Susanne Perry
I am not an athlete. I am too clumsy and undisciplined. When I was younger, and friends were excited about softball, track, or volleyball, I couldn’t relate. But I’m an avid walker—for fitness (physical and mental), exercise, contemplation, camaraderie, or just a chance to see and smell the flowers, literally or figuratively.
The Fit for Life Walking Group, led by John Corbett, was put on by the Try-A-Tri Committee that organizes the annual Robson Ranch Triathlon. This year’s Try-A-Tri will be held on March 8. The walks brought dozens of walkers together—68 total!—each Saturday morning for 12 weeks, starting in late November and culminating with a 5K (3.1 mile) walk on Feb. 15.
John planned the routes for us, increasing the distance each week. He kept track of us during the group walks and each walker had John’s cell number in case we experienced an issue. An important detail was that the goal for each walker was our own. If we wanted to walk faster? We went for it. Wanted to take a slower pace? No problem. If we liked using walking sticks or trekking poles? We brought them along. Wanted or needed to cut it short and veer off toward home? Just let another walker or John know you were finished for the morning. The only absolutes were to stop and rest if needed and wear comfortable, supportive footwear.
As a former owner of a specialty running store, John has quite a bit of experience fitting running and walking shoes and helping people with common foot problems. Foot, footwear, and gait assessments were offered early in the program with several group members participating.
John encouraged three shorter walks each week in addition to our longer walks on Saturday. We could choose to walk alone or invite a walking companion, human or canine, for our mid-week walks. Each week we got emails with training tips, encouragement, and reminders that were designed to keep us motivated and on track.
Many group members have expressed an interest in this program, or something similar, being offered again. Be sure to watch for Lois Moncel’s weekly emails that outline all the programs offered through the Sports Center and Elevate Studios. When there is information about future Fit for Life Walking Groups, Lois will include all of the details. Anyone wanting more information about the Fit for Life Program can feel free to contact John Corbett at [email protected].