Aug

Go Gold! Week Four Results

Participants have completed a month of the Go Gold Physical Activity challenge. We continue to be inspired by our colleagues, including this week’s spotlight participants: Shelby Amspacher and Marty Arthur.

Top Teams

1. Golden Girls (& A Guy): 143
2. STRI sweat storm: 140.6
3. The Smithereens: 140
4. the tEEm: 134.6
5. OIG Frosh/Soph: 132.4
6. Sarahto:ken/Sore Heels: 131.2
7. Tag It Out Get Paid: 129.5
8. Allez-y!: 114.8
9. The Sole Champions: 111
10. Toucan Trekkers: 110.6

Top Individuals

1. Ed Dequina (SE): 1,525,030
2. Raul De Leon (STRI): 1,189,864
3. Jim DiLoreto (NMNH): 984,161
4. James “Jay” G. Harrison III (NMAI): 899,789
5. Anabell J. Cornejo (STRI): 859,860
6. Taylor Jacovich (SAO): 799,402
7. Anna Rimel (AAA): 759,120
8. James Babcock (SE): 745,395
9. Kathy Sklar (NMAH): 741,387
10. Jaime Velasco (STRI): 733,908

Spotlight: Shelby Amspacher
National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Shelly mugs for the camera while sipping a drink and holding a bag from Call Your Mother deli.

Shelby Amspacher, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

My fitness journey has always been part of my life as I grew up with a marathon runner mom and a soccer star dad, who’s still playing in his 60s. Growing up I played sports and even went on to play field hockey in college and abroad. Two years ago, when training for my last Ultra Marathon, I faced a pretty major health issue which caused me to undergo surgery or give up my active lifestyle.

It took me about nine months after surgery and learning to walk again to even start running. Even now I still have good days and bad days where walking can be uncomfortable. It hasn’t stopped me from getting back into lifting, running, and biking. Since surgery, I’ve learned that being active plays a big part in my work-life balance and sets me up for a successful day at work.

I recently got back into distance running and completed the National Women’s Half Marathon in DC this last Spring which was my longest distance since surgery. I am currently working on my next Half Marathon which will be in September at Shenandoah National Park.

Spotlight: Marty Arthur
Office of Safety, Health, and Environmental Management

Marty Arthur riding a bike along a disused railway trestle

Marty Arthur, Office of Safety. Health, and Environmental Management

I began my fitness journey when I turned 40. I started by walking and jogging. This led to running the Cherry Blossom 10-miler and a few Disney marathons. I also took up biking to and from work which led to two 300-mile bicycle rides from Pittsburgh, PA, to Washington, DC, along the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal tow path.

Turning 60 a few years back, I noticed a slow and progressive weight gain; therefore, I added strength training and golf to my mix. I now exercise daily. I also enjoy the outdoors—having summited Mt. Katahdin twice and kayaked/canoed/rafted the Youghiogheny River a few of times—fun stuff!

I use two things to stay motivated on my fitness journey. First, I always have an activity out there that I am training for that keeps me focused on an external goal to keep exercising whether running, biking or paddling. Second, I use the Smithsonian’s Health Risk Appraisal program, paying particular attention to my InBody 570, to fine tune my exercise efforts to my body’s needs—a little weight loss here and little muscle gain there.

My advice is stay consistent with your routine over time (it really pays off), work towards a goal to stay motivated, and take advantage of the wellness opportunities the Smithsonian has to keep on track.

Week one results

Week two results

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.