Walk for Fitness & Fun
by Connie McMullen
When you hear the name Hormonal Hotties one's mind immediately conjures up images. But the name Hormonal Hotties is not what you might think. Hormonal Hotties was humorously coined over a dinner gathering of friends looking for a catchy name for their walking group.
Of course, the group may be hormonal as many members are baby boomers mostly in their fifties, but it does not exclude younger hotties in their 20's, and 30's from joining. Reno founder Kris Gist, 55, says it all started back in 2001 when some of the members got to know one another while participating in the Honolulu Marathon for the Arthritis Foundation's Joints in Motion. Eight of the original women formed the group to stay in touch. In 2004, they began to meet regularly.
“It's all about the camaraderie,” Gist said. “The girls get together and commiserate about weight. Sometimes we decide to skip exercise and have breakfast instead.”
“I love to talk and have a good time,” explained Jody Wycoff, 53, also an original member. “We don't take ourselves seriously.”
The Hormonal Hotties purple T-shirt and pink logo provides the clue. On the back there is a hot pink circle with an arrow to the right. “We thought it was a symbol for women,” explains Wycoff, “but found out it was for men. It was a good year before anyone commented. Finally, a guy came up and said something.”
The group currently has 40 registered members, but welcomes new one’s. They meet every weekend, and also participate in marathons and triathlons. This year they will walk in the Journal Jog on September 20th, and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure October 5th. And they get together regularly on the 1st and 3rd Sunday, and the 2nd and 4th Saturday during the month.
“The first triathlon we competed in was in Graeagle, California,” Wycoff said. “We came in dead last but were tickled to finish. The organizers made a big deal out of us being there; it was very special.”
Carolyn Kelly, 62, Terri Staats, 53, Ann Folsom,
61, Barbara Halen, 55, Barbara Westcott, 62,
Laura Coger, 51, and Kathy Ogren, 56.
The Hormonal Hotties don't train professionally to participate in events, but they do like to gear up for the extra workout.
“It's a fun thing. We build friendships while walking,” said Terri Staats, 53, Reno. “We have so much fun walking and talking. Your not focused on exercise.”
Staats wants to encourage women of all ages to come out. “It's not competitive and it is a healthy way to pass the time.”