Shape Up Cape

Sept. 26, 2002

Point totals

Sam Blackwell 127

Andrea Buchanan 90

Spencer Cramer 65

Heidi Hall 80

Jamie Hall 72

Gabe Hartwig 44

Laura Johnston 60

Heather Kronmueller 77

Bob Miller 109

Joe Sullivan 74

Total 798

Average 79.8

The Bookin' Team 344

Average 49.1

St. Andrew 978

Average 97.8

Here are updates from four of our members. HEIDI HALL

On Monday, as Fit to Print team captain, I will gather our results for the last time and cease to have conversations such as this:

Heidi: It's Monday. I need your Shape Up Cape results.

Team member: I thought those were due Tuesday.

Heidi: No, they're due Monday. Just like for the last four months.

T.M.: I ran out of those sheets where we keep our points.

Heidi: Did you think to copy one before you used the last one?

T.M.: I can't be expected to think of everything.

I loved Shape Up Cape for the motivation to work out. It changed my life for the better -- daily exercise hasn't been in my routine since high school. But I hated it for the points system. I understand the chamber of commerce couldn't have done one without the other.

Thank you, chamber, and especially Annette, for helping us out these five months. You're the greatest.JAMIE HALL

In the realm of emotions, Shape Up Cape has been the proverbial roller coaster.

Feeling of accomplishment: finishing a five-mile run without stopping to catch my breath.

Feeling of frustration: running about 100 yards and realizing that I'd be happier turning back and going home to catch the last few minutes of Jenny Jones.

Appreciation for nature: waking up to find an overcast sky, no threat of rain and temperatures in the 60s. Now that's running weather.

Feeling of fatigue: trying one more time to lift a 50-pound weight off the ground and feeling a burn in any number of muscle groups.

Feeling of insecurity: realizing I wanted to cry and suck my thumb after ramming my bare toe into my weight bench but understanding that I probably shouldn't.

Feeling of generosity: knowing that I'll probably have to buy my coworkers a round of drinks to make up for getting less than 70 points this week.

Cheers, gang.BOB MILLER

It happened again Tuesday.

In the dentist chair.

Not, "Do you think voters will accept a tax hike in Cape?"

Not, "Do you think TIF money should be used for a residential development?"

No, it was "Are you doing that Shape Up Cape?"

Well, Dr. Goodier, I must admit I've been more dedicated to physical fitness than to regular dental appointments. Thank goodness for that, huh?

I busted my tail the last couple weeks, reaching the 100-point barrier both times and will end the contest on a good note. I was lazy and sick the two weeks prior. I put on a few pounds, but I lost them again thanks to some basketball games and racquetball.

My original Shape Up Cape goal was to rid myself of my stubborn love handles. I didn't accomplish that goal, but I believe I'm in better shape now than I was. That goes for my teeth, too.JOE SULLIVAN

Since this is my last report on Shape Up Cape, let me tell you about my results.

1. I've been jogging five times a week.

2. I've been walking more.

3. I've even managed a bit of upper-body strength training.

4. I've gained 14 pounds.

5. I'd like to say all the extra weight is pure muscle. I can't.

6. Jogging is a big deal for someone my age whose hip, knee and ankle joints are all still in good working order.

7. Without Shape Up Cape, I don't think I would be doing physical activity every day.

8. With Shape Up Cape, I've learned to hate -- no, make that loathe -- running uphill.

9. That's the price you pay for the pleasure of running downhill.

10. I'm better off now than I was when Shape Up Cape started.

I think that's a pretty good report.