Despite a smaller than usual number of attendees, Fall Rally was a great success. We were entertained by skits from TOPS #VT16, Rutland and TOPS #VT140, Rutland.
Awards for perfect attendance, no gains, Summer Best Losers, and KOPS points were given out. The certificates for the winners of the TOPS and KOPS Shining Stars contests were presented. Chapter Angels, which are voted on by the chapter, were recognized. More details can be found here.
In 2009, Fall Rally will be hosted jointly by TOPS #VT101, Morrisville and TOPS #VT82, Essex. The date, location, and theme will be announced at a future time. Now is a good time for chapters to start fundraising in order to help with the cost of attending SRD and Fall Rally next year.
All TOPS chapters have been asked to participate in a Million Mile fitness challenge issued by President Barbara Cady. If each chapter walks 1000 miles we can reach this goal. The approximate distance from Chicago, the site of IRD 2008, to Orlando, the site of IRD 2009, is 1000 miles. The TOPS Trek to IRD 2009 was introduced as a way to track our fitness miles. Chapters who have at least one member who completes the 1000 mile trek by May 31, 2009 and submit their entry (found in the October TOPS News) by June 15, 2009 will be eligible to win one of five $100 cash prizes. The winners will be announced at IRD 2009.
Members earn one mile for each actual mile walked or run. Each 30 minutes of other fitness activity counts as one mile. Everyday activities like housework and lighter activities such as gardening, fishing, or bowling do not count. Aerobics, ballroom dancing, bicycling (stationary or outdoor), resistance training, rowing, swimming, tennis, or water aerobics are some of the activities that do count.
Bonus miles can also be earned. Members who participate in a fitness activity 5 or more days a week earn 10 bonus miles for the week. If a member does 45 minutes or more in one day, he or she will earn 5 bonus miles for that day. Those bonus miles can really add up. A person who does 45 minutes or more 5 days per week will earn 35 bonus miles for that week (5 bonus miles x 5 days, plus 10 bonus miles for the week).
Report your progress at the chapter each week so you can all see your progress. As a guideline, here are some suggested milestones along the way.
Indianapolis, IN- 150 miles (arrive on or about 9/12/08)
Louisville, KY- 300 miles (arrive on or about 10/24/08)
Nashville, TN- 450 miles (arrive on or about 12/5/08)
Chattanooga, TN- 600 miles (arrive on or about 1/16/09)
Atlanta, GA- 750 miles (arrive on or about 2/27/09)
Valdosta, GA- 900 miles (arrive on or about 4/10/09)
Orlando, FL- 1000 miles (arrive on or about 5/22/09)
How are you doing?
How are you doing on your mission of losing 10 pounds in 2008? If you haven't made it yet, there are still a few more weigh-ins. For the KOPS, your mission is to get below goal and stay there.
We Are Empowered- WE CAN DO IT!!
A TOPS retreat is a time for YOU. It is a time when you can get away and relax with TOPS friends old and new, and have fun while boosting your weight loss motivation. I recently heard that the retreat planned for 2009 in China, Maine has been canceled, but there will be a retreat held October 18th - 22nd in Moravia, New York. For more information, check your latest TOPS News or visit the TOPS website. Don't forget to submit your entry for the $250 retreat scholarship.
