Fun?! Are you kidding me?
I'm really sorry, but this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four finds nothing at all fun about fitness! Not one to do anything fast, working out is, well... w.o.r.k! Seriously! Sometimes I wonder how did I manage to end up with this 5K running-400 meter dashing-basketball playing-daughter of mine! Until this weekend at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K, I discovered that fitness IS fun... and inspirational!
Organizers report that over 250 runners, walkers, and spectators of all ages arrived in beautiful Berkeley Springs on a spectacular fall Saturday for the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K and Fun Run! The benefit for the Berkeley Springs High School Cross Country Team was an action packed family fitness day held on Saturday, November 16th, beginning with a 10:00 5K, 11:00 family fun run, followed by a 2:00 gentle walking tour through historical Berkeley Springs, WV.
Runners arrived early to a crisp and clear morning from far and wide. In addition to the tremendous community support, registered runners came from the four state regions, including Hagerstown, Frostburg, Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Inwood, Gerradstown, Big Cover Tannery, Bunker Hill, Williamsport, Falling Waters, and even Washington, DC.
Sponsors of the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K included Gat Creek Furniture, Reed’s Pharmacy, Michael Family Practice, Treeworks, Valley Health, Luke Christie State Farm Insurance, Close C.P.A., and Food Lion. Their support for community fitness was hosted by Guest of Honor, Rene Garcia-Kesecker and Reed Pharmacy founder and candidate for US Congress, Ken Reed, who promotes participation in fitness as a way to even “fight Obamacare by staying FIT!”
Fitness was made fun with DJ Ken and Rene as they spun songs and Zumba danced for families. Participating teams ranged in ages from 5 – 82! According to coordinator, Tally Reed, “the First Annual Berkeley Springs Fall for Fitness was a tremendous success. Folks showed up in force to show their support of community fitness and our Cross Country Team.” Race records indicate that the top male runner was 17 year old Zach Simmons, finishing at 17:28:4. The top female was 16 year old Kinsey Reed with a time of 20:04:3.
Mrs. Reed added, “We got to watch in awe as our own Rene Garcia-Kesecker walked a mile and was able to lead Zumba just a few short months after suffering a broken pelvis and multiple other injuries following a terrifying car accident.” Honestly, I wondered if Rene would be cleared by her doctors to participate! Well... she not only supported the athletes but Rene also finished the mile Fun Run! Here she is, ...still smiling!
Her participation was inspiring to witness and her recovery is a testament that families uniting in fitness can motivate a community. Teammates from Hagerstown’s Mason Dixon Roller Vixens arrived to “walk with Rene.” Check them out!
The First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K generated much needed funds to help our student athletes. At a time when funding is of utmost concern, this event demonstrates a community that cares not only about its’ education but also the health of its’ residents.
And for this unfit mom who managed to complete a mile with grandma in under twenty minutes, it was a celebration not only of fitness and community but also a reminder that the healthier we are, well, we just may get to enjoy friends and family that much longer!
Guess someone better warn Dan that I signed him up for Zumba! My first class at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K was a blast. Heck, I might even try out for the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens. After all, skating is just about the only thing I do fast.
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