American Heart Association says to START!

The annual finish line is in November, however to get there you must START!

The American Heart Association, recognized experts in the heart and your health, has created a program that every company with employees should get involved with.  START! is a “campaign that encourages, recognizes and provides tools to companies to promote a culture of physical activity in the workplace.”

The AHA states, “Cardiovascular disease is our nation’s Number 1 killer. Physical inactivity significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Seventy percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise, blaming lack of time and lack of motivation.”

Companies can help by embracing the START! program. National corporate sponsors like Subway, Healthy Choice and Astrazenca have teamed together with the AHA to share how companies can significantly help their employees while improving the company’s bottom line with lower healthcare costs, reduced short term sick leave and increased productivity. Cass Wheeler, CEO of the AHA states that “START! can help businesses reduce costs and help employees reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke and lead longer, stronger, healthier lives. Helping your employees isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.” By working within the AHA START! program, the individual’s benefit as well as the company – a win-win combination.

Already companies in the area, as well as the local governments, are on board with the program and you are encouraged to get the company you work with to do the same. Contact the local American Heart Association representative and say that you are interested in START! The benefits are endless and the cost minute. Make the smart choice – START!

The 34^th Tallahassee Marathon morning started off with temperatures pleasant for 198 marathoners and 338 half marathon runners alike, 39 degrees and no rain. The runners started off from Mike Long Track at FSU and headed off for the respective journeys to reach their goals. Todd Smoot ran a PR placing 5^th overall and 2^nd in the Master’s category with a time of 2:43:23. John Seppala placed 6^th overall and 1^st in his age group with a time of 2:45:11. Mark Naglack placed 17^th overall with a big PR of over 10 minutes with a time of 3:07:59. Alice Smoot was the ninth women across the finish line, 1^st Grand Master with a time of 3:36:51. Mark Steele placed 70^th overall with a PR by over 3 minutes with a 3:44:03. All five Valdostan’s who ran the marathon qualified for the Boston Marathon with their efforts on last Sunday. The half marathon had great results from Valdosta area runners too. Jean Oliver of Lake Park met her goal of breaking 2:10 with her finish time of 2:06:33. Valdostan Ada Steele ran a 5 minute PR with her 2:07:45. A goal is set, the training is accomplished and hopefully success is the result. These seven athletes followed that recipe, and they are proud of what they accomplished on Sunday. 

February 23^rd, VSU Rec Center is offering the Blazerman Super Sprint Triathlon – 300 yard swim, 6.5 mile bike and 1.5 mile run. Contact VSU Rec Center for more information.

March 1^st, the VSU Recreation Center is offering the Shamrock Shuffle 5K. Runners and walkers are welcome to participate in this event. This is a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. Contact the VSU Rec Center for more information at 333-5674.

March 8^th, the Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Department presents the annual Azalea Festival Century Bike Ride. There in on-line registration available and the Borderline Bluegrass Festival will be going on at the South Lowndes Complex when you finish there. There are multiple distances for the entire family; 29, 49, 76 and 107 mile courses. Helmets are required to ride.

March 15^th, the Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Department present the annual Azalea Festival 5K on March 15^th – make plans to have the entire family participate in either the 5k or 1 mile events. This is a Valdosta tradition and favorite.

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 4 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