This morning I came across an ad for Ruby’s Walk Across America. “Ruby” is an obese woman who lives in Savannah and has an infectious southern accent and bubbly personality. Last year, the Style network (owned by E!) launched a reality show to follow her through her weight loss journey. I believe she weighed close to 500 pounds at the start of the show, but has since lost quite a bit. Her goals are to lose weight and become healthier, and also to inspire others to stay strong in their own journeys to weight loss. (As a side note, Ruby is in Washington, DC tomorrow and I am going to see her! Click here for more info: http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/shows/ruby/walks/events.jsp)
Reality shows chronicling weight loss journeys are becoming more and more popular. No doubt that the rise in this type of programming is due to the fact that so many American adults can relate. Everyone has heard these stats by now, but they are worth repeating: Half of U.S. adults and one-third of U.S. children are obese or overweight. Wow! Just think about what that means – 10 kids in your kid’s class of 30 students. Half of our friends at our workplace, church, or social clubs. The obese or overweight epidemic affects us all. As the increasing popularity of weight-loss-reality TV reveals, this has become part of our American culture.
Thinking about these stats gives me a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I find myself wondering: why? I am fortunate that genetics and an exercise habit formed when I was young allow me to keep my weight down relatively easily. But the overweight epidemic still affects me and I admit that part of me feels some responsibility for it. I am part of a culture that has stealthily promoted unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle for adults and kids.
You might all guess that being healthy is something I feel strongly about. That is why I have chosen to devote my life and career to creating events that will inspire and motivate women to make exercise and healthy living a lifestyle and create and strengthen fit friendships.
I have recently started running in the evenings with my sweet neighbor, Kara, a stay-at-home mom with two small (and adorable) kids. We talk non-stop from the time we leave her driveway to the time we stop our watches at the end of the workout. Where did those 3 miles go? They were swallowed by the goddess of gossip. Meanwhile, Kara and I are left with stronger bodies, satisfied souls and a good night’s sleep. Making fitness a centerpiece of my friendships is key for achieving physical and emotional health and balance in my life, and I really hope that each of you has at least one fit friendship. If you don’t - it’s easy to invite a friend to go walking after work or to sign up for a local 5K. To me, there is nothing more satisfying.
The photos from the ZOOMA Annapolis finish line prove to me that you are all working towards a healthier life, and doing it with your friends. Looking through the photos is inspiring! I encourage you all to spend some time browsing when you need a bit of inspiration: www.zoomarun.com/annapolis/results.php In the meantime, here are some photos to make you smile J
Click on an image to view it bigger. Photos courtesy of brightroom.com
