Go Gold! Week Three

Three weeks of the Go Gold Physical Activity Challenge are done, and everyone continues to be impressive! Here are the standings as of the morning of July 29.

Top Teams

1. Golden Girls (& A Guy): 108 points
2. The Smithereens: 104.2 points
3. STRI sweat storm: 104 points
4. the tEEm: 100.2 points
5. OIG Frosh/Soph: 98.8 points
6. Tag It Out Get Paid: 97.25 points
7. Sarahto:ken/Sore Heels: 95.6 points
8. Toucan Trekkers: 84.4 points
9. Legs Misérables: 83.8 points
10. Allez-y!: 82 points

Top Individuals

1. Raul De Leon (STRI): 875,933
2. Jim DiLoreto (NMNH): 740,980
3. Ed Dequina (SE): 725,740
4. Taylor Jacovich (SAO): 627,492
5. Anabell J. Cornejo (STRI): 596,723
6. Anna Rimel (AAA): 583,431
7. James “Jay” G. Harrison III (NMAI): 575,225
8. Jaime Velasco (STRI): 568,734
9. James Babcock (SE): 565,908
10. Kathy Sklar (NMAH): 555,994

Participant Spotlight: James “Jay” G. Harrison III
National Museum of the American Indian

James “Jay” G. Harrison III

James “Jay” Gardner Harrison III, age 64, is a 7th-generation native and resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is a collateral descendant of two American Presidents, William Henry Harrison (9th U.S. President) and his grandson Benjamin Harrison (23rd U.S. President), as well as a descendant of English colonists Harmon Harrison and his cousin, John Rolfe, who arrived at Jamestown (Virginia) in 1608 and 1610 respectively. Rolfe married Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan of Powhatan’s Confederacy, in 1614.

Jay graduated from James Monroe High School (Fredericksburg, Virginia) in 1978 followed by matriculation in 1982 from The College of William & Mary in Virginia (Williamsburg, Virginia) with a B.A. Degree in Anthropology with a Concentration in Historical Archaeology. He has worked for 45 years in various of career fields as an archaeologist, first-person living history interpreter, historian, historic preservationist, museum administrator, non-profit organization executive director, park administrator, and tourism official.

Jay has worked for the Smithsonian Institution for the last 12 years, with 11 of those at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. He is a competitive long-distance runner, having competed in 18 half marathons, 25 marathons (including seven consecutive Boston Marathons) and one ultra marathon. Jay works out daily, and his typical fitness regime consists of a total of 75-80 miles run collectively over the course of each week, as well as strength training in his local gym. Keys to a mindful lifestyle for him are establishing a routine of eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep and listening/not ignoring when the body’s telltale signs call for taking a break or getting sufficient rest. He and his girlfriend are avid hikers and explorers of all things historic.

Participant Spotlight: Jaime Velasquez
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Jaime Velasquez

Jaime provided this inspiring statement:

Back in the day, discipline was a significant challenge and a noticeable weakness for me. However, since I started working out, what once seemed like an insurmountable hurdle has transformed into a source of joy and motivation. I have come to love working out, embracing the physical challenges and the sense of accomplishment it brings.

Alongside my fitness journey, I have adopted healthy eating habits, and prioritized wellness. These activities have not only boosted my physical health, making me stronger and more resilient, but they have also enhanced my mental clarity, focus, and overall happiness. The discipline I have developed through consistent exercise and a balanced diet has spilled over into other areas of my life, significantly impacting my personal and professional growth. This transformation has been a testament to the power of discipline and the profound benefits of a healthy lifestyle

Week one results

Week two results

Please contact Epin Christensen if you have any questions about the Go Gold Challenge at echristensen@oig.si.edu or 202-633-7076.