A half-dozen women who have counted on FORMA to aid them with their sports-related medical issues have their eyes set on completing a couple of major races before the end of the year. These women — most ranging in age from 40 to 60 years old — have been cross training under the watchful eye of our own Dr. Bakman (aka Dr. B.) for the past two years.

Their goal is to participate in and finish the 2010 Honolulu Marathon on Dec. 12 on Oahu. But before they make their way out to the Hawaiian archipelago, these determined ladies are first going to try their hands at completing the 2010 Nike Women’s Half-Marathon, which is run (err, walked) on Sunday, Oct. 17, in San Francisco, where everyone who crosses the finish line receives an original Tiffany necklace — delivered by a bona fide San Francisco fireman right at the finish line!

Then, in December, it’s off to Hawaii for a full marathon just before Christmas, an event that these women have been training for consistently for the past 24 months. And if you think running a marathon is a challenge, trying doubling the time by walking those same 26.2 miles. Now that takes endurance!

For our part, we’re humbly supporting this group of amazing women as they prepare to make their participation in both events fun and personally rewarding. For his part, Dr. B. has been out on the road and walking trails training with the group (he’s been helping group members with hip stability exercises, cross training tips, training schedules and more); and as you might suspect, we’re proud of both the strong and inspirational group of women walkers and Dr. B. for his expertise and dedication to ensure everyone is properly training for what many consider an achievement of a lifetime.

If you’d like more information about joining this group or receiving our help in forming a running or walking group of your own, contact Dr. B at FORMA’s physical therapy office in Costa Mesa.