Go Gold! Week Two

Congratulations to all Go Gold participants on a fantastic second week of this challenge.  Your achievements are impressive and inspiring. Keep up the great work!

Here are the standings as of Monday morning, July 22.

Top Teams

1. (Tie) Golden Girls (& A Guy): 73 points
1. (Tie) STRI Sweat Storm: 73 points
2. The Smithereens: 70 points
3. OIG Frosh/Soph: 68 points
4. Tag It Out Get Paid: 65 points
5. The tEEm: 62 points
6. Sarahto:ken/Sore Heels: 61 points
7. Live Love Laugh: 58 points
8. Toucan Trekkers: 57 points
9. (Tie) Lowered Expectations: 55 points
9. (Tie) Legs Misérables: 55 points

Top Individuals

1. Raul De Leon (STRI): 599,027
2. Ed Dequina (SE): 554,439
3. James “Jay” G. Harrison III (NMAI): 434,195
4. Jim DiLoreto (NMNH): 395,385
5. Jaime Velasco (STRI): 392,657
6. Anabell J. Cornejo (STRI): 391,576
7. Taylor Jacovich (SAO): 386,118
8. Anna Rimel (AAA): 377,796
9. James Babcock (SE): 377,529
10. Kathy Sklar (NMAH): 342,915

Participant Spotlight:
Jim DiLoreto (National Museum of American History)

Jim Di Loreto (Photo © James Hendry)

Join the Challenge: Why I’m Taking It On

I’m already deeply immersed in my fitness journey, working out 5-7 days a week at F45 Training in Edgewood (NE DC). Most mornings start with a 6 am session, followed by a brisk 4-mile bike ride to work, rain or shine—I’ve been car-free and bike-commuting every day for the past 25 years, covering an average of 2500 miles annually.

Favorite Physical Activities

My passion lies in lifting heavy weights. Back in 1997, inspired by a chance encounter with a high school friend who owned a gym in Hollywood, FL, I made a New Year’s resolution to start working out. That gym, the MUSCLE ZONE, became my sanctuary, filled with old friends from elementary school. I immersed myself in bodybuilding and powerlifting, competing locally before relocating to DC in 1999. Finding “MUSCLE BEACH” in Adams Morgan further cemented my dedication to lifting.

Over the years, I’ve explored different disciplines: I ran the Army 10 Miler in 1999 and completed two DC marathons (2002-2003). I ventured into CrossFit for its competitive edge in Olympic-style powerlifting and team events. Following some setbacks, I shifted to a group fitness gym, focusing on preparing for Spartan races, and successfully completed three.

Words of Wisdom for Better Health

My journey underscores the importance of finding joy in fitness. I’ve always tailored my routine to something I love; now, committing to morning workouts at F45 near my home has invigorated my days. My advice: find what you love, make it routine, and watch as physical and mental health thrive in tandem.

Participant Spotlight:
Anabell Cornejo (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute)

Anabell Cornejo

I’m a triathlete since the beginning of this year. I’ve been participating in different local (Panama) activities, and currently training for local and international competitions for the end of the year. I’ve been practicing mountain and road bike; later on I added swimming to my training activities and since the beginning of this year, I’m officially a triathlete.

Besides being active due to the training, it helps me to maintain a balance between my daily life and work, keeping stress away. Any type of exercise makes a big difference to our body and our mind.

Week one

Week three results

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