Press for time in the New Year (Update: race report from Team Epton)

Flickr user doviende


 Update, 1/17/12:  The report is in from Hope Epton of TeamEpton.com.

Sporting new pink socks and shorts, Hope took on the Press for Time 5k with much enthusiasm, a goal of finishing under 30 minutes, and a deep hatred for the cold weather.  Check out her full race report here.


Update, 1/16/12:  You can check out a slide show of photos of the bench press and 5K portions of the Press for Time above.


First report:  It's time for the second installment of the Myrtle Beach Race Series. The Press for Time 5K starts off the new year with some lofty goals. You can't just run it; you gotta pump it.

Starting Friday January 13, 2012 from noon to 8 p.m., competitors will gather at the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA to take a crack at the bench press. Men able to press 100% of their body weight, and women achieving 75%, will receive a one-minute time advantage for each rep they complete. Those credits will be applied to their times on the 5K race taking place the following morning at 8:30 a.m. Race coordinator Jason Greene designed the event to take place on and around the grounds of the Y, which is this event's beneficiary. Greene says the Press for Time "allows people to experience weight lifting if they haven't done it before, and then also gets them the cardio fitness" that they need.

With a background in kinesiology, health education is a major goal for Greene. The race series represents a way for him to help enrich the community and to teach people about proper exercise habits.

Kids are encouraged to participate in a one-mile race beginning at 8 a.m.; however, Greene notes "we're not gonna make them bench press." Pity. The Y's many programs for children are one of the principal reasons why he chose them to receive the proceeds. He's hoping people who aren't currently members will take the opportunity to check out the facilities during and after the race. "The local Y was so supportive hosting the kids' event [of the Mud Run] last year. In return for that, I want to help them with their efforts."

Angel Rabon, Marketing Director at the YMCA, says "we're just excited to be a part of the Myrtle Beach Race Series. I of course, personally like Jason Greene and I think he is such a great guy with all he's doing. When he asked us to participate with the one-mile fun run for kids, it was just a great fit for us."

The YMCA has a lot to be excited about. With the turn of the calendar has come an onslaught of people wanting to join and commit to their New Years' resolutions. Angel continues to say that "with all the new gyms opening up in the area, people can forget that we've been here for 25 years. But really, where else can you get the pool and the gym and all the child care?" The Y has a popular basketball program, swimming lessons, and, most notably, a summer camp that hosted over 100 children last year alone and offers scholarships for qualified applicants.

Registration for the Press for Time 5K is $35 per individual ($40 on race day); there are discounts for team entry and pre-registration. For more details, visit myrtlebeachraceseries.com

For more stories about the Myrtle Beach Race Series check out our topic page.