Wellness winners

Last spring we featured three folks – each of whom embraced a wellness challenge. How have they fared?

Aging Gracefully – Grace Lunt

“Ahead of schedule” – that’s how she describes her progress. Let’s check in on our slender senior as she moves towards her personal finishing line. “I have lost 20 lbs – and seven weeks ahead of schedule at that. And, given this last month, which has been an endless round of birthday parties and anniversary celebrations, it’s amazing to me. What a difference self-confidence makes.

“My walking continues to go well – thanks in huge part to the support of my walking friends and my husband. Together, this group of ‘Millwood Mall Walkers‘ have helped to keep me motivated.

“Aside from my weight loss and improved fitness level, I have received a huge gift from this wellness challenge – self-esteem. I’ve given myself the gift of confidence knowing I can tackle my eating and fitness habits – challenges that have always been tough for me.

What a marvellous gift!

“In closing, thanks to my daughters Kris and Karen, my husband Dennis, and my friends. You’ve been great companions on my journey. I hope that sharing my story will help others achieve their goals.

“Truly, everything is within reach.”

Going the distance – Lynn Haley

She’s run her 5 K and completed her course. Let’s see if this runner is still going the distance …

Never have the words – “when the rubber meets the road” had greater meaning for me. I am now in the “solo zone” where I’m challenged to run on my own initiative. Running has become routine. I think I’m hooked …

And, it’s what I’ve become hooked on that has me intrigued – the feeling of my body moving, time to think, pounding stress out of my day. While the fitness is great, it’s what running has done for my self-esteem that is the most seductive.

Running has become my touchstone for change. It’s given me concrete proof that I am capable of the unthinkable. And, it makes me realize I have to keep pushing the bar to keep complacency out of this middle age patch of life.

Most important, it’s about surrounding myself with people who share a common need to challenge their own status quo. I look forward to reconnecting with my running buddies in the 10 K clinic this fall.

Here’s to making the distance even further!

Rollin’ on down the road – Andrew Coward

When we last checked in with Andrew, he was roller-blading his way to a summer job in downtown Calgary. What’s he up to now?

“You know that old saying – the road to glory is paved with good intentions? Well, that’s my story. I started off with great enthusiasm, and managed to keep up my roller commuting up until July. But, since then, life has thrown a few new opportunities my way, and my priorities have shifted.

”For now, roller-blading has moved to the back burner and roller-hockey to the front. At my age, I have to grab new opportunities when they come. Rollerhockey is giving me a whole new avenue for fitness – and I love it.

Thanks to the crew at Food for Thought for following my progress and letting me be part of the wellness challenge.”