The term "Wellness" has been around for years, but I don't like the message that it conveys. I think it's too soft, in that it encourages people to avoid the real issue of obesity and related health issues. We need stronger programs that pragmatically address how we get the general population (all ages) to eat less and exercise more.

What I'm talking about here is a Skinny Stimulus Bill ... a bail out program for overweight folks who don't want to get off the couch and burn calories. Somehow, we need to convince the overweight majority that healthy exercise is fun. The picture on the left conveys what I mean - no fancy equipment or attitudes needed ... just go exercise and enjoy.

With the weather warming up, cyclists and runners are starting to come of of their winter hibernation. There are multiple group rides each week and a group run/re-hydrate session each Friday evening. On the event calendar, there is a running event almost every weekend and the cycling time trials start up on April 2(mountain) and April 9 (road). Come out and demonstrate how fast you are.

Two of the biggest running events on the schedule are the Shannon Shamrock Run 1/2 marathon on March 21 and the Vita Sports Run in the Sun State Championship 8K event on May 16. On the multisport side, Striders Duathlon will take pace on April 17 and then the Spillway Hill off road duathlon on May 2nd. A flyer for Spillway will be posted soon. There will also be a (free) duathlon clinic on March 28.

The first of two really good ASUFit Brown Bag luncheon presentations will take place next Friday (March 27). Kathy Rakel will be the speaker, and she'll talk about fitting training into a busy career. On April 17, we'll be hosting triathlon superstar Desiree Ficker at the luncheon. These events are free and open to the public - visit http://calendar.angelo.edu/ViewCal.html?calendar_id=17 for details.

Bikes for sale:

2006 Specialized Transition Multisport, like new condition, 52 cm, 105 components, $500
2006 Specialized Allez Comp, 54 cm, full Ultegra parts, showroom condition with almost zero miles, $550.

Cycling, running, and multisport links
Angelo State University Fitness and Wellness program
Cycling columns in the Standard Times newspaper
Cycling News
Cyclocross Magazine
Permian Basin Bicycling Association (PBBA)
Randy's Bike and Run shop
San Angelo Bicycling Association
San Angelo Road Lizards running club
Slowtwitch multisport web site
Texas Bicycle Racing Association
Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association
Velonews