Mutual affection for outdoor activities and an appetite for
a fast-paced, full lifestyle were among the commonalities that initially
brought Ed and me together. We met
working in Summer Camp where each of these is found in abundance. Those who have attended or worked a Culver
summer know it is like the 200 Freestyle of Culver programs – one long,
exhilarating sprint. The enthusiasm of
the campers, commitment of the staff, and beauty of the campus are energizing.
The early mornings, late nights and non-stop schedule in between are
exhausting. Yet, like all Culver
programs, being around people who understand the unique experience that is
Culver is invigorating and nourishing.
Like many couples, after we welcomed our three children we
found the full lifestyle continued, yet the pace was quite different. Our schedules were packed, but our activities
were more sedentary. It became difficult
to find time to work out. Squeezing in
even 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week required planning. As our children grew older and started
school, it was important to Ed and me to introduce them to a variety of
athletics to help them foster the habit of building exercise into their
lives. We also realized it was important
to set a positive example ourselves.
We were inspired by seeing friends and colleagues involved
in Wellness Activities on campus and off to explore greater challenges and set
a goal to improve our fitness and overall health. Andy Dorrel introduced us to the Advocare 24-Day
Challenge which was a turning point for both of us. Having one another to lean on created a
partnership and accountability which made sticking to the plan easier. We reminded one another of our commitment
when necessary, and shared in the joys of lost pounds and the discovery that
such healthy eating habits were much easier than we thought. We were motivated to make long-term changes
to our eating habits. Focusing on our health prompted us to increase our
exercise.
After completing the 24 Day Challenge, we felt stronger,
lighter and more energized. The positive
impact motivated us to continue with the new habits created during the
challenge. Each small change we made
laid the groundwork for success at a new goal and another challenge. These stepping stones and the encouragement
of our friends gave us confidence to try more.
Flannery Posner and I ran the Monumental Half Marathon in November of
2012. With Dana Neer’s help, we followed
a clear training plan and were prepared enough to surprise ourselves with our
time - and really enjoy the experience! Although Flannery and I saw no familiar
faces at the race, being surrounded by thousands of other people who were
committed to the same goal was incredible.
I was hooked! Ed and I ran a half
marathon and then tackled the Lake Max Triathlon. This year, our children joined us for the
Kids’ Tri. They were apprehensive at
first, but training and preparing as a family provided us a shared experience
which was both fun and rewarding. Seeing
their pride after completing the course was one of the highlights of our
summer.
Participating in wellness activities easier as a team
whether it is your spouse, family, roommate or colleague. So many of our plans are made, ideas
formulated and dreams developed during our runs. This year’s Acceleration program has provided
a platform for maintaining our efforts – nudging us to find time even when days
are already full. It takes planning and
coordination, but with a partner to remind us and hold us accountable, it is
easier and more fun to make exercise a priority and continue to enjoy the
benefits of good health. As they say,
success is nothing without someone you love to share it.
