Bernard Lyles is the founder and director of Tri-Masters Chicago and is better known in the sporting community as the ambassador of the sport of triathlons. He has been instrumental in inspiring hundreds of African Americans to compete in triathlons over the last three decades.

Bernard founded Tri-Masters Chicago in 1990 and began a program to train youth in fitness through triathlons in 1992 dubbed the Tri-Masters Sports Initiative training over 2800 youths at the time of this interview. He also had a hand in the foundation of Team Dream in 1987 aimed at training women of color in triathlons.

Today we look at the ambassador’s journey in triathlons, through his coaching career and what legacy he hopes to leave behind. We dive into the triumphs of seeing his students thrive and the challenges of getting funding for his organization.

• A brief overview of Bernard’s illustrious career.
• Losing his job, and using running as a coping mechanism for the resulting depression.
• The first marathon and reminiscing on the marathons of the 80’s and 90’s.
• Running 40 marathons, some of the most memorable.
• From marathons to triathlons and getting leptospirosis.
• Starting Tri-Masters Chicago and some success stories.
• Obstacles keeping the black community from Triathlons
• The challenge of funding the Tri-Masters program.
• What legacy does Bernard want to leave behind.

 Guest Bio

Program Founder and Executive Director, Tri-Masters Chicago Bernard Lyles is known internationally as an ambassador of the sport of Triathlon. Bernard has been instrumental in hundreds of African Americans taking up the sport of Triathlon.

His passion for the sport of Triathlon and his interest in teaching the sport to African-American youth athletes led him to found Tri-Masters Chicago in 1990 and Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Programs a youth program focused on promoting fitness through Triathlon training in 1992. Now into year #31 (2022) Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Programs have trained over 2800 youth in physical fitness and competition of the sport of Triathlon.

In 1998 Bernard co-founded Team Dream, an adult organization that introduces women of color to the sport of Triathlon. The most recent initiative developed and coached by Bernard is a learn to swim in open water group named “Seals Team”. Created in 2020 to keep team members active during the Covid-19 pandemic Seals Team members learn the fundamentals of open water swimming, safety and advanced training needed to compete in open water competitions including Triathlons.

Bernard has years of experience in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer working for establishments such as Hyde Park Athletic Club, Bally Total Fitness and L A Fitness. Bernard also served as the Intramural and Recreation Coordinator for Chicago State University.

His formal education background includes an Associate in Applied Sciences Degree in Automotive Technology from Kennedy King College, and Bachelor of Arts in Health Physical Education & Recreation from Chicago State University.

As a First Choice Fitness Leader (an at-risk youth fitness intervention training program sponsored by the Chicago Department of Public Health) Bernard is an active member of the community volunteering numerous hours with youth organizations throughout the city for over three decades. These organizations include Chicago Public Schools, Inner Visions Youth Mentoring Program, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and the Chicago South Swim Club.

Bernard is also associated with several professional associations and teams.

• USA Triathlon Association.
• US Lifeguard Association.
• Professional Association of Diving Instructors. (PADI).
• Major Taylor Cycle Club Chicago.
• Men Run Deez Streets / Running Chicago

Bernard Lyles' sports and recreation accomplishments include:

• First Amateur to appear on the cover of American TRI – a worldwide publication in 2002.
• Competing in and completing over 200 Triathlons from sprint distance to the Ironman.
• An accomplished Triathlete and Marathon runner Bernard Lyles was invited to and competed in Triathlon's premiere event consisting of a 2.4- mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run, the IronMan World.
• Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 3, 1998. (15:01:42) IronMan Wisconsin 2002 (14:36:26).
• Completing 40 Marathons, including 9 Boston Marathons: Personal Record is 2:54:21(Chicago 1985).

• Power Bar Elite Team Member in 1997.
• 1998-2000 Saucony Sports Team Member.
•  Invitation and participation in the 1995 Dave Scott Triathlon TrainingClinic, Vail Colorado.
• USA Triathlon Certified Race Director 2009.
• President of the Rainbow Road Runners Club 1984 – 1993.
•  Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor.
•  PADI Certified Rescue Diver.

• 2016 President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Community Leadership Award
• Person of the Year in 1993- Windy City Sports Magazine
• The Jamaican Consulate’s Leadership Award for Commitment to Excellence (promoting youth sports in Jamaica)
• Chicago Marathon 2016 “Pat Rhodes Award” for Volunteer Excellence
• 2001 International Olympic Committee Diploma (for remarkable contribution, as a Volunteer, to the development of sport and Olympics and to the promotion of friendship and solidarity among people).
• Numerous Features on TV, magazine, books, social and newspaper media
• Numerous Peer Awards, Running Club, Cycling Club and Community -Awards

Catch Bernard on his website.

Donate to the Tri-Masters Sports Initiative.

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I was heartbroken to learn that my friend and fellow triathlete, Darrell Freeman Sr. had passed on the evening of June 28 2022. This episode was very difficult for me to record. I only ever met him twice but we kept in touch on social media. I wanted to connect him with my nephew who has aspirations of becoming a pilot. I also wanted to interview him for the podcast. We never could schedule a time. Darrell was the first person in his family to graduate from college and through hard work and determination  he became a self-made millionaire, a pilot, and a two-term chair of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and so much more.

After achieving a GPA of 1.234, he transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and ultimately graduated with a master’s degree. Armed with his $2,000, and his wife’s credit card, he built an IT business from an office the size of a closet and the company grew to 38 million in revenues.  Darrell eventually sold his company for twenty million dollars. He has invested and mentored in many other businesses and hosted an airborne YouTube series of interviews Cockpit Conversations.

In triathlons, I knew him as a member of the Tennessee crew so called because they always travel as a pack. He has completed 10 full Ironman races and used sports as an analogy to life. He believed that business is about perseverance just as it is with completing an Ironman races. 

 After achieving a GPA of 1.234, he transferred to Middle Tennessee State University and ultimately graduated with a master’s degree. Armed with his $2,000, and his wife’s credit card, he built an IT business from an office the size of a closet and the company grew to 38 million in revenues.  Darrell eventually sold his company for twenty million dollars. He has invested and mentored in many other businesses and hosted an airborne YouTube series of interviews Cockpit Conversations.

In triathlons, I knew him as a member of the Tennessee crew so called because they always travel as a pack. He has completed 10 full Ironman races and used sports as an analogy to life. He believed that business is about perseverance just as it is with completing  Ironman 140.6 races. 

Episode Highlights:  

• First meeting Darrell at Ironman Chattanooga.
• Second Meeting at  Ironman Louisville with the Tennessee crew
• Keeping up with Darrell on social media
• A look at Darrell, the man and how he came to be.
• Some wise words from Darrell himself.
• Farewell Darrell, we miss you and you will live on 

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Zsa Zsa Porter is an exceptional friend, an avid runner, member of Black Girls Run,  vegan restaurant owner, Iron Man Triathlete, military wife, mom of three. Her mission is to encourage women, young girls to dream big, her story reminds us that anything is possible.

Zsa-Zsa has made it her life’s work to impact her community which has led her from the financial services industry to opening the Exposed Vegan Restaurant. Through the restaurant she has created some of the best plant-based cuisines proving that a vegan diet can, not only be very delicious, but also fuel the highest fitness performance levels.

We discuss in-depth her journey from her youth, injuries, through struggles with weight gain and  overcoming her fears and self-doubt into life  as a runner, triathlete and so much more. 

I would like to dedicate this episode to Zsa Zsa's mother  Kim Williams who passed away since the recording of this episode. 

Episode Highlights:      

• How ZsaZsa got her name and the fearless mentality behind it.
• Zsa Zsa  school days and becoming a swimmer.
• A major injury during a  bicycle crash and lessons learnt from the experience.
• How Zsa started  running 
• Her 1st major race Zsa-Zsa with her husband 
• How Team Porter inspires each other aFull distance iron-man.
• The challenges and the thrills of Triathlons
• The reason behind opening her vegan restaurant 

Guest Bio:

Zsa Zsa Porter went from someone held

down by personal insecurities and weight gain to becoming an avid runner,

triathlete, and restaurateur. Zsa Zsa is on a mission to encourage women and young girls to dream big and reach for the stars.

Zsa Zsa’s story reminds us that Anything is Possible. She is always willing to share her failures and lessons learned. It’s this burning desire to positively impact her community which led her to open Exposed Vegan Restaurant. As a restaurateur, Zsa Zsa created a West Charlotte hotspot, serving fresh and nourishing plant-based cuisine. From smoothies, to bowls loaded with sweet potatoes, and even cookies she’s exposing how delicious vegan food can be when done correctly.

Her goal is to show how a well-planned vegan diet can fuel the highest performance fitness levels, while reducing risks of injury and chronic diseases.

Zsa-Zsa leverages her unique experiences as an African American female entrepreneur, restaurant owner, digital executive, and Ironman triathlete to motivate and activate her community. She is also a proud military spouse and mother of 3 children, she truly understands the importance of balancing family and life.

Connect with Zsa-Zsa Porter

Read Zsa Zsa’s  inspiring book Running For My Life

Visit her restaurant or preorder your meal at  Exposed Vegan

Follow Zsa Zsa on Instagram

Catch her on Facebook

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Sabrina Slocum has been active in sports since high school. She ran hurdles, ran 100m, played basketball and even participated in bodybuilding.   Sabrina has an  MBA, she is a marathoner, an ultra-marathoner, a triathlete. She unfortunately sustained an ankle fracture and had to work her way back. She is now back to running, biking, and swimming. The road  was not easy

Sabrina is also a podcast host, she's the co-host of Sole Sistas On The Run. This podcast is based on live conversations that she's had while running. The ultimate goal is to encourage uplift, inspire, and bring awareness to  issues that many face and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. 

We discuss in-depth her journey as an athlete, her approach to nutrition and fitness, among many other things.

Episode Highlights:  

• How Sabrina started running and her journey with Black Girls Run.

• Jump back in history to her high-school days.
• Her experience in bodybuilding.
• Her preparation for her first  marathon.
• We discuss Sabrina’s greatest weakness in regards to multi-sports
• Sabrina’s bucket list.
• Sustaining an ankle injury and the challenge of living with a temporary disability.
• Starting her own podcast and some words of advice.

Guest Bio:

Sabrina Slocum began her fitness journey in 2012 when she began running with Black Girls run. She was active in track and basketball while in high school, however, she also participated in two body-building competitions in her early thirties. It did not take long for Sabrina to progress in her running. She started running in 2012 and progressed to her first marathon in 2012. She has completed seven marathons, several half-marathons, 10k’s, 5k’s. She started her multi-sport journey in 2015. She has completed several sprints, Olympics and two 70.3 triathlons.

She is a fellow HBCU graduate, graduating from Tuskegee University with a B.S in Marketing. She also my Soror, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated. She has an MBA and worked for over 20 years in the mortgage industry. She changed careers and has served twelve years in higher education currently in the role as an Academic Advisor.

She is also a Podcast Co-Host of : Sole Sistas On the Run. ​​This podcast is based on live conversations she has while running. The ultimate goal is to encourage, uplift, inspire, and bring awareness to the issues that many face and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Connect with Sabrina

Catch Sabrina’s inspiring podcast

Connect with Sabrina on Instagram

Connect with Sabrina on Facebook

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Ronnie Fields Jr. is one of the younger athletes that you will find in a typical triathlon  race. A star athlete in his school days, Ronnie found himself becoming a couch potato after leaving college and was inspired to start  racing triathlons after  watching the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Having played football, basketball, baseball, ran track, and was on the swim team, in school, Ronnie figured that the triathlons couldn’t be too hard and signed up without really training.. The challenge of placing dead last in his category inspired him to train and we join  him on his journey to one day finish first in his age group.

Episode Highlights:  

•  Who is Ronnie Fields Jr.
•  Ronnie’s early life
• How Ironman World Championship inspired Ronnie to make a change
•  How he started his triathlon journey
• Trial and error and how he is learning to become a better athlete  
• Ronnie’s goals for his upcoming races

Guest Bio:

Ronnie Fields Jr. is from Haynesville, Louisiana, but currently is  living in Nashville Tennessee. Throughout his childhood and high school, he was very active in sports (football, basketball, baseball, track, summer swim team). HIs team actually won State in football his senior year

Ronnie graduated high school in 2010, and attended Louisiana Tech University; majoring in Construction Engineering Technology. He still had the urge to play sports so he ended up walking on the football team. He graduated with a degree in construction engineering technology in May, 2014

After college, he began working for a company that builds manufacturing plants all over the United States. Once Ronnie entered the real world, he wasn’t working out like he had done his entire life and ended up gaining weight. One day in 2015, he was sitting on his couch watching TV, and the Ironman World Championships came on. He thought to himself, “I can do that”. So, he bought a cheap bike from Walmart and entered his first sprint triathlon without doing any training. He had no idea it would be so hard. He  loved it because it challenged him.

This was a way that he could continue to compete in sports like he had done his entire life.

After that race, his job relocated him a couple times which made training a little bit difficult, so he wasn’t able to do any races  the year of 2016.

2017 was the year Ronnie became dedicated to triathlon. He bought a road bike, and even ended up qualifying for Nationals somehow. Nationals had to be one of the worst races of his career. It was his first Olympic distance and he barely made it through the swim. Ronnie completed the race but finished dead last of all the finishers in his age group. But this was motivation for him to get better. The ultimate goal for him is to one day win his  age group at Nationals!!

Since then, he has competed in countless sprints and Olympic distance triathlons; along with one 70.3, and one Full Distance Ironman.

Ronnie does this sport for the following reasons:

-It keeps him active and healthy.

-It gives him something to look forward to.

-His family has terrible health histories (cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, etc) He’s trying to break that chain.

-He loves competing.

Did you enjoy today’s episode?

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As an avid runner for over 20 year Uche has tons of stories to inspire you to start running. After you hear this episode you will begin to learn how I became a marathon addict, it is more than just running. Uche speaks to the fact that marathons expose you to confront your limits and what you're capable of. Setting your next goal progresses you, inspires you and humbles you at the same time. Even more so when you start running with friends!

Episode Highlights: 

• How Uche started running marathons
• Marathons keeps you on your toes and has you constantly setting your next goal
• How running alongside a bunch of friends gets and keeps you motivated
• Understanding the beauty of a marathon
• How marathons can give you access to seeing different sites and gives you a reason to explore the world on foot. 
• Uche’s advice for first time runners

Guest Bio:

Uche Anusionw who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a corporate banker, and a real estate investor. He has been an avid runner for over 20 years. In that time, he has run several marathons, half marathons, ten milers, 10ks, and 5ks. He was the leader of Team United Nations, my first  run club, and is now a co-leader for the Winfield track club in Philadelphia. In both instances, he marshaled and continues to marshal runners of all abilities to get out of bed, at ungodly hours in the morning. He is the ultimate run ambassador, and if it wasn’t for him I may never have become addicted to running. 

Did you enjoy today’s episode?

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As an avid runner for over 20 year Uche has tons of stories to inspire you to start running. After you hear this episode you will begin to learn how I became a marathon addict, it is more than just running. Uche speaks to the fact that marathons expose you to confront your limits and what you're capable of. Setting your next goal progresses you, inspires you and humbles you at the same time. Even more so when you start running with friends!

Episode Highlights: 

• How Uche started running marathons
• Marathons keeps you on your toes and has you constantly setting your next goal
• How running alongside a bunch of friends gets and keeps you motivated
• Understanding the beauty of a marathon
• How marathons can give you access to seeing different sites and gives you a reason to explore the world on foot. 
• Uche’s advice for first time runners

Guest Bio:

Uche Anusionw who lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a corporate banker, and a real estate investor. He has been an avid runner for over 20 years. In that time, he has run several marathons, half marathons, ten milers, 10ks, and 5ks. He was the leader of Team United Nations, my first  run club, and is now a co-leader for the Winfield track club in Philadelphia. In both instances, he marshaled and continues to marshal runners of all abilities to get out of bed, at ungodly hours in the morning. He is the ultimate run ambassador, and if it wasn’t for him I may never have become addicted to running. 

Did you enjoy today’s episode?

Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email [email protected].

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Get a copy of the book  Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness 👉🏾 here. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form

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We all fall into running for different reasons. For Chris Tubbs, physical activity in his daily routine was badly needed to turn his life around. He started training in his 40s and it has completely changed his attitude towards life. He says he’s like a ‘joyful volcano’ each time he hits the road. In this episode, Chris shares how he got into running, competing in his first Iron Man, getting a PhD in Biochemistry and why he founded the Houston Childhood Walk for Apraxia of Speech. If you need inspiration for starting over, no matter your age, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: How Chris started running to turn his life around Training for the Olympics triathlon and hiring his first coach Overcoming mental blocks and imposter syndrome as a ‘new’ triathlete Getting his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota Founding the Houston Childhood Walk for Apraxia of Speech. Prostate cancer and the importance of regular screening in men above 40 The link between proper nutrition and performance Guest Bio Chris recently found joy in training for and racing endurance triathlons. He doesn't have a strong background in athletics, and only found the sport when he hit a low point in his life. The training gave him focus and an outlet as he navigated becoming healthy again. He grew up between Chicago and Los Angles, then moved to North Carolina to attend North Carolina Central University, an HBCU. After graduation, he served as a bartender before being accepted into the PhD program North Carolina State University. Although his doctoral road was long and hostile, he was successful in becoming the first African American to earn a PhD in Biochemistry in the history of the university. Being a science nerd at heart, he's had the joy and the fortune to be a part of the discovery and development of new drugs that now cure diseases and address serious unmet medical needs. He's had the honor of founding the annual Houston Childhood Walk for Apraxia of Speech. He started the walk to be a resource that connects families and professionals that are supporting children who have to overcome this rare genetic disorder. He's also an active member of the Houston real estate investment community. Outside of work, the bulk of Chris' time is spent training for triathlons. After a year and a half he completed his first full distance Ironman in November 2020 at IM Florida. A few weeks later he underwent radical prostatectomy as a consequence of a prostate cancer diagnosis that he received one month before the race. Ironman training prepared him well for the difficult road back to racing. Exactly 6-months after his surgery, he ran is 1st race (an Olympic distance) and got a 40 min PR! His physician says that he's recovering way ahead of the game. He'll test himself again at IM Lubbock 703. at the end of June and then focus on preparing for IMFL in November 2021. Did you enjoy today’s episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email [email protected]. To subscribe and review use one links of the links below Apple Spotify Google Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness 👉🏾 here. It is available in hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter

Today is a very special day for a number of reasons. It's my anniversary. One year ago today, I launched “Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy Podcast”. The day is also significant, in that it is the day that my mother passed away with breast cancer, October 27 2008. 

I decided to launch the podcast as a way to celebrate her memory versus being sad. She inspired me to be the woman I am today. So today, I honor the late great Mae Robinson Brown. 

This week’s guest is Reginald Smith. We both started seriously running after a family member passed. For me, it was my mother. For him, It was his oldest brother. Following the death of his brother, he started to love running. 

Over the years he's increased his distance, as well as his overall knowledge of running. Reggie also has a love of black history, and he seeks to represent black stories while running.

If running has helped you overcome personal tribulations, tune in!

 Episode Highlights:

• Why Reginald joined the Navy

• Losing his older brother to gun violence

• How Reggie started running to lose weight and cope with grief

• Why the New York City marathon remains his favorite race so far

• What’s on his running bucket list

• His most significant running injury

• How he represents black stories while running

• Seeking therapy during his divorce and why therapy matters

Guest Bio

Reginald Smith has always been a runner, given that he’s a Navy veteran. After the death of his oldest brother, he gained a significant amount of weight. He discovered his love of running during the time that he was running to get back into Navy weight standards. Over the years, he increased the distance he runs as well as increased his knowledge of running. Moreover, Reginald has a love of Black history and seeks to represent Black stories while running. This lead to the start of a tee shirt design business that has done well. Reginald is the proud father of two daughters and a proud alumni of Florida A&M University.

Connect with Reginald

Follow him on Instagram here

Get your customized sports gear here Instagram

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James Crumlin is a well-known Nashville employment lawyer co-founder of Capitol Steps Workout in Nashville, Ironman Triathlete, and Triathlete Coach.

Encouraged by his mother, and following in his father’s footsteps, James says he wanted to be a lawyer for as long as he can remember.  One of the proudest moments in his life was accepting the National Bar Association's induction of his father into its Hall of Fame.

In this episode, James walks us through how he started his fitness journey. How he went from running a half marathon to completing Iron Man distance triathlons to coaching others to their finish lines. 

You don't want to miss this episode.

Episode Highlights:

• What motivated James to practice law
• How his parents have influenced him
• The proudest moment in his life
• Why he started running
• How the Capitol Steps Workout in Nashville was born
• The toughest competition James has participated in
• James’ advice and why mental toughness is the key to winning in life

Guest Bio:

James legal counsel is regularly sought out by management on issues arising from the employment relationship. His experience includes union and non-union arbitration and all forms of employment discrimination litigation. In addition, he conducts in-house training sessions on compliance with the numerous federal and state laws affecting employers — from the Americans with Disabilities Act to the Fair Labor Standards Act to the Occupational Health

James concentrates his practice in the areas of labor and employment law, business and corporate law, litigation and dispute resolution, and entertainment and media law. As an active member in the Nashville community, James is committed to providing excellent legal representation for his clients.

In the area of entertainment and media law, he represents artists, songwriters, authors, managers, and producers in the production, ownership, marketing, and sale of creative works. He also represents television anchors/reporters in contract negotiations with local and national media outlets.

Awards

• 2016 Justice A. A. Birch Outstanding Service Award
• Mid-South Super Lawyers
• Forty Under 40, Nashville Business Journal, 2011
• Young Leader of the Year, Young Leaders Council, 2010
• Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal, 2009
• 45 Top Leaders Under 45, Tennessee NAACP, 2008
• Nashville Emerging Leader Award for Law, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and 20/20 Leadership Alliance, 2007

James is very active in the Nashville community and a passionate nonprofit supporter. Among the organizations he has been involved with are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, and the Kelly Miller Smith Center Against Abuse Behavior. He is an active member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. James serves as trustee and was instrumental in the Project 2000 committee, which oversaw the construction of the church’s $17 million facilities.

In his spare time, James is a triathlete and runner, having competed in eight Ironman triathlons, five Ironman 70.3 triathlons, three marathons, and 20 half marathons. James also loves to travel. His favorite destinations are Rome, Italy, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, Miami, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands.

Connect with James Crumlin

• Follow James on Instagram
• More about James' work 

Did you enjoy today’s episode?

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