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August 1, 2010

BENCH SITTIN' - What’s walking without a little music?

Randy Cowling Managing Editor

CLAREMORE — Mind over matter. No pain, no gain.

That is the way of the 1970s when it comes to training and getting fit, at least that’s what Renetta Harrison has been telling me over the past five weeks.

Harrison, health educator for the Rogers County Health Department and chair of the Healthy Lifestyles committee for Rogers County Coalition, has coordinated the No Boundaries “From Couch to 5K” program.

Participants in the program range from experienced runners to those, like me, who have spent way too much time behind the desk or on the couch.

Fleet Feet, a Tulsa-athletic store specializing in running and walking, is the overall sponsor. When the program began last year Lori Dreiling and Craig Cleveland were amazed to have 80 people sign up. Just as summer began at least that many signed up.

Five weeks into the 12-week program most who signed up are still walking and running every Tuesday and Thursday evening at Claremore Lake. Rain or shine, we’ve stretched and embarked on our brisk stroll.

There is something about walking in a group that helps you overcome the obstacle that you are all alone in the fight to get fit.

I’ve kept my head up and iPod playing during our walks. The musical motivation has been very helpful, though when I begin to sing along with whoever is singing into my ears my fellow walkers look at me strange.

I didn’t realize it until one of our mentors commented on my Facebook page about my singing out loud. I was so focused on walking and amusing myself, I forgot no one else could hear the great music coming from my iPod.

If my fellow walkers can see me waddling along, grunting and groaning as we take the hills, I guess it really doesn’t matter. When trying to do something you haven’t done or attempted in a long time, you let down your inhibitions...so singing aloud with James Taylor or Carrie Underwood is how I get through the pain and anguish of becoming better fit.

I recently came across a story about Craig Cleveland, one of the reasons we have No Boundaries in Claremore. Three years ago he weighed 265 pounds, was a lifetime smoker, had high blood pressure and spent more time on the couch than most people.

After his wife, Virginia, joined a walking group, he actually made fun of her. When he decided to join her for a walk, he quickly discovered he could only walk a few blocks before having to stop and rest.

The experience caused him to review his fitness status and it wasn’t pretty. Cleveland embarked on walking everytime he felt the urge to light up a cigarette. As his journey began he transformed from happy couch potato to walking 10 to 12 miles a day. He stopped smoking and changed his diet, which led to him losing about 40 pounds in about six weeks.

His radical change might not be the norm, but his story of making a decision to be better fit is inspiring. Occasionally, we see him giving educational talks to our group. When I look at Cleveland I realize I can do this too. It would be nice to lose 40 pounds, but just feeling better with each week is really enough for me.

It does get easier, especially with the music. What would walking be without a little music?

n Randy Cowling is editor of the Claremore Daily Progress.

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