Message from Cheryl Shaw
(Executive Director, Komen Puget Sound)

We are greatly saddened by the loss of CJ Taylor, founder of the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.  She was a compassionate, dedicated leader with a humble spirit. 

CJ Taylor championed the breast cancer movement in the Puget Sound area.  In 1993, CJ led a dedicated group of volunteers to launch the first Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure®.

Remembering CJ Taylor, Komen Puget Sound Founder

Under her leadership, the Race for the Cure grew from an event which raised $65,000 in its first year to one of the city’s top cause-related walks, raising more than $1.3 million a short six y

ears later.  Due to CJ’s acumen, the Komen Puget Sound Affiliate soon ranked among the top seven Komen Affiliates out of 119 nationally, and the Komen Puget Sound Affiliate was awarded the Affiliate of the Year.

Among a long list of accomplishments, CJ advocated for increased state funding for the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program and secured $1 million per year to increase enrollment for uninsured women to receive breast cancer screening. Due to CJ’s advocacy, influence and determination, thousands of underserved women have received breast cancer screening, saving the lives of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends residing in Western Washington

CJ Taylor had the gift of vision, the wisdom to strategize, and the extraordinary ability to garner support and participation from government to community.  She

created a legacy for the Komen Puget Sound Affiliate to which we aspire to continue her work in breast cancer advocacy, services, patient support and ultimately – the cure.  She was a true example of the power one person has to change lives.

We hold her family in our thoughts and prayers and dedicate ourselves to fulfilling her vision to eliminate breast cancer disparities and ensure all women have access to breast health care.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Shaw,
Executive Director
Komen Puget Sound

GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO THE NEW FACES FOR THE USA ROMPS!

Stephanie at the 2010 Washington Romp

Stephanie Yankeh, National Coordinator
Stephanie worked with Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for quite a few years and had various roles that included extensive experience with Race for the Cure coordination, email communications, and back-end registration development. She’s an avid snowshoer, involved with the Young Survivor Coalition, and passionate about the breast cancer cause. If you attended the Washington Romp last year, you might have seen her tromping around with her team, Seattle Snow Weasels–all in pink tu tu’s!

Carna during her bid for the summit of Mt Rainier

Carna Lapping, Northwest Regional Coordinator
Before starting her own event management company (Very Important Events), Carna worked for the American Lung Association of Washington and executed their signature fundraising events—the Climb for Clean Air and Tri Trek Island (cycling event). We’re excited to have Carna’s eye for detail and excellent event management skills on the Romp team. In addition to heading up the Washington and Oregon Romp events, Carna will also be taking the reigns a new top-secret Romp event, whose location has yet to be revealed!

Kim holds up a prize at the 2011 Utah Romp

Kim Wageck, Central Regional Coordinator
Kim first got involved with the Romp because she wanted to give her family an opportunity to give back. Six years, later she’s taking on a new role and will be heading up the Utah Romp event along with another top-secret new Romp event whose location has yet to be revealed! She’s organized, detail-oriented and abundantly talented and we’re excited to have her aboard in a bigger leadership role.

Heidi & Jenn at the 2011 Vermont Romp

Jenn Lyons & Heidi Wiley, East Regional Coordinators
The ladies in this Dynamic Duo have been friends for years and bring a wealth of energy and experience to the New Jersey and Vermont Romp events. They’ve made an annual tradition out of the Vermont Romp and are excited to step into a leadership role. You might recognize them as the arm-in-arm angels on our Facebook page!

RETURNING FOR ANOTHER GREAT SERIES…..

Joan (middle) joins with other breast cancer survivors at the 2011 Colorado Romp

Colorado Chairperson: Joan Davids
In 2003, Joan helped to put up posters for the first-ever Romp to Stomp Colorado! The next year, we were lucky to have her step into a leadership role and since then she’s grown the Romp Colorado into the largest snowshoe event in North America! When she’s not working hard on the Romp, you can find Joan clipped into skis bindings or bike pedals!

Get out and Romp in 2012!

And YOU!
The Romp wouldn’t be the success that it is without our amazing participants, donors, and especially, our volunteers! We hope you’ll join us at our Romp 2012 events. Dates and locations will be announced soon. For those interested in volunteering, our new regional coordinators will all be recruiting folks to be a part of new Volunteer Committee’s that are forming for 2012 and we’re always in need to passionate volunteers to help us out on event day. Keep an eye out in the coming months for more information.

I believe that 2012 might just be our best Romp year yet and I’m excited to continue to lead the Romp Series as it grows, gets more people outside snowshoeing, and helps to stomp out breast cancer in years to come!

See you at the Romp!

Wendy Miller
National Event Manager

Gluten used to be a word found only in the vocabularies of food scientists and registered dietitians. But today a friendly conversation over lunch with your co-workers may turn to the topic of gluten in food.  Supermarkets are devoting sections of the store to gluten free foods and the options available for those following a gluten free diet have grown exponentially over the last ten years. You may be wondering, “What is gluten anyway and why should I care if it is in my food?” Read on.

Gluten is a protein found in grains. If you have ever stretched pizza dough or kneaded bread, you have seen gluten at work. It is the component that makes the uncooked versions of these foods fabulously stretchy.  Gluten is found in many healthy grains. Wheat, barley, and rye are most commonly recognized for having gluten, and derivatives of these grains – like spelt, couscous, durum wheat, and triticale – also have the troublesome-to-some protein. Foods made from these grains – like pasta, bread, cereal, crackers, and even beer —  can also be expected to have gluten. For a more complete list of foods that contain gluten, check here  www.csaceliacs.org/index.php

Gluten isn’t unhealthy, but for those that must avoid it, it is no joke. Unlike trans fats or large amounts of sodium, it isn’t necessary to avoid or limit gluten unless you are part of the one percent of the population that is burdened by celiac disease, an autoimmune gluten intolerance. The only known solution for people with celiac diseas is a strict avoidance of gluten. You may also choose to avoid gluten if you are one of the increasing numbers of people with gluten sensitivity. Over the past few years it has been discovered that people can have symptoms of gluten sensitivity without having celiac disease…. read complete article

Or check out more nutrition articles!

Kristen started as an intern for the 2009 event and as the Romp grew, we were excited to have her role grow with us! Many of you interacted with her through participant questions and volunteer coordination and know first-hand how organized, patient, and articulate she is.

I asked Kristen about how many participants she emailed with over the course of last year’s event and she estimated more than 1,000! She had never-ending energy that made the Romp events a true success.

If you interacted with her this last season, feel free to comment on this post (or the Facebook link) with some encouragement or a big thank you for all her hard work!

Think you might have what it takes to fill Kristen’s shoes? The Romp keeps growing and we’re hiring contract support staff to make sure our 2012 events (and 10th Anniversary!) are the best yet! Click here for open positions.

Thanks for a great Romp Season Kristen! We wish you the best

Kristen (right) leads the Columbia Portland Priority Check In

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Kristen (far right) on our last day in Vermont--bidding farewell to the Bromley View Inn

Kristen gets in a bit of snowboarding after the Romp. Note the signature green pants!

To support the growth of the Romp to Stomp, we’re looking for energetic, detail-oriented, creative individuals to help deliver an exceptional 2012 Romp event series. Our available contract roles offer a unique opportunity to balance experience in event management, outdoor recreation and products, and cause-marketing—all while supporting a great cause and inspiring people in their outdoor adventures.

Working for the Romp to Stomp is extremely rewarding. Snowshoeing is a fun and inspirational wintertime sport for all ability levels. The Romp offers the perfect way to explore the outdoors through snowshoeing while supporting a great cause. Through engaging with those directly affected by this disease in a beautiful mountain setting, staff members truly see how exciting snowshoeing is and how tough breast cancer fighters are. The support and dedication from our staff members definitely does not go unnoticed by our participants, sponsors, and donors. We work hard to develop and execute the Romp series and bring awareness to the sport of snowshoeing. Through this hard work we experience a sense of accomplishment in our daily endeavors all the while helping to raise millions for Susan G. Komen®.

Interested in joining the team? Available contract positions listed on the Romp to Stomp Website.

Colorado Romp awards ceremony

Results have been calculated and finalized for the 2011 Romp to Stomp, and we are absolutely amazed with the accomplishments this year!  With participation and fundraising totals reaching heights never seen before by the Romp, we first want to thank all of our amazing participants, donors, and sponsors. With all of your support, the Romp is making a great impact on stomping out breast cancer.

Because of the growth in participation this year, 3 out of 7 events sold out! (Of course, we are working hard on changes to accommodate the increases in participation for next year). Also, thanks to Mother Nature, Rompers couldn’t have asked for better snow. It was plentiful and fluffy across the entire 2011 series! Our results are as follows:

2011 Series-Wide Results

6,823 Total Participants

$450,759 Total raised for breast cancer

Series History

$1.78 MILLION raised since 2003

29,797 Total Participants

To see results by event location, click here.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of the Tubbs Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series® in 2011. We appreciate your hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing you again in the 2012 season!

Check out what is still available through the Romp Store Online. All Romp merchandise is discounted!! Whether you need a new pink stainless steel water bottle or a Romp to Stomp scarf, send in your order before it is too late!

Also, if you missed out on upgrading your registration or purchasing a tech shirt at the event, you can still order one online. Hurry!! As the Romp Store closes for the Season on March 31^st at midnight!

-Snowshoeing is calorie-burning and a great cardiovascular activity. Because you must lift your legs high and your body is working to stay warm, you actually burn more calories than running. It’s great for the heart and body!

-Experience the fresh, crisp, and clean mountain air. Good for the lungs!

-Beat the doldrums of the winter just by getting outside. Good for mentality!

-Taking the time to get out and snowshoe with friends or family (or even you dog) can be healthy both socially and emotionally!

-Snowshoeing is a low-impact exercise. Snow helps to absorb bumps and shocks, and thus is great for knee and ankle joints!

Remember these helpful tips:

-Dress in layers! It is warmer this time of year, even though it may not feel like it early in the morning. You will want to remove layers as the day goes on and the trail gets steeper.

-Bring extra water! Again, it is warmer this time of year, so you may sweat more. Bring enough water to replenish and hydrate.

-Look out for patchy areas. There could be some areas on the trail that are not snow-covered and you could easily lose your footing if not careful. Also, there could be some areas that give-way easily under the weight of your step, so be cautious if stepping over rocks, logs, under trees, near streams, etc.

–Romp Team

When getting your driver’s license or talking to a friend, a little white lie about your weight is no big deal. When purchasing a pair of snowshoes however, honesty is the golden rule. Snowshoes are built and designed to provide flotation and traction when walking on snow or ice. The length and width of the snowshoe and its proportion to your body weight will determine the level of performance. Don’t forget to consider how much gear you plan to carry along with you. Add that to your current body weight and choose a snowshoe that fits accordingly. If you are right at the cusp of sizes, you have a few options. A smaller snowshoe will offer greater maneuverability while a larger one will help you float higher and above deep snow.

Not sure what style of snowshoe is best for you?

Recreational/Trekking Snowshoes:
If you are a beginner, recreational snowshoes are generally the way to go. Ideal for gentle to moderate terrain, this type of snowshoe offers a forgiving shape. Recreational snowshoes are favorable for hiking on groomed trails and have a less aggressive crampon.

Backcountry Snowshoes:
Backcountry snowshoes are designed for more advanced terrain and more extreme conditions. Made from lightweight and extremely durable frame and decking materials, these snowshoes are designed to be effective in anything from deep powder to steep icy slopes. Typically equipped with easy to adjust bindings, backcountry snowshoes often come with a “heel lift bar” that can be clipped in the “up” position when traveling up a long steep incline to reduce calf fatigue. More aggressive and durable crampon designs and materials provide stable traction on the most treacherous terrain. These snowshoes know no bounds when it comes to hardcore backcountry terrain.

Women Specific Snowshoes:
Many women wonder if they HAVE to get snowshoes that are specifically designed for them. The answer is no, but female specific snowshoes have additional features that many women find helpful. Women and men differ in their body shape and in their stride. Women tend to have a narrower stride, and find that the men’s snowshoes annoyingly clank together mid-step. Made with a more tapered cut, female specific snowshoes are usually narrower and have slightly different bindings to accommodate a womanly stride.

Race Snowshoes:
Race snowshoes fall in a class all their own. Usually ultra light, these snowshoes have a tapered tail to accommodate speed and agility in the snow. When aiming for speed and maneuverability on a trail or in a race, you’ll likely find less of a need for floatability making race snowshoes your best option.

Some accessories you might find handy!

Poles:
Poles are the number one snowshoe accessory, and for good reason. Not only are they helpful on the ascent, but they provide stability and balance when descending as well as when walking on flat ground. Using poles also helps you get a full-body workout; it’s like having 4-wheel-drive. Many poles come with removable baskets, so you can use a powder basket in the winter and a trekking basket in the summer to get year-round use out of your new poles.

Footwear:
No one wants to be three miles out and feel their toes start to get wet, whether from leakage or sweaty feet. Recreational snowshoers who hike primarily on groomed trails can wear just about any type of shoe that is appropriate for the temperature. Snowshoe bindings are made to accommodate anything from a tennis shoe to a snowboard boot. Snowshoers who prefer to get off the groomed trail and blaze their own will benefit from a good pair of waterproof and breathable shoes or boots. Synthetic socks that are quick-drying and breathable will help your feet stay dry during long strenuous hikes. A pair of gaiters is an essential component of any snowshoe system. Gaiters keep the snow out of your shoes and/or boots and also keep the bottom of your pants dry and protected from getting snagged on branches.

Layers:
When traveling outside in the winter, it’s better to be a little on the warm side than to be cold. Be sure to pack enough layers to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the entire day. Heat and moisture management are important parts of staying warm, dry, and comfortable. In the mountains we have a saying, “cotton kills.” This comes from the fact that cotton does not dry quickly nor does it retain insulation properties when it becomes wet. A waterproof and breathable shell combined with synthetic quick-dry and breathable clothing will allow heat and moisture to transfer away from your body through your clothing and jacket to the outside where it can evaporate. Hats and gloves are also very important, as 90% of your body heat escapes through your head. A good layering system allows you to add or remove clothing so that you remain at a comfortable temperature despite changing weather conditions.

Some friendly reminders:

• Be prepared. Know where you are going and take what you need.
• Practice “Leave No Trace” travel principles. Take only pictures and leave only footprints (big ones).
• Stay away from thin ice. Do not walk over any bodies of water unless you are 110% certain it will hold your weight.
• Keep in mind that there are things below the snow that you can’t see. Hidden hazards like barbed wire can cause a serious accident.
• If you head off trail, be sure you know where you are, and your fastest way back. Avalanches are real hazards when traveling in the backcountry. Seek out professional training; carry and know how to use avalanche response equipment if you will be traveling in avalanche terrain. Finally, never travel in avalanche terrain alone.
• Tell someone where you are going, who you will be with, and when you plan to return. Having a buddy that is not on the trail with you can be an invaluable resource if you get lost or have an accident.

What to see where each event stacks up so far? Check out the latest results*

Great job everyone! Thanks for your efforts fundraising and getting excited about the Romp. We’ve still got a way to go to meet our overall go, so be sure to logon to your Participant Center** (click here for Canada)–your personal online fundraising headquarters or check out the Romp’s fundraising tools.

Although fundraising isn’t required to participate in the Romp, we try to encourage everyone to try and raise at least $100. If everyone met that goal, we’d NEARLY DOUBLE our overall fundraising goal! All you have to do is find 10 people to donate $10 and you’re good to go!

*As of 5pm Jan 9, 2011; USA Results Only