WINNER! 

Y member Cindra Kamphoff wins the Omaha Marathon.

Cindra Kamphoff at the Y

She's a specialist in sports psychology, and Cindra Kamphoff put it all to use Sept. 23 when she won the 2012 Omaha Marathon.  

Kamphoff won the women's marathon with a time of 3:05:12, nine minutes faster than her previous marathon time.   

 

An Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Psychology in the Department of Human Performance at Minnesota State University, Kamphoff also operates The Runner's Edge, a training program for runners that focuses on the psychological aspects of the sport and how to improve. She narrates an inspirational video for runners taking part in the upcoming Mankato Marathon Oct. 21.

    

She received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She's run several marathons, and placed in the top 1 percent at the Boston Marathon.   

 

Kamphoff's physical training for the marathon included  logging 1,400 miles since May, and her mental training involved keeping that in mind.

 

"I put the number on my hand to remind me I was more prepared then ever. I looked at it a lot during the race, especially during the low parts. It helped me believe I could run my goal time.

She also kept in mind the highs and lows that come with long runs.

"In sport psychology we have this phrase that you need to be 'comfortable with being uncomfortable,'" Kamphoff said. "I knew to reach my best it wasn't going to feel that great and there are always highs and lows in every marathon. So, when I felt a low, I believed that it would feel better soon. It always felt better soon and definitely within a mile.

 

 

Kamphoff is the second marathon winner in the The Y is able to boast several marathon stars. Jen Blue, Minnesota State Mankato's women's track and cross-country coach, took first place in the inaugural Mankato Marathon, in 2010.

 

Photo by the Omaha World Herald.

KIDS AND SPAGHETTI: IT'S DEFINITELY MARATHON TIME AT THE Y 

 

 

 

As part of the community-wide celebration that is the Mankato Marathon, the Y this year is again sponsoring the KidsK.

The KidsK is the fun run for kids of all ages that takes place Saturday, Oct. 20 at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Registration is limited to 400 kids will be accepted the day of the race provided that all the spots are not filled. To register ahead of time, visit the Mankato Marathon web site.

That same day, the Mankato Marathon Pasta Feed will be operating from a single location at Minnesota State Mankato.
One similarity to pasta feeds of previous years is that the Y receives a portion of proceeds from the event.

So runners, family, fans and friends: Enjoy a hearty high-carb dinner that benefits the runner for one day and the Y for a lot more.

ANNUAL SHOE DRIVE AFOOT

 

The Y this year is again working with the Mankato School District to collect gently used running shoes to donate to students in the district. 

Specifically, we're looking for kids' running shoes for roughly grades K-6. Runners are the ideal source for these shoes as they tend to discard theirs after 300 miles or so. These used shoes are nonetheless perfect for kids -- and their families -- who need shoes for school but can't afford the retail price of new shoes (let alone the two pair required by many schools).

This year, the shoe program will also go toward helping kids who are in area shelters.

The Y has a collection basket in the lower level. Thanks for your help.

Get your business in the Y



Have you noticed the digital message boards in the Y lobby and the Life Center? Not only are these display terminals a more colorful and attractive way to provide members with the latest Y news flashes, it's an affordable way for businesses to support the Y while reaching potential customers.

Check out the new locker rooms Nov. 2-4.   

The public is invited to come see the lower level renovations at a weekend unveiling Friday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 4.

 

This is when we'll show everyone the newly remodeled locker rooms, multi-purpose poolside room and the expanded hall and social area.  

 

The locker rooms will  open to members on Monday, Nov. 5.

  

 

School-based mentoring program seeking sponsor businesses

 

The Y's school-based mentoring program is seeking an area business to "adopt" a neighborhood school.

 

The adoption would put the business alongside area firms such as Ridley, Carlson Craft, the YMCA and others where employees agree to serve as mentors to kids one hour a week during lunch or before hours at the school.

 

This is the second year of the program sponsored by the Y and the United Way.

   

Businesses and individuals interested in helping out can contact Hamond through email here or by calling 387-8255..

   

LINKING UP  

The new after-school program launched this fall

at the Y is exceeding participation expectations.

 

Drawing an average of about 40 kids each day, the program is nicely meeting the goal of engaging kids who hang out at the Y but aren't enrolled in supervised, structured programs such as After School Adventures.

Designed for students in grades 4 through 7, the program offers activities in sports, arts and education.  

 

Students had been surveyed earlier in the year to see what types of activities they'd like to take part in.

 

Whereas a lot of kids once mingled in the halls content with cell phone games and couches, today they're taking part in activities such as clay animation, snack creation, climbing wall challenges and Dodgeball.

  

Program director Karri Olmanson is happy with the turnout for the program.

  

"What I like is that most of them are Y kids. They grew up here," Olmanson said. "They're not stopping at 5th grade and saying 'oh, I can't do this anymore.'  

 

News and notes.
It's a Halloween party for 4th, 5th and 6th graders Saturday Oct. 13 at the Y. Music, complimentary snack, swimming, games, crafts, costume and pumpkin carving contest, treats from the concession stand and good times with friends -- it's all part of the night that begins at 7:15pm. Pick up is promptly at 9:30pm...Speaking of Halloween, bring the family to the Y's Family Halloween Party  3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28.