Jane Reed:  Age 60.  Retired English teacher. Better suited to reading and writing than competitive running. Usually runs 3 miles on Saturday morning with JOG,inc. Has been known to stop for a yard sale or to pick up trash. She has also inadvertently run the 4-mile route backwards on two occasions. Races:  two Turkey Trot 5 Ks,  one Sullivan Health 5K Race, and the first annual Race to the Rocker.  Favorite running quote:  "Better to have run slowly than to have never run at all."

 

Brad Austin:  Can you believe that someone who is 250 lbs. with high blood pressure and has been a smoker for 25-years could in just 2 short years, run numerous 5Ks, 3 half marathons, and a full marathon. I've done it! I started by walking with 5 lb. weights and progressed to walking on the treadmill before moving outside. I increased my mileage walking, then running. I now am 60 lbs. lighter, off high blood pressure medicine, and have been a non-smoker since June of 2008. It all started with the first step and then the mindset of taking the next one.   

Rachelle Austin:  I'm 44 years old and began running in the Fall of 2007.  I had always thought it would be great to be able to run, but never in my life had I been a runner. When I joined The Gym and hired Chrystal as a personal trainer out of boredom, I filled out my goal sheet for her, saying, "I'd like to learn how to LIKE exercising". I told her that exercise always seemed like a waste of time to me.  I also wrote, "Someday, I'd like to be able to run a 5K. Ha Ha!"  The first time she put me on the treadmill and told me to do a mile, I couldn't believe it and only finished about a quarter mile without walking.  Since I've now run many 5Ks and several half marathons, Chrystal probably thinks that goal sheet is pretty funny. Running for me is a getaway to visit with my running partner or time to be out in nature with just me and God. The calories it burns is also pretty great!  :)  If I can run, anyone can!

 
Denise White: 38 – I am a runner.  I never really thought I would be able to say that, but a simple conversation in The Gym has turned my life into one that involves a lot of running!  In March of 2008, I joined The Gym and started walking/jogging on the treadmill.  One day a few people were talking about training for a half-marathon and out of my mouth came the words, “I’ve always thought it would be cool to say I had done that!”  That day started a journey that has led to several 5K’s, 3 half-marathons and great new friendships!  My cholesterol has dropped, my energy is higher and I sure sleep better!  Maybe someday I might even say, “Let’s try a full marathon!”  Walk or run, it can change your life!
 

Kathy Lasley: Age 60. Retired High School Business teacher.  I'm what you would call a "slower jogger" and
a "fair weather jogger."  I enjoy getting outside on a beautiful day and jog a mile or two.  I am by no means
training for a marathon; just want to get some exercise and try to keep myself as healthy as possible.