Happy Holiday's From Team Challenge!

Happy Holidays

From

Are you eating too many holiday treats? Don't worry! You can start the new year off right! Train to run or walk a half marathon! The Team Challenge professional coaches will meet with the team weekly and get you to your half marathon goal!

Join team Challenge and you can cross the finish line this summer at the:

Boston 13.1 Half Marathon

June 27, 2010

Boston, MA

This Boston event welcomes all levels of runners and walkers! The course will take you around some of the historical highlights of Boston!

The best part is YOU will be helping to find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colits AND get an expenses paid weekend away to Boston!

Information meetings for the summer season start in February! Reserve your spot today!

Monday, February 8, 2010
Doubletree Hotel NW/ Marietta
2055 South Park Place
Atlanta, GA 30339
6:30 PM

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Fulton CountyLibrary
Buckhead Branch
269 Buckhead Ave, NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
6:30 PM

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Holiday Inn Decatur
130 Clairemont Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
10:00 AM

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
West Stride
3517 Northside Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30327
6:30 PM

Saturday, February 27, 2010
Maggiano’s Little Italy
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30346
9:30 AM

Team Georgia ROCKED The Strip!

Last Sunday, more than 900 Team Challenge particpants from across the country joined forces in Las Vegas to run and walk the Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon!

These folks raised more than 3.5 million dollars for Crohn's and colitis research and patient services! This event is the largest single event in the history of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation!

We are so proud of all of our runners and walkers!!

If you missed Las Vegas, don't worry! You can join us for our summer season in Boston! We will be participating in the:

Boston 13.1 Half Marathon

June 27, 2009

Boston, MA

Information meetings start in February! RSVP for your spot today!

Las Vegas In One Week! Next Stop...BOSTON!

The Team Challenge Georgia team is headed to rock n' roll in Las Vegas in two weeks! Our participants have trained and fundraised hard and are ready to represent Georgia proud at the Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon! 


Missed out on Las Vegas? Don't worry! Our next Team Challenge event will make history! The summer 2010 event will be the:

Boston 13.1 Half Marathon

June 27, 2010 

Boston, MA

Where the Party Meets the Pavement!

This Boston event welcomes all levels of runners and walkers! The course will take you around some of the historical highlights of Boston! 


Information meetings for the summer season start in February! Reserve your spot today!

Monday, February 8, 2010 Doubletree Hotel NW/ Marietta 2055 South Park Place Atlanta, GA 30339 6:30 PM	Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Fulton CountyLibrary Buckhead Branch 269 Buckhead Ave, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 6:30 PM
Saturday, February 20, 2010 Holiday Inn Decatur 130 Clairemont Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 10:00 AM	Tuesday, February 23, 2010 West Stride 3517 Northside Parkway Atlanta, GA 30327 6:30 PM

Saturday, February 27, 2010 Maggiano’s Little Italy 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30346 9:30 AM Call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org for more information!

The LONG Run/Walk!

We are offically getting up there... in miles that is! This weekend we will be doing an eleven mile run/walk. This is our longest run/walk before Las Vegas! This is probably the longest run or walk many of our particpants have done. Not to worry, you will have all the support you need!
As we get up there in miles a few tips to remember:

1. Fuel up! If you dont' have fuel in your gas tank, you will run out of gas! The same goes for your body. Eat a lite breakfast (I will leave what you eat up to you) before you head out and you can finish strong!

2. Carry your own water. We will have water on the course, but this is a practice that I think everyone should follow. You want to drink when YOU need it, not just when it is available. There are a few races that I can think of that RAN OUT of water and the slower runners and walkers were left dehydrated! Don't let this happen to you!

3. Now is the time to try new things. If there is a goo you have always wanted to try or you just bought a new pair of shorts. TRY THEM NOW. Training runs and walks is when you want to try things out and break things in. You don't want to go out on race day and try a new product that makes you sick or find out at mile eight that those new shorts are chafing. You will hopefully have your perfect race day clothes and perfect snacks all worked out on race day so you can enjoy the day!

4. Save your best stories for the run/walk! Nothing makes those long runs/walks go by faster than great conversation!

5. HAVE FUN! You worked hard to get here! ENJOY IT!

Don't Let Fundraising "Scare You"!

I hope all of you have your costumes ready for the weekend! We have a fun GTS planned this week! We will have a costume contest, a trick or treat and a scary nine mile run and walk!

We are only weeks away from going to Las Vegas! Don't let fundraising scare you! Keep going! Have fun with it! You are helping to find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis! be your own fundraising monster!

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Recommitment Day!

Hello!

Today is recommitment day! What are you going to do? Deal in or out?! It would be great if Crohn's or colitis patients had that easy of a decision. Unfortunately, they are "in" until we find a cure!

I hope your experience so far will convince you to "deal in" and continue the journey that you started! Las Vegas is going to be an experience that you will not forget. I hope that you will join the 1000+ Team Challenge participant's at the start line as we cross the finish line to find a cure!

We Are Half Way To VEGAS!!

Time flies when you are having fun right? We have hit the halfway mark in our training for the Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon! The team completed seven miles on Saturday! We were lucky and just missed the rain!

I encourage all of our participants to finish the journey you started and cross that finish line with us in Las Vegas! With recommitment right around the corner, I want you to think about all of the people that you are helping by being a part of Team Challenge!

Don't let them down! They need you and your team needs you!

Remember, Team Challenge is changing lives one mile at a time and we are only half way there!

Team Challenge Starts It's Season!!

The time has come!! We start our winter season with our first group training session! We will start our jouney to Las Vegas tomorrow morning, August 29th, at 8:00 AM! We will begin our training session with an apparel and footwear clinic! Come and get fit for the RIGHT shoes and get some great information!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Big Peach Running Company

3881 Peachtree Road

Atlanta, GA

8:00 AM

Haven't signed up for Team Challenge yet? No worries! Come and try us out! You can sign up at the training session!

For more info on Team Challenge go to www.ccteamchallenge.org or call 404-982-0616.

Welcome to Fabulous Team Challenge!

Team Challenge Georgia will be kicking off it's fourth season Saturday, August 22, 2009! The team will be headed to the inaugural Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon this December!

Participants will train for 15 weeks to run or walk a half marathon, while raising money for Crohn's and colitis research and patient services.

The kickoff and information meeting will be held at:

Maggiano's Little Italy

4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road

Atlanta, GA 30346

9:30 am (kickoff to follow at 10:30)

Can't attend the kickoff? No worries! You still have a chance to sign up! We will have a bonus meeting where you can come and hear about the event!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

CCFA

2250 North Druid Hills Road, Ste. 250

Atlanta, GA 30329

6:30 PM

To RSVP for any of these events, call 404-982-0616, email Awhitworth@ccfa.org or go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ for more information.

Team Challenge Info Meetings Start This Week!

Do you want to Rock N' Roll with us in Las Vegas this December and help find a cure for Crohn's disesae and ulcerative colitis? Well, here is your chance! Team Challenge information meetings start Monday, August 3, 2009. Join us at an information meeting and find out how you can join the hundreds of other Team Challenge participants at the inaugural Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon!

go to www.ccteamchallenge.org, call 404-982-0616 or email awhitworth@ccfa.org to RSVP for a meeting near you!

Monday, August 3, 2009
Fulton County LibraryBuckhead Branch
269 Buckhead Ave, NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
6:30 PM

Saturday, August 8, 2009
Decatur Recreation Center
231 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30031
11:00 AM

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fulton County Library Sandy Springs Regional Branch
395 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
6:30 PM

Thursday, August 13, 2009
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
6:30 PM

Saturday, August 22, 2009
Maggiano’s Little Italy
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30346
9:30 AM (kick off to follow at 10:30AM)

Congratulations Napa Particpants!! Now let's go to Las Vegas!

Congratulations to all of the Team Challenge participants that completed the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon! We had 550 participants (of a field of 3000). Team Challenge orange as far as the eye could see!! It was AWESOME!

It makes me really PUMPED up for Las Vegas!! Info meetings start August 3rd! RSVP for your spot TODAY at www.ccteamchallenge.org or call 404-982-0616.

This event is going to be amazing!!! The entire strip will be closed off for us and you will be able to get an amazing view of Las Vegas form ground level!! (They only close the strip for two things... New Years Eve and this race).

Join us in Las Vegas and help us find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis!!

KONA COUNTDOWN IS ON!!

In just one week, our AWESOME Team Challenge Georgia team will be headed to KONA!! These particpants have reaised THOUSANDS of dollars to help find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and will represent Georgia and Team Challenge at the Kona Half Marthon!

We are so greatful to all of our particpants and send them a great big MAHALO! (thank you in hawaiian).

If you are interested in joining us for our winter season go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ and find out how you rock n' roll with us in Las Vegas this December!

Team Challenge is currently recruiting for our Team Challenge "Street Team". If you are interested in meeting new people and spreading the word about Team Challenge than this is the opportunity for you!

Street Team opportunities include:

• Handing out Team Challenge information at local races and events.


• Setting up tables at local stores and gyms.


• Volunteering at the Team Challenge booth at race expos, health fairs, etc.


• Anything grass roots that spreads the word about this great program!

This is a great way for you students to earn your community service credits! You can earn cool Team Challenge gear as well! If you are interested in becoming part of the "Street Team", call us at 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org!

Join us at the Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis Walk!

Please join us tomorrow, May 30th at The Georgia Tech Burger Bowl Field at 4:00 PM to walk for a cure! This is the largest event dedicated to finding a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and is an event for the whole family!

The walk is 2.6 miles and the weather is going to be fantastic! If you think you want more of a challenge, Team Challenge coaches and staff will be on hand to let you know about our fantastic upcoming season! We will be taking our team to Las Vegas!!

There will be food, drinks, a kids area and you can even bring your dog!

Please join us if you can!!

Coach Mona Made It!!!

Congratulations to our AWESOME Run Coach Mona!! Mona did what us mere mortals call the impossible and ran from Key Largo to Key West (100 Miles)! Mona is no stranger to these "ultra marathons" but said this one was the toughest she has ever done! Mona finished the race in 31 hours and 47 seconds.

We are so proud to have an athlete at this level coaching our Team Challenge runners!!

GREAT JOB MONA!!

We Are Getting Up There, But We Are Feeling Good Doing It!

We are offically getting up there... in miles that is! Tomorrow we will be doing a nine mile run/walk. We will only have two more bumps in mileage before Kona. This is probably the longest run or walk many of our particpants have done. Not to worry, you will have all the support you need!

As we get up there in miles a few tips to remember:

1. Fuel up! If you dont' have fuel in your gas tank, you will run out of gas! The same goes for your body. Eat a lite breakfast (I will leave what you eat up to you) before you head out and you can finish strong!

2. Carry your own water. We will have water on the course, but this is a practice that I think everyone should follow. You want to drink when YOU need it, not just when it is available. There are a few races that I can think of that RAN OUT of water and the slower runners and walkers were left dehydrated! Don't let this happen to you!

3. Now is the time to try new things. If there is a goo you have always wanted to try or you just bought a new pair of shorts. TRY THEM NOW. Training runs and walks is when you want to try things out and break things in. You don't want to go out on race day and try a new product that makes you sick or find out at mile eight that those new shorts are chafing. You will hopefully have your perfect race day clothes and perfect snacks all worked out on race day so you can enjoy the day!

4. Save your best stories for the run/walk! Nothing makes those long runs/walks go by faster than great conversation!

5. HAVE FUN! You worked hard to get here! ENJOY IT!

It's VEGAS BABY!!

The Team Challenge Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce our event for the winter season! Dust off your blue suede running shoes because Team Challenge will be taking our team to the:

Inaugural Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada

This event is going to SPECTACULAR!!! Elite Racing is setting up the course of your dreams with the entertainment to match.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America is the official charity of the Rock N' Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon and Team Challenge will have a HUGE presence there!

Information meetings for the Las Vegas event start August 3rd.

Finally...a sure-fire win in Las Vegas!
Finally... A Vegas experience that doesn't have to stay in Vegas!
Finally...You can help find a cure for Crohn's & Colitis!

For more information go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ or call 404-982-0616.

It's Injury Prevention Week!

Hi Everyone!

We had a fantastic GTS at Stone Mountain on Saturday. I always forget how beautiful it is there. Thanks to all that came out!

We have some great stuff lined up this week too! We have our Tuesday night GTS tonight at the Big Peach Running Company in Decatur. There are only a few Tuesday's left to get your Nike Run Club punch for cool prizes!

One of the most devastating things to happen to a runner or walker is to get injured prior to their big race. This Saturday we will be having our Injury Prevention Clinic. Dr. Charles Peebles from the Atlanta Foot and Ankle Center will be giving you all the tips you need to remain injury free. Dr. Peebles is one of the premier doctors in Atlanta that works with runners and walkers. Please come and take advantage of him! He will answer questions and always brings a gift for all of the participants. The clinic will take place prior to the GTS at:

The Big Peach Running Company- Brookhaven

3881 Peachtree Road

Atlanta, GA 30319

7:00 AM

Please come and join us!!

The Sun FINALLY Came Out For Team Challenge Georgia!

After weeks of soggy group training sessions, it was so nice to have a lovely sunny morning to meet up! The team met at Chattahoochee River and we all had a really great run/walk! It was beautiful and a change from the city roads we normally run and walk on.

Although, I always hope for a day like yesterday, the reality is you sometimes don't get great weather on race day. When I ran the Athens Marathon in Greece, I had to run in knee deep water in freezing rain (the day before it was warm in sunny). You just never know what weather is going to be like on race day. Try and run or walk in all kinds of weather (except dangerous weather of course). You will be prepared for whatever race day brings you!

We have a great time at our training sessions, come out and join us! Go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ to find out where we will be!

I wanted to let everyone know that we will have part two in the series of fundraising clinics on Thursday, April 15, 2008 at 6:60 PM the CCFA office. We will also have a letter stuffing party! Bring your letters (new or follow ups) to the meeting with your lists and we can help you address and stuff!

GO TEAM CHALLENGE!!

Lot's of Good Team Challenge Stuff

Well, where to begin? We have a big week this week and I hope everyone is excited as I am about it! We are in week four of our Summer training season and so far so good!

This Saturday we have a great cross training clinic at prior to our GTS! OUr guest speaker will be Dickie Bilro. Dickie has over 20 years of experience as a person trainer and has been featured in Self Magazine. I hope everyone can make it out to the GTS to get some good cross training knowledge! Meet us at:

Phidippides

Ansley Mall

Piedmont Road

Atlanta, GA

7:00 AM

Many of the Team Challenge mentors, coaches and staff will be running and walking in the ING Georgia Marathon THIS SUNDAY!! Feel free to come out and cheer us on!

For those of you that were unable to join us at our first fundraising clinic, I will be holding a "make up" clinic on Thursday, August 2nd at 6:30 PM the CCFA Office. I will go over everything that I went over at the first clinic. So join us and learn how to fundraise!

Let's not forget about our Tuesday night training at the Big Peach in Decatur at 6:30! You get to hang with your team and can win prizes courtesy of Nike!

As a reminder, it is not too late to sign up for Team Challenge. If you are interested, please call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org. You can also go to our website at http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/.

GO TEAM CHALLENGE!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Team Challenge Georgia celebrated St. Patricks Day with our Tuesday night training session. The weather was great and there was a big group to run and walk with us!

Big thanks to the Big Peach Running Company for suppling all of the runners and walkers with a post training Guinness!

Make sure you join us every Tuesday night at 6:30 and the Nike Run Club will stamp your card and you can win prizes just for showing up!!

Don't Be Scared Of The Rain!

We had another great GTS this morning! We had a smaller group than usual due to the weather. BIG shout out the walkers!! Most of them came out in the cold and rain and we all had a great time. It was cold! My legs were numb but it felt great to be out there!

Being a little cold and wet is nothing compared to what folks with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis go through!

Team Challenge does train RAIN or SHINE! (Unless severe weather with lightning or tornados warnings. We will never put anyone in danger). Our participants must be used to training in all sorts of weather conditions. You never know what race day will bring!

I know it is very tempting to stay warm in bed on days like today, but when training, consistency is key and you really do feel like a real athlete when you train in weather like this! :)

So let's hit the road!

Who Wants To Learn How To Fundraise?!

Just a reminder! We are having our first fundrasing clinic of the summer season! This fun and informative clinic is a great opportunity for our particpants to learn some of the techniques used by professional fundraisers! You can take these tips and ideas and use them to make yourself a SUPERSTAR FUNDRAISER!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

2250 North Druid Hills Rd., Ste 250

Atlanta, GA 30329

6:30 PM

I hope to see you there!

Our Summer Season Has Offically Begun!

We kicked off our summer season this morning with our first group training session. We started off the morning with our apparel and footwear clinc hosted by Mike from the Big Peach Running Company. Everyone got great information on everything from shoe selection to body glide and nip guards! Thanks so much to Mike and the Big Peach!

We had prizes! Big Peach donated a gift card for one lucky winner and I had a prize (a Team Challenge backpack) for our awesome fundraiser, Pam, that raised over $2400 in a little over a week!

Everyone went out for the starting base run of two miles and everyone came back with a smile on thier face! We celebrated our first run with gatoraid in wine glasses (since we are doing Napa) and some snacks! Some of the more advanced runners went out for some more miles! A good time was had by all! I can't wait to join the team out there on the roads in the next few weeks!

If you want to be part of the fun it is not too late. Those of you that have not signed up yet, don't worry! We are having a "last chance" information meeting on March 10th !

You still have the opportunity to join the team! This is a great way to find out how you can help find a cure for Crohn's disesae and ulcerative colitis, run or walk a half marathon join us at one of our fantastic summer events, the Kona Half Marathon and the Napa to Sonoma Wine County Half Marathon. The meeting will be held:

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Crohn's & Colitis Fouundation Office

2250 North Druid Hills Road, Ste. 250

Atlanta, GA 30329

6:00 PM

Don't forget our FUNdraising Clinic! This is a great opportunity to get fundraising ideas!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Crohn's & Colitis Fouundation Office

2250 North Druid Hills Road, Ste. 250

Atlanta, GA 30329

6:30 PM

For more information on Team Challenge go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/, call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org.

Our first Group Training Session is THIS SATURDAY, March 7th!

Please join us and bring a friend! We are going to have a lot of fun this season and we don't want you to miss out!

Our friends at the Big Peach Running Company will be hosting our apparel and footwear clinic prior to training. As a reminder, our first GTS will be at:

The Big Peach Running Company
3881 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30319
7:00 AM

Don't forget our FUNdraising Clinic! This is a great opportunity to get fundraising ideas!

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Crohn's & Colitis Fouundation Office
2250 North Druid Hills Road, Ste. 250
Atlanta, GA 30329
6:30 PM

For those of you that have not signed up yet, don't worry! We are having a "last chance" information meeting on March 10th ! You still have the opportunity to join the team! The meeting will be held:

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Crohn's & Colitis Fouundation Office
2250 North Druid Hills Road, Ste. 250
Atlanta, GA 30329
6:00 PM

For more information on Team Challenge go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/, call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org.

GO TEAM CHALLENGE!

It Wont Be Like This in Kona or Napa!

Thanks to everyone that came out to our Kick Off yesterday! We had a great time! It looks like we just missed the storm! Rest assured, it won't be like this in Kona or Napa this summer!

Our first Group Training Session is THIS SATURDAY, March 7th! Please join us and bring a friend! Our friends at the Big Peach Running Company will be hosting our apparel and footwear clinic prior to training. As a reminder, our first GTS will be at:

The Big Peach Running Company
3881 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30319
7:00 AM

Don't forget our FUNdraising Clinic! This is a great opportunity to get fundraising ideas!

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Crohn's & Colitis Fouundation Office
2250 North Druid Hills Road, Ste. 250
Atlanta, GA 30329
6:30 PM

For those of you that have not signed up yet, don't worry! We are having a "last chance" information meeting on March 10th ! You still have the opportunity to join the team! The meeting will be held at:

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Crohn's & Colitis Fouundation Office
2250 North Druid Hills Road, Ste. 250
Atlanta, GA 30329
6:00 PM

For more information on Team Challenge go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/, call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org.

GO TEAM CHALLENGE!

We are Kicking Off Our Summer Season Y'all!!

It's not too late to join us for our fantastic summer season! Please join us for our Team Challenge Kick Off Party! You will meet your Team Challenge teammates, coaches, mentors, honored teammates, and staff!

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
1:00 PM (Information meeting at 12:00 pm)

Not part of the team yet? Don't worry! There is still time to register to come with us to one of our fantastic summer events, the Kona, Hawaii Half Marathon or the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon.

There will be an information meeting prior to the start of the kickoff at 12:00pm. Please join us! If you would like to RSVP, please call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org!

It's Not Too Late To Take The Team Challenge!

Team Challenge Georgia is continuing it's February information meetings this week! We invite you to come and find out how you can be a part of this FUN and EXCITING program!

Our coaches will train you to run or walk a half marathon while you raise much needed funds to find a cure for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

If you haven't heard, Team Challenge takes on the Kona Hawaii Half Marathon on June 28, 2009 and the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 19, 2009. Mark your calendars to spend a weekend in one of these fantastic destinations this summer!

The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon is now SOLD OUT to the general public. The only way to get in now is through Team Challenge! Register NOW to reserve your spot!

Information meetings take place:

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Decatur Recreation Center
231 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30031
6:30 PM

Saturday, February 21, 2009
Fulton County Library-Sandy Springs Regional Branch
395 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
11:00 AM

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
12:00 PM (kick off party to follow at 1:00 pm)

R.S.V.P for an info meeting TODAY by calling 404-982-0616, go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/, or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org. BRING A FRIEND!!!

Team Challenge Info Meetings Start This Week!

Team Challenge Georgia kicks off it's summer season this week with the start of our information meetings! We invite you to come and find out how you can be a part of this life changing program!

Our coaches will train you to run or walk a half marathon while you raise much needed funds to find a cure for Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

Have you made your vacation plans this summer? The fun and sun awaits you as Team Challenge takes on the Kona Hawaii Half Marathon on June 28, 2009 and the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 19, 2009. Mark your calendars to spend a weekend in one of these fantastic destinations this summer!

The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon is now SOLD OUT to the general public. The only way to get in now is through Team Challenge! Register NOW to reserve your spot!

Information meetings start THIS Wednesday, February 11th!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Fulton County LibraryBuckhead Branch

269 Buckhead Ave, NE

Atlanta, GA 30305

6:30 PM

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Doubletree Hotel

1075 Holcomb Bridge Road

Roswell, GA 30076

6:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Decatur Recreation Center

231 Sycamore Street

Decatur, GA 30031

6:30 PM

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Fulton County Library-Sandy Springs Regional Branch

395 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE

Atlanta, GA 30328

11:00 AM

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW

6345 Powers Ferry Road

Atlanta, GA 30339

12:00 PM (kick off party to follow at 1:00 pm)

R.S.V.P for an info meeting TODAY by calling 404-982-0616, go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/, or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org. BRING A FRIEND!!!

A New Season of Team Challenge

A NEW TEAM CHALLENGE SEASON IS COMING!!!
INFO MEETINGS START NEXT WEEK!!

TEAM CHALLENGE SUMMER 2009

We’re going to Hula and Sip ya’ll

We are so excited to be kicking off our summer season and we want YOU to be a part of it!

The fun and sun awaits you as Team Challenge takes on the Kona Hawaii Half Marathon on June 28, 2009 and the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 19, 2009. Mark your calendars to spend a weekend in one of these fantastic destinations this summer!

The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon is now SOLD OUT to the general public. The only way to get in now is through Team Challenge! Register NOW to reserve your spot!

Visit www.ccteamchallenge.org for more information about our summer season!!!
Visit http://www.konamarathon.com for information on the Kona Half Marathon.
Visit http://www.napa2sonoma.com for information on the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon.

Information Meetings Start Wednesday, February 11th!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Fulton County Library
Buckhead Branch
269 Buckhead Ave, NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
6:30 PM

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Doubletree Hotel
1075 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, GA 30076
6:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Decatur Recreation Center
231 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30031
6:30 PM

Saturday, February 21, 2009
Fulton County Library
Sandy Springs Regional Branch
395 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
11:00 AM

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
12:00 PM (kick off party to follow at 1:00 pm)

R.S.V.P for an info meeting TODAY by calling 404-982-0616, go to www.ccteamchallenge.org, or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org.

BRING A FRIEND!!!

Everybody loves a deal!! Come to an information meeting and get a $25 off of your registration fee! Team Challenge provides professional coaching services, health and nutrition clinics, fundraising tips, and more! When you train with Team Challenge, you’re provided with everything you need to cross the finish line-including an all expense paid trip to Kona or Napa. The only cost to you is your registration fee due at sign up!

Come hear about the other incentives to get you started!

Challenge Yourself To Change A Life!
I hope to see you at a meeting soon!

Napa Is SOLD OUT To Everyone But TEAM CHALLENGE!!

The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon is so popular that it has sold out SEVEN MONTHS prior to the race!

You are in luck if YOU want to participate! You can sign up for Team Challenge and reserve your spot!!

Remember information meetings start February 11th! Reserve your spot TODAY!

Go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ and find an info meeting near you or call 404-982-0616 for more information!

Join us! Challenge yourself to change a life!!

Way To Go Team Challenge!!!

Congratulations to all of the Team Challenge participants that participated in the ING Miami Half Marathon this past weekend!!

These runners and walkers all reached their half marathon goals and raised.... are you ready.....1.6 MILLION DOLLARS for Crohn's and colitis research and patient services!!

Team Georgia could not be more proud of you and we look forward to seeing all of you this summer in Kona, Hawaii or Napa, California!

If you are interested in participating in Team Challenge for the summer season, information meetings start February 11, 2009. Go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ and find a meeting near you!

Call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org for more information.

GO TEAM CHALLENGE!!

"Sea of Humanity"

CNN reported this morning that an estimated 1.4 million people attended the presidential inauguration on Tuesday. For those of you that tuned in or saw the photos, you were able to see this "sea of humanity" standing shoulder to shoulder for literally miles back.

Did you know that there are also 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis? As you you look at the picture above, imagine that these are all of the people in America that are suffering with these diseases. This is a LOT of people that need our help!

You can help them and help yourself by joining Team Challenge, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's half marathon training program. You can train to run or walk a half marathon, go on a great trip to either Kona, Hawaii or the Napa Valley wine country this summer and raise much needed funds for Crohn's and colitis research and patient services.

Our summer season starts next month! We will be having information meetings throughout February. Come and find out how you can take a challenge and change a life!

Go to http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ to find and information meeting near you. Call Angel at 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org for more information.

Help find a cure for our "Sea of Humanity".

Volunteer+Team Challenge= Free Coffee!

How would you like a free cup of Starbucks coffee and help Team Challenge at the same time? Go to http://pledge5.starbucks.com/ and download a pledge card. Pledge to donate five hours of volunteer hours and Starbucks will give you a free cup of coffee!

Team Challenge and CCFA are always looking for volunteers and what better way to spend a few hours then helping the 1.4 million people that have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Call Angel at 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org if you would like to volunteer!

The "S" Genreation

Today we celebrate the birthday of Georgia born Martin Luther King, Jr. As we celebrate not only the birthday of this great man we are reminded about what it means to serve. I have heard the new generation will be called The "S Generation", S standing for service.

As CCFA is an organization and Team Challenge is an event that depends on it's volunteers, we are always mindful and thankful to those that take the time to do service. I wanted to wish everyone a happy Martin Luther King day and leave you with one of my favorite quotes in hopes it will inspire you to continue to serve.

"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Team Challenge Billboard!

Check out our Team Challenge billboard! The billboard is located near the intersection of Piedmont and Monroe (behind Ansley Mall on the right).

Encourage your friends to drive by and check it out and when you go by it, give it a little honk!

Let's make sure everyone knows about Team Challenge and what a great program we have!

www.ccteamchallenge.org

Join us at the movies!

There is a great movie playing tomorrow as part of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival!

An affectionate salute to a Jewish sports icon and a must-see for avid runners, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE is the remarkable story of Fred Lebow, mastermind of the New York City Marathon. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish family in Transylvania, Fischl Leibowitz fled war-torn Europe and eventually settled in the Big Apple. After a career in the garment trade, this scrappy showman launched the New York City Marathon, eventually transforming it into the world's largest marathon, encompassing all five boroughs, and a source of civic pride during troubled times. Set amidst the urban funk of the 1970s, the film’s retro styling combines archival footage and interviews with family, athletes, city officials and journalists. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE chronicles the exuberance and heartbreak of an eccentric man who inspired thousands to go the distance.

The film will be playing at the Lafont Sandy Springs at 11:50 am. Go to http://www.ajff.org/ to purchase tickets. 1972 Olympian and marathon guru Jeff Galloway will be introducing the film. Join Team Challenge participants along with other runners/walkers in Atlanta to see this special film!

This was posted today on the in the RW forum by Soccer Fan. I thought it was pretty cool!

For days, weeks, months and years, we ran. We ran to feel good. To stay healthy. To getaway from our problems. To accomplish something. To dare. To test ourselves. To deal with cravings. To think. Not to think. To meet people. To be alone.

We ran on hills and on flats. At 4 in the morning. In a dress shirt and slacks after work. We ran errands. We ran for fun. We ran on business trips. On vacations. We ran for the high. For the low. Because we can. Because they said we shouldn’t. Because the time is right. Just ‘cause.
We ran through the blood-red forests. On breathtaking trails. Through canyons of steel, glass and concrete. Through endless fields. In knee-deep snow and desert sand. On red clay dirt. Along the riverbanks.

We ran when it poured. When it was nice out. In blizzards. In heat waves. We ran to music. To the rhythm of our footfalls. To the symphonies of nature. The concertos of city sounds. To some of the greatest books ever written.

We laughed. We cried. We gritted our teeth. Just couldn’t help ourselves. We glided. Crawled. Chugged along. Had the trots. Nearly puked. Puked. We couldn’t wait to run. Dreaded it. Felt like we could go forever. Wanted it over with. Showed off. Paid for it. Took it easy. Ran hard. Chaffed and blistered. Got sunburn. Windburn. Frostbite. We lost toenails. We hid stashes and hijacked the neighbor’s water hose. Bruised kneecaps and egos. Dug deep. Pumped our fists. Shook our heads. Had doubts. Questioned our sanity. Realized we’re mental. And then we ran some more.

We are as different as can be. But we have one common denominator– running and all it comes with.

So here’s to all of us. To those just starting out. To the experienced. To the masters. To the elites. To those who win hardware. To those who never will. To the healthy ones. To the injured. To the trotters. The joggers. The runners. The speedsters. To everyone who laces up and gets out there, good health and many happy miles!

Check us out!

Hey Everyone!
I wanted to remind everyone that Team Challenge staff, mentors and volunteers are out an about in the community. Ask them how you can get involed and be a part of our AWESOME Team Challenge family!

We have two fantastic events coming up for the summer season!

We are taking Team Challenge teams to:

The Kona, Hawaii Half Marathon on June 28th

and

The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 19th

Team Challenge will train you to run or walk the half marathon and if you meet your fundrasing requirements, we will pay for you to go to Hawaii or Napa!

Team Challenge will be leading the group runs every Tuesday at 6:30pm at the Big Peach Running Company in Decatur, 114 East Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030.

We will also be at the Adidas Rep & Run this Saturday, January 17th at 9:30am Phidippides at Ansley Mall, 1544 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324. There will be a raffle and giveaways! There will also be a Q&A with ING Georgia Medical Directors Perry Julien and Josh Glass. For those "seasoned" runners and walkers, there will be a 10 mile pace run at 7:30 am, and six mile pace run at 8:00am.

Come and run or walk with us! You can also get the details on our upcoming info meetings. You can find out everything you want to know about Team Challenge at one of our info meetings and be on your way to joining us in Kona or Napa!

We will have information meetings starting in February so you can come and hear about the program in detail. See the list below for places and times.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Fulton County Library Buckhead Branch

269 Buckhead Ave, NE Atlanta, GA 30305

6:30 PM

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Doubletree Hotel

1075 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30076

6:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Decatur Recreation Center

231 Sycamore Street

Decatur, GA 30031

6:30 PM

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Fulton County Library Sandy Springs Regional Branch

395 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE

Atlanta, GA 30328

11:00 AM

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW

6345 Powers Ferry Road

Atlanta, GA 30339

12:00 PM

To R.S.V.P for a meeting or for more information call 404-982-0616 or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org. www.ccteamchallenge.org

Happy Birthday Coach Mona!!!!

Today is our beloved run coach Mona's birthday!!! Let's all wish her a happy birthday! She is probably celebrating by running 50 miles or something like that! Happy Birthday Mona!! All of us here at CCFA an Team Challenge love you and hope you have a great day!!

Tuesday Night Fun at the Big Peach!

Thanks to all of you that came out to the Tuesday night run/walk at the Big Peach Decatur! Thanks to the storms on the horizon, it turned out to be a nice warm evening for a run. The turnout was great and we hopefully were able to spread the word about Team Challenge to all of those in attendance.

Thanks so much to Saucony for providing food and prizes for everyone! There were cool eco friendly water bottles and sling packs with t-shirts, socks and stickers! Congratulations to Team Challenge particpant Betsy Abrams for winning a new pair of Saucony shoes (of her choice)!

Thanks to the Big Peach for hosting the great event!

Eveyone is invited to come out to the Tuesday night runs at the Big Peach Running Company in Decatur at 6:30pm. We all have a great time...so come on out!

Happy New Year!!! Happy New You!!

Happy New Year Everybody!
Can you believe it is 2009?! Time sure does fly.

Have you made any new years resolutions? I have made quite a few. One of them is to be more active (I know this is a popular resolution). I know that the holidays are a tough time to keep to a fitness schedule on track (and forget about how many cookies we ate!) I plan to get out runnning and walking this week!

CCFA also has a resolution. We don't want the economy (and we know it's bad kids) to halt one minute of research that we are doing for the the cure of Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. It is too important and it can't stop!

Well, if you have a resolution to be more active this year, now is a great time for you to get up, get moving and help CCFA with it's resolution to continue our research . What better way to do it than to join Team Challenge!

We have some fantastic events for the summer season!

The Kona, Hawaii Half Marathon on June 28th

and

The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 19th

Team Challenge will train you to run or walk the half marathon and if you meet your fundrasing requirements, we will pay for you to go to Hawaii or Napa!

We will have information meetings starting in February so you can come and hear about the program in detail. See the list below for places and times.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Fulton County Library
Buckhead Branch
269 Buckhead Ave, NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
6:30 PM

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Doubletree Hotel
1075 Holcomb Bridge Road
Roswell, GA 30076
6:30 PM

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Decatur Recreation Center
231 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30031
6:30 PM

Saturday, February 21, 2009
Fulton County Library
Sandy Springs Regional Branch
395 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
11:00 AM

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW
6345 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
12:00 PM

To R.S.V.P for a meeting or for more information call 404-982-0616
or email Awhitworth@ccfa.org. www.ccteamchallenge.org