RUNNING USA – Team USA Arizona, Flagstaff Family YMCA Team Up for Health Promotion – Partnership to encourage healthy lifestyles through running

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – (March 15, 2011) – Team USA Arizona and the Flagstaff Family YMCA are teaming up to encourage healthy lifestyles and community involvement through running. Elite athletes from Team USA Arizona will lead a running class for YMCA members twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00-5:00pm. The team also offers a circuit training class on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00pm that is open to YMCA members as well.

"The athletes and coaches of Team USA Arizona are excited to expand our collaboration with the YMCA, whose members now have the opportunity to learn from aspiring Olympians and world-class coaches," said Greg McMillan, the head coach of Team USA Arizona. "The program will focus on the process of improving your running, no matter if you are just coming off the couch or are a seasoned marathoner. Step-by-step, we'll teach you how to be fitter and faster over longer distances with greater endurance."

The running class will meet inside the YMCA and depart for runs in the vicinity. The athlete instructors will strive to make each run compatible for multiple athletic levels-from beginner to more advanced runners. As the weather improves, Buffalo Park will serve as an ideal local workout area for afternoon runs. YMCA members who join the class will be able to run loops around Buffalo Park and participate in various circuits, all with Team USA Arizona athletes cheering, supporting and advising them along the way.

"Our Y strives to provide opportunities for everyone in the community to reach farther and inspire more positive lasting change," says Paul Giguere, executive director of the Flagstaff Family YMCA. "We want our members to achieve their goals for peak health and well-being by offering unparalleled support, guidance, resources, and facilities. My hope is that our partnership with Team USA Arizona will lead others to achieve their wellness goals and get on a path to a healthier life."

Team USA Arizona is a non-profit organization that aims to develop elite post-collegiate athletes capable of competing successfully in championship races at the national and international levels. The Flagstaff-based organization is one of only a handful of training locations to receive the "Official Distance Training Center" designation from USA Track & Field, and in February at Running USA 2011, the training group was awarded the Allan Steinfeld Development Award.

In addition to aspiring to the highest levels of athletic performance, the team and its athletes also work with community partners to help reduce childhood obesity and promote physical activity and health among children and youth in northern Arizona.

For more information including team bios and blogs, go to www.teamusaarizona.org or call (928) 606-4646.

RUNNING USA