THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 24, 1996 TAG: 9601230099
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Christina Coleman's a woman on the run. Literally. An average jaunt for this fitness buff is ``nothing less than eight miles.'' On weekends, when she can really enjoy a ``fun run'' with a friend, it's more likely to be 14 miles or so. A waitress at Captain George's, she's run a couple of marathons and some half marathons, but mostly her running is for exercise, to build up strength. It helps her keep in shape for one of her other loves - aerobics.
She's taught aerobics for years and gained a reputation as something of a ``drill instructor'' class leader. ``I am a maniac aerobics instructor,'' she admits.
She's been lifting weights on and off and most recently has gotten into body building. She took third in her first competition - the Old Dominion Classic - in October. She plans to enter at least one more. ``To redeem myself,'' she says. At the last one, ``I was so nervous. I didn't have the attitude I needed.
``I'm going to enter another one and do better,'' she promises.
Full name: Christina M. Coleman.
Hometown: Born in Tidewater. Virginia Beach - the only place to live.
What brought you to the Beach? Father was Navy officer.
Birthdate: May 31, 1956.
Nickname: Munch/Dynamite.
Occupation: Waitress at Captain George's for 10 years (love the staff) and aerobic instructor.
Marital status: Married 19 years (what an achievement).
Children: One. Clark Ryan Coleman, 14.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Running, lifting, sunning and visiting with friends, topped off with a walk on the beach with my family.
Last smart thing you did: Joined Olympian Gym to train for body building contests and joined the aerobic team at Ocean Fitness.
Last dumb thing you did: While running, I stopped at Red Wing Park to use the rest room. Before I realized . . . it was the men's room. I thought it looked funny.
Favorite meal: Marinated shish kabob over rice, salad and key lime pie.
Favorite movies: ``Heart and Soul'' and ``Ghost.''
Favorite song: ``Shook Me All Night Long'' by AC/DC.
Last book read: I don't sit still long enough to read.
Hobbies: Body building, running, aerobics.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? The endless need and greed for the perfect aerobic tape!
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? That he wouldn't steal my socks.
Secret vice: Goodies galore - every shape, flavor and must be fattening.
Favorite restaurant: Grate Steak.
Your favorite night on the town: Friday night - date night with my husband.
Favorite TV shows: ``Wings.''
Favorite sport: Body building.
Last vacation: Mmm, can't seem to remember. Must need one.
Pets: Dog named Brownie, a Doberman mix from the SPCA who doesn't know she's a D-O-G and two parakeets, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins.
Worst job: Cleaning house - someone else's. Yuck.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Completing the diet and regimentation needed to compete in a body building contest.
What would you like as your epitaph? She tried to see the best in everyone. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINGSWORTH
by CNB