LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — To kick off the start of a new walking group based in the greater Las Vegas area, organizers will host a free, 90-minute walking workshop showcasing three different styles for fitness or competition. Presenters will be 2019 National Senior Games power walk champion Sandi Stapleton and veteran race walker Bonnie Parrish-Kell.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019
- Time: 7 – 8:30 a.m.
- Where: Cornerstone Park main pavilion, 1600 Wigwam Pkwy, Henderson (north of I-215, west of Stephanie Street)
- Free to attend; please R.S.V.P. via Facebook or email
Sandi and Bonnie, co-founders of the new walking group, will share their knowledge and experience plus demonstrate fitness walking, power walking, and race walking. Attendees will try each style to decide which one works best for them, and receive helpful coaching tips. They will also have options such as choosing a training plan suited to their fitness level, participating with the group in a fall 5K race, and selecting a name for group.
This free and informal walking group welcomes all levels of ability from beginners to veteran racers, the speedy or the slow, the skinny or the plump, and anyone “in between” – the focus is on fitness, fun and friendship. Walkers who are visiting Las Vegas are also welcome to join in any group workout.
Get Ready to Workout:
- Bring water and a light snack
- Wear running or walking shoes and dress to workout
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or visor are highly recommended
What You Need to Know:
- So that all attendees can learn, practice and ask questions about these walking styles, we ask that you do not bring your children or pets to this initial meeting.
- If you have a health issue or haven’t been exercising, be sure to first check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise or fitness routine, including walking.
Meet the Group Leaders
Starting at age 50, Sandi race walked four marathons and more than 25 half marathons. Since she began competing in race walking at senior games four years ago, Sandi has collected gold, silver or bronze medals in each of her events. In 2017, she switched to power walking and continued winning numerous medals at senior games in California, New Mexico and Utah. At the 2019 National Senior Games she took gold in the 5K power walk and bronze in the 1500 meter power walk.
Since starting her fitness journey at age 50, Bonnie has power walked three half marathons and in all her triathlons. She participated in power walking at the Huntsman World Senior Games before switching to race walking. At the 2019 National Senior Games, Bonnie had one of her best finishing times in the 1500 meter race walk. Bonnie is also the publisher and editor of the blog SlowpokeDivas.com.
Why Start a New Walking Group?
“Sandi and I feel there’s a need for a fitness-oriented walking group in Las Vegas,” Bonnie said, “that also includes an option to use walking as a competitive sport. While it’s always terrific to win medals, the best “win” I’ve ever experienced is seeing big improvement in my fitness, and achieving a set goal.”
She continued, “Getting up and out to either workout or train on a consistent basis is really hard. It’s so much easier, and a lot more fun when I’m going to do this with other people. I hope this group will be a place where we can encourage and support each other, and celebrate our wins, whatever they may be.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This independent, informal and unnamed walking group is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Slowpoke Divas or Bonnie Parrish-Kell. She is participating as a walker for personal enrichment, and not as editor-in-chief of Slowpoke Divas.
About Bonnie Parrish-Kell
