old friends, all at the same time.
There was some apprehension as there were no clear favorites in either the male or female category. The returning favorite, Nikosi Mc Leish, stated his approach before the start of the race, “It looks like a very fast course and if you
don’t take command of it early with the competition, you wouldn’t make it.” Would these words ring true?
At 5.15 pm the instructions were given - the starter’s horn sounded and they were off.
All the nervous energy was unleashed on the greenery.
Rodney Julien, winner of the last two stages was flowing lightly over the course, leading the race after the first lap, with Nikosi trailing by twenty meters. With some 300 meters to go, it was clear that the uneven contour of the course had taken its toll on Rodney, as Nikosi made his move.
While negotiating the rather tight turn just before heading up the hill to the finish line Nikosi fell, and the lead was taken once more by Rodney. However, Nikosi got back to his feet and in a lash (almost), darted back to the front, showing the fitness, strength and speed he gained in the early season, and triumphed in the end. His victory spoiled the party for Rodney, who settled for second place, while John Warren who has been a consistent performer thus far, filled the third position.
The drama continued in the female category as Ayanna Mc Clean of CLICO came up with the surprise of the Challenge by surging past a fading Vernetta Sandiford of CBTT, with just 200 meters of the course to go. When Ayanna was asked how she felt about winning she nonchalantly declared, “To me it was just a sweat!”
Susan Russell fell one place from second of last week’s Green Mile to third spot and continued to show a steady performance.
The runners stayed on the greens, well into the evening, checking their times and their competitors’ and reviewed their performance. This “after-d-race” lime is becoming a main feature of these events – more and more participants are choosing to enjoy this social aspect and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that CariFin engenders.
This is an interview that Carifin e-news conducted with Rodney Julien after heh won The Urban Challenge Green Mile at the Sand Track at the Queen's Park Savannah
Fun, Fitness & Friendship at the Finish Line
As I browse through the pictures in 2006 CariFin picture gallery I could see that fun, fitness & friendship is captured very well.
The rivalry, the camaraderie, not just fun but (fun, fitness) people having fun with fitness activity, or appearing to have - to some the finish line is a stage where they let their joy out. A place to show that emotional spontaneity, to just be themselves and let that joy out, that satisfaction of completing a task, of being part of a team, of showing off to their team and the other on lookers, especially the ones who don’t take themselves too seriously.
But that is what the finish line is to an athlete, the place where you let your joy out as you
pass that line, your stage, who could not remember the Carl Lewis actions of putting his hands in exhalation in the air or own Hasely Crawford little dance (high knee lifts) after winning a race. It all part of letting your joy out of giving way to you to express your selves after doing something challenging that you wanted to do . What ever you do, to best demonstrate that joy, just let it out. It nice to see the people who don’t have the inhibitions and just let it out, it gives colors and expression to any event at the finish line.
Some people have their own style as they participate, which add more flair, attention, something to look forward to besides just their passing at the finish line.
We are seeing a lot of people with Ipods these days, clip to the hips or strapped to the arms and plugged in their ears.
Some wear their institution uniforms in some rather interesting ways, all in all
adding their own sense of style to the event, which we welcome from the dreariness of sameness
I have collected a few of these antics (should I call it that) from 2006 which aptly demonstrates what I am saying.
Checking out the new CariFin mini cross-country course at the Hollows
About 25 participants turned up to survey the new course Anthony LeMaitre and I plotted on Sunday. This would be the route for the CariFin mini cross-country event, scheduled for Thursday June 14, 2007.
It was interesting to see the enthusiasts who came from RBTT, CBTT, RBL and GHL as they took their first walk around the course, checking out the inclines, the stumps of grass and all the other features which make this an interesting route.
The friendship theme behind these CariFin events was also obvious – we could hear the competitors from the various companies sharing their doubts, concerns, jokes and even strategies for how best to manage this course. The Team from GHL led by Marcia Pierre included some experienced runners like Alfred Patrick, Howard Dottin and Hollis Granville and they were all over the route looking into every “nook and cranny” as they joked about the best way to navigate the landscape.
Jubs (Clem Jubrajsingh) of RBTT was the first man on the scene and was joined a by Vernetta Sandiford and Gaines of CBTT, and they were all in office attire. They came to see the terrain and do some of the “mind” work required to run this event. Susan Russell, Karen Dowden, Steve Samuel and Christian Hannays of RBTT came a few minutes later, ready to experience the declines and uphills, the tight turns and the flat areas, and run the course to get familiar with this unchartered territory.
Yesterday there was the buzz, tension and underlying excitement as these runners began their preparation. The thrill of CariFin 2007 continues, heightened by the unknown possibilities of this new course.
The measurement of the course is a little over 800 meters or half mile, the course must be covered twice.
We look forward to Thursday when we all create a little part of CariFin history.
Checkout Youtube see runners on the course
