‘Better Than Ever’ team walks/runs in 6.2 mile CATwalk

For the second year running — and walking — an energetic and physically-fit “Better Than Ever” team of 25 from Green Valley completed Saturday’s 6.2-mile CATwalk at the University of Arizona.

Led by coaches Suzie Cherry, Barbara Powell and Kathy Wong, the three were pleased to have eight new members join the team this year.

Gearing up for the big day, they’ve been walking twice a week since September.

“We started out walking three miles and increased our distance weekly. It really helped to get us ready,” Powell said. The team was further motivated as they were participating in honor of Chris Portmann, a Green Valley resident who has cancer.

The Green Valley contingent was part of more than 3,200 runners and walkers who participated to help raise funds for the Arizona Cancer Center. While helping in this way, they also became more physically fit to be “Better Than Ever.”

Collectively, CATwalk participants raised $108,000 with all proceeds benefiting the Arizona Cancer Center and the Bobbi Olson Fund for women’s cancer research, education and prevention.

Director of the Arizona Cancer Center Dr. David S. Alberts said, “Thank you, from my heart, for your CATwalk participation and taking the first step in getting yourself healthy and fit. Physical activity is the most important single factor in keeping yourself cancer-free!”

According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures for 2008, in Arizona 25,540 new cancer cases and 10,290 deaths were expected. One third of the deaths nationally were expected to be related to nutrition, physical inactivity, being overweight or obesity.

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in at least moderate activity for 30 minutes or more five days or more a week. Further, 45 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity five or more days may further reduce risk of breast and colon cancer.

Coach Wong pointed out that Green Valley residents Jim and Geri Sullivan, who are 85 and 80 years old respectively, have been recognized by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and have been named the 2008 recipients of the Spirit of Rob Bell Award.

Bell was an avid Tucson runner who loved to race and died in 2000.

The annual award recognizes members of the running community who, through dedication and enthusiasm, act as ambassadors for the sport of running.

Runners for the past 25 years, the Sullivans have completed about 500 races, including five marathons and continue to be a source of motivation and inspiration to others in the community.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.