Ways you can be active in South Georgia

For roughly six months, this column has shared information about being active. This article has a main thread that being active improves one's quality of life. The activities you choose are as varied as you decide they should be. The decision and desire are yours. I encourage you to make the decision to become and maintain having an active lifestyle. Every fiber of my being is certain that your quality of life will improve once you have made the decision, and take the proper steps to be active.

What activities are available to become active in South Georgia?

Please find some suggestions offered below:  

• Walking on a treadmill, on the streets, at a track or with the Mall Walkers of Colonial Mall Valdosta. Interest a friend or spouse to join you – pairs make the activity more enjoyable.
• Running on a treadmill, on the streets, at a track or with the Mall Walkers of Colonial Mall Valdosta. Interest a friend or spouse to join you – pairs make the activity more enjoyable.
• Soccer is available for children as well as adults in Valdosta.
• Tennis is available as well as Cardio-Tennis.
• Swimming
• Cycling – check with the Azalea City Cyclists on their web site to see what opportunities they offer.
• Spin classes for the cyclists who do not want to train outside.
• Ballroom or Line Dancing, Clogging and Aerobics classes
• Martial Arts training.
• Weight lifting and Cardio Machines at many gyms, including ones specifically for women.
• Golf – consider walking the course rather than using a golf cart.
• Basketball leagues for adults

In all of these activities – the key to enjoy them is to train smarter – not harder. No Pain, No Gain is NO GOOD and OUTDATED! Use your heart rate as your governor and your breathing as an indication of how the body is working. To use an analogy with a car, one does not drive their car where the engine is running at 7000 rpms all the time – the engine is working way too hard, is not running efficient and will over heat and break down. Your body's tachometer is your heart rate – and to be efficient in burning the fuel [calories], you need to perform the activity at a rate that your heart rate is between 65 to 75% of the maximum your heart can beat. Over time, you will become stronger and able to handle more stress along the way – just start easy and move up slowly.  

It takes effort to achieve your goals. Have the confidence in yourself that you can make the change and then get on it – GET ACTIVE!

Next week, a recap of the articles published and prepare for 2008.  

Outstanding performances:

Jacksonville Marathon was held on December 16^th and many people from Valdosta took the challenge and participated in the event on a day with tough weather conditions. These people include Alan Thomas [3:24:31], Amy Sharon [3:42:34], Joe Wilson [4:20:12], Marta Kvande [4:26:56], Gabe Brown [4:33:55], and Kim Trannel [5:39:41]. Others participated in the half marathon: Stephen Sparks [1:44:55, Hunter Lane [2:00:12], Tim Schlairet [2:05:38], Kathi Blais and Katie Kolisz [2:05:41], Jodi Harbin [2:08:04], Timothy Schlairet [2:18:30], Maura Schlairet [2:20:10], Mandy White [2:24:17], Curt Fowler [2:31:43], and Brooke Schlairet [2:40:34]. Congratulations to one and all.

Many in the area are training for the Disney Marathon in Orlando in January 2008 – look forward to reporting their results in the near future. 

January 12^th in Nashville, the 3^rd annual BRCA 5K and 1 mile run will be presented by the Berrien Parks and Recreation Department. Go by Get Active to pick up your application and sign up for the event.

February 9^th, the Student-Athletes of VSU will be presenting a Relay event. There are five (5) legs of the relay, and a team can be from 3 to 5 members to get the full distance completed. The distance covered will be 10K or 6.2 miles, but each leg will run approximately 1.2 miles. If there are less than 5 people on the team, members will have to run multiple legs. There will be awards in team categories, team names and team T-Shirts. This is a family event, keep that in mind. There is more information to come on this event in the coming weeks.

There are weekly, FREE activities for the runners and cyclists in the area. Runners can show up at Get Active Running and more on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7AM for all-comer runs from 1.5 to 8 plus mile runs. For more information on the runs, check out the web page www.getactivevaldosta.com , call or send an email. Cyclists can meet for rides on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the cycling rides, 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 Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7PM on Talk 92.1 FM 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 Talk 92.1 FM Tuesdays 6 to 7 PM
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