Motivation: to live longer 

I asked and people are delivering. I asked what motivates you to be active, to follow an active lifestyle and to keep following that way of life. I have received a few responses and once you read this one, I am sure more motivations are certain to be sent in after you read this young lady’s progression.

“What got me to the point I am now is simple. I wanted to live longer, be healthier, and feel a self confidence about myself that I did not have before. June 2006, I decided to make a total body change. I had high blood pressure, BMI [Body Mass Index] of 26, and Body Fat percentage of 30.9%. I did not like the person I saw in the mirror, and wanted to be around to see my son get married and have kids. I really kept the fast food restaurants in business. I started eating healthy and exercising. I started running at the track because I was unsure if I could go a long distance at first, and wanted to test my limits. Last August, was when my husband and I went into your store to fit us with appropriate running shoes. I knew that running was something that I enjoyed, despite having my share of bad days and knew that I must keep going and that I not only would not stop running but could not stop because I was addicted to running.  Needless to say, running has definitely changed my life for the better. I not only went from 158 pounds down to 108 pounds, and went from 30.9% body fat to 13%, I have really met a lot of really nice people who enjoy the same thing as me...RUNNING!!!”

“It has not just been physical changes that I have noticed with exercise, eating right, and running. I have a new outlook on life and feel better about myself. I love to participate in local races, and feel that I have really progressed to do pretty well at most of them.  I have reduced stress, and don't worry about things like I used to. If things start to build up on me, I go out for a run and come back a changed person and feel like I can tackle the world again. My blood pressure is now normal and my current BMI is 20.2.”

“I hope that this will motivate people to start exercising and or running. The toughest part is starting. Once results start to happen, you’re hooked!!!”

This young lady and her family have worked very hard to get to the point they are today. You can read the passion and she should be proud of the great improvements she and her family have made over the last 15 months.

She does not find herself unique, but rather encourages others to be bold to take the first step; to make a difference in their own as well as their family’s health. If she can do it, if I can do it – we are certain you can do it. It will take effort and it will take change, but we know you are strong enough make it happen and change the health of you and your family.

Winnersville Triathlon will be held on 09/08/07 and starts at 7:30 AM. Flyers are available now. The distances include 0.25 mile swim, 14 mile bike and 3.6 mile run. Many are in training for this local Valdosta event; you too can be a part. If you are not comfortable with all three events, there is a relay offered as well. Get your family or friends together and each takes a leg of the event. Keep listening to NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM, to get updates and training suggestions/opportunities. On September 5th , a roundtable of experts in swimming, cycling and running will be the guests and the topic will only be about the triathlon. The show starts at 6PM every Wednesday evening on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA.

Monday, September 10th there will be a Fitness 101 class offered for people interested in finding out how to start or improve their walking or running programs. Class starts at 7PM at Get Active – Running and more store on North Ashley Street – use www.getactivevaldosta.com to get the directions.

Wendy’s and Wild Adventures are teaming up to present the Wendy’s 5K Wild Adventures Run for Adoption to be held at Wild Adventures Theme Park. September 29th needs to be set aside for you and the family to be involved with this event. Applications are now available at the store or we will email you a copy. The first 50 applications received will have a pass to get into the park that day. Go to www.getactivevaldosta.com and request an application and one will be sent quickly. 

The 4th edition of the St John Road Race is being presented on October 27 at 8:30AM. People who have requested an application through email have already started to register. Go to www.getactivevaldosta.com and request your application today.

There are weekly, FREE activities for the runners and cyclists in the area. Runners can show up at Get Active on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7AM for runs from 1.5 to 8 plus mile runs. Thursday morning is a women’s ONLY run, and the other runs are all-comers. Cyclists can meet for rides on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check out the web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com.

Do you have results you want to share about yourself, a loved one or friend? Do you want to share what motivates you to being active? Send an email to me at Get Active – Running and more.

If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com to get connected. Listen to the Get Active South Georgia radio show on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7PM on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA to receive additional information or to ask questions.

Thank you,

Todd & Alice Smoot

GET ACTIVE 
Running and more

GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA as heard on NewsTalk 105.9 FM WVGA Wednesdays
6 to 7 PM - call into the show at 229-241-1059
GET ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA  as read weekly in the Sunday VDT - look for us
www.getactivevaldosta.com
3200-C North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31602
229-219-0010
229-219-0012 (F)

In the long run, one must have goals to succeed.

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" Steve Prefontaine