.bodytext {float: left; } .floatimg-left-hort { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right: 10px; width:300px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 10px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} For the second year in a row, the Des Moines Business Record challenged the corporate leaders of Central Iowa to prove that their physical fitness is equal to their business acumen. About 50 men and women signed up to participate in the 2007 “Fittest Execs” competition, and 36 signed up to compete for “most improved” in categories defined by age and gender.

Alas, not everyone stayed the course. But those who did received a thorough evaluation of their condition at the Waukee Family YMCA. The fitness assessment protocol employed by the Y’s Personal Training Services includes these tests:

Body composition, using calipers; circumference measurements; push-ups; half sit-ups; flexibility; and a three-minute step test. A cholesterol test and blood-pressure measurement were also provided, but those results were not part of the competition ratings.

Winners were honored June 26 at an evening reception at Forté Conference Center. The Iowa Clinic and YMCA of Greater Des Moines co-sponsored the competition.

In the fittest category, first place in the men’s 50 and older competition went to:

Dennis Linderbaum, 58, president of the Iowa Health Foundation.

Wes Ehrecke, 52, president of the Iowa Gaming Association, placed second. He was one of three over-50 winners last year.

Three men tied for first place in the men’s under 50 group:

Steve McKibben, 46, residential sales manager and recruiting director for RE/MAX West Realty. He was one of five under-50 winners last year.

Eric Wilson, 38, president of Central Iowa markets at American Trust & Savings Bank.

David Adickes, 27, owner of Midwest Contracting & Construction.

No women signed up for the over-50 category. In the under-50 group, the winner was:

Coreen Sweeney, 42, an attorney and shareholder at Nyemaster, Goode, West, Hansell & O’Brien P.C.

Tied for second were:
Sirpa Hall, 43, vice president of CH2M Hill. She was one of three winners last year in this category.

Kristi Knous, 38, vice president of donor relations and community investment for the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation.

In the most improved competition, the men’s over 50 winner was:

Randy Beavers, 56, assistant general manager of the Des Moines Water Works.
The men’s under 50 winner was:

Jim Goodman, 45, president of Customer Ease Inc. and Emerging Growth Group LLC.

And the only competitor to complete the most improved category among the women was:

Dorenda Walters, 45, director of human resources and business strategy at the Des Moines Water Works.

David Adickes, 27
Owner & Operator, Midwest Contracting & Construction

What’s your workout regimen? I consistently train for triathlons, marathons and endurance events. On a weekly basis, I will focus on swimming, cycling and running. I swim at Summit Middle School in Johnston during the week and on weekends if I can. Weekday evenings are my times to run, and the weekends are usually reserved for long rides. If I can during the week, I’ll even try to take my mountain bike on the trails here in the metro for an evening ride. I also average about 30,000 push-ups per year, which isn’t a lot if you break it down per day.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? I never diet as the word is typically used in society; I just eat well and like to cook at home. I stay away from fast food and pop, and don’t eat out a lot. When I purchase food, I buy good foods for the body, not junk food. Sure I have weaknesses like peanut butter, trail mix, ice cream and cheesecake, to name a few, so I don’t even buy them at the store. If I do indulge in something, I’ll be sure to have a long workout planned to burn it off so I don’t feel guilty.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? I do most of the time. If I’m on vacation, I tend to work out early in the morning before I start any plans. It’s a great chance to explore the city or place you are in. I used to travel frequently working for a nonprofit organization, so I would even find isolated spots to do my push-ups in airports waiting for flights. I got a few odd looks from others, but it beats sitting around if you can get a workout.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? My main motivation factor was participating in Push America’s Journey of Hope in 2000. It’s a nine-week cross-country cycling trip serving people with disabilities. The people and places I saw changed my mindset and outlook on life. Now staying in shape and leading a healthy lifestyle is a way of life for me. Due to my Type A personality, I don’t tend to sit still very long. Once you build the correct mindset, you’re pretty much hooked and you get addicted; at least I did. I’m only 27 years old; in 40 years, I still hope to be riding 60-70 miles on the weekends for fun! People also tell me that everything will catch up with me and I’ll slow down and gain weight, but that’s more motivation to keep on going.

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? I plan to take on the Equalizer Run here in Des Moines in late September, the Des Moines Marathon and Ironman Wisconsin in September 2008 if I stay healthy and injury-free.

Steve McKibben, 46
Residential Sales Manager & Recruiting Director, RE/MAX West Realty

What is your workout regimen? I hit the gym at 5 a.m. for 90 minutes to 2 hours each morning. The workouts consist of cardio work on either elliptical, stationary bike or StairMaster. I try to get three to five runs in each week in the afternoon or evening. The distance will total 25-30 miles per week. When preparing for a marathon or ultra distance race, the mileage will approach 70 miles.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? I try to eat a variety of things, but every morning I start off with oatmeal. Lunch usually consists of yogurt and carrots, unless I am out of the office for a business lunch.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? When traveling, it does not matter if for business or pleasure, I always exercise. If I am traveling by air or auto, I always pack a pair of shoes and gym clothes. I can run anywhere. But, as an avid Harley rider, I do not exercise at all on bike trips. That is my only down time.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? It was always something I enjoyed since I was a youth. But in the mid-1990s, I had my wife at the time diagnosed with cancer, my mother die and my father diagnosed with diabetes. So I decided it was time to try to drop a few pounds and get moving.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now? Yes, I participated in track, gymnastics and wrestling. The sports I participate in these days are all running or stair climbing events.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? It starts each day for me. I roll out of bed and know what I must get done. As a Realtor, my days change as the needs of my clients and customers come first. So I must get my workout in early as the afternoon and evening may bring showings and/or offers. I have put together many a deal at the gym. It also allows me a balance in my life. When work seems overwhelming, I can look forward to my next race or run.

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Nike said it best: “Just do it.” Anyone can get up and try to walk; after the walk maybe you jog. You do not have to run. The race or competition is in the mirror. I have coached marathon teams for the Arthritis Foundation and helped people of all sizes and walks of life complete a marathon. You can do it!

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? Yes, I want to do an Ironman, which is a 2.4-mile open-water swim, a 112-mile bike ride and then a marathon (which is 26.2 miles). You travel a total of 140.6 miles in this competition.

Eric Wilson
President Central Iowa Markets, American Trust & Savings Bank

What’s your workout regimen? It varies slightly from week to week based on my schedule, but generally: Two 1-1/2-hour sessions of Muay Thai kickboxing training/sparring sessions; three 1- to 2-hour sessions of jiujitsu training and/or sparring sessions; three 30- to 60-minute kettle bell workouts. Sprinkle in tennis, basketball, cycling, golf and other weightlifting at various times throughout the year for pure enjoyment or a change of pace.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? 1. Moderation: It never hurts to eat foods you know aren’t any good for you; just do it sparingly. 2. Portion sensibility: When you eat out, realize that you’re usually getting three to four times the recommended portion. There is no universal maxim that says you MUST EAT IT ALL! 3. I’ve learned to understand that foods that are good for you actually taste great.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How?

I try to. It’s often hard to find the type of equipment I usually work with or a mixed martial arts club that is holding a class or open session. However, there is always something I can do, whether it’s a walk, quick run or just body-weight exercises.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? I have always been in good shape; partly genetics, partly my desire to push myself. My motivations are twofold: First is to continue to provide a strong example of health and discipline to my daughters and the kids on the youth teams I coach. The second is just to try to keep up with the incredibly intelligent, tough, driven and disciplined guys I train with at Des Moines Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now?

I played basketball, football and golf throughout high school. I played basketball for a couple years in grad school on a traveling squad that played Division II and III schools. Basketball was my first love as an organized team sport and still is. While I still love to compete in anything, my new interest and passion is mixed martial arts.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? My physical conditioning has probably never been better in my entire life. Like I said earlier, I have always been in good shape, but over the past year my stamina, cardio and strength have increased markedly. Consequently, I rarely get fatigued, mentally or physically, no matter what my day holds.

Dennis Linderbaum, 58
President, Iowa Health Foundation

What’s your workout regimen? I work out every day for about 1 1/2 hours. Every day I ride the AirDyne, do the elliptical or StairMaster for at least 30 minutes very hard, do at least 1,000 abdominal exercises, do lots of stretching, and do weight work three times a week. I have not missed a day of working out since August 2005.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? A large breakfast, very light lunch (fruit most days), and a light dinner (cheese and crackers, sandwich and yogurt most nights). I also enjoy Lite beer from Miller! No heavy beer, wine or hard alcohol for me.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? Always. I either stay at a hotel with an exercise facility or go to the local YMCA or an exercise facility nearby. This is an absolute must during my travels. I will not miss a workout when I travel for business or pleasure.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? I was a basketball and baseball player in high school and continued to play competitive sports until I was 46.

I needed to be in shape to play AAU basketball, and I also needed to stay in shape to play major men’s fast-pitch softball well into my 40s (I’m in the Iowa Men’s Fast-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame). Once I couldn’t compete in organized sports, I continued to work out to keep my weight down as well as to stay in shape. My wife and friends say that I’m obsessed with fitness, and my response is that I could be obsessed with lots of worse things in life!

My rather unusual abdominal routine started after I had back problems in the late 1980s. The key to a strong back is a strong abdomen, and I’ve gradually increased my repetitions to 1,000-plus every day. I’ve been at that level for at least 10 years, and have not had back problems since the late 1980s.

How does fitness affect your everyday life?Fitness is very important to me. It not only keeps my body in good shape, but it keeps my mind sharp. I always find time to work out every day. Whether it’s at 6 a.m., at noon or at 8 p.m., I find the time. To me, there is no excuse for missing a workout (barring surgery or serious illness). There is always time somewhere in my daily schedule to get it done.

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Get started! Schedule your workouts and make them a priority in your life. If you can’t motivate yourself, hire a personal trainer who will motivate you until you find out how important fitness is.

West Ehrecke, 52
President, Iowa Gaming Association

What’s your workout regimen? I ride a bike 50-100 miles per week and rotate various 30-minute sets of cardio, strength, ab and flexibility exercises five to six days per week.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? I try to focus on smaller portions; avoid fried foods and caffeine; and am eating more fish, chicken, fruits, nuts and vegetables. Plus I take flaxseed and fish oil every day, which has helped lower my cholesterol naturally as well as minimize pain in the joints with some arthritis.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? Yes, I try to go to the hotel’s fitness center to ride a bike and lift weights; otherwise I will sometimes pack resistance bands to do sets in my room along with push-ups and ab crunches.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? I was 30 pounds heavier several years ago and not very active; so once I reached the objective to lose that weight, I vowed to continually keep working to improve my flexibility, strength, stamina and abs. Having clothes fit better and feeling great every day is a daily reminder of the rewards and benefits of striving for a healthier lifestyle. The long-term motivating goal is to still be doing this when I am at least 80 years old!

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now?I played high school basketball, ran cross country and track, and played soccer in college. Besides playing some golf and doing other “sports” such as shooting hoops and kicking a soccer ball with the daughter at home, I participated in several events at the recent Iowa Senior Olympics and had a fun experience doing the bike-relay portion of the Hy-Vee triathlon.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? Good exercise and diet help to clear the mind and create a healthier heart, higher energy level, less stress, more confidence. I am able to strive for a better balance of the ongoing commitments with family, friends, volunteering, work and more. I try to focus on the saying “work to live, versus living to work” every day!

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Set realistic goals, write them down and put them in a prominent place you will see each day; and keep adjusting those objectives as you make progress. Know that regular exercise and proper diet require mental and physical discipline, so choose things that are fun, so it doesn’t seem like a daily grind.

Coreen Sweeney, 42
Attorney & Shareholder, Nyemaster, Goode, West, Hansell & O’Brien, P.C.

What’s your workout regimen? It depends on what time of year it is, but generally I train 8-12 hours a week. I’ve competed in bodybuilding shows over the last 10 years, so it’s a mix of weightlifting and low intensity cardio seven days a week, with workouts twice per day during the last eight weeks before competition. In the last year, I’ve also started training for triathlons, so swimming, biking, running and weightlifting make up my routine during tri season.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? Multiple meals a day (up to five) are ideal. When I train for bodybuilding, my diet consists of a greater percentage of protein to carbs and fat, i.e., a ratio of 55-35-10, for protein, carbs and fat. While training for triathlons, the carb intake increases, such that the ratio is more in the range of 30-60-10 for protein, carbs and fat intake. I will cut out pasta, bread, refined sugar, dairy and most fruits during the bodybuilding training, but will incorporate many of those back into my diet for triathlon training in order to obtain enough carbohydrates for fuel.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? Absolutely. I try to book hotels with gym access, if possible. If not, a run is almost always a decent option. There is nothing like a good run or workout before work in the morning to get your day started off on the right foot, clearing the mind and mentally preparing yourself for the day.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? The next competition, race or athletic event on my calendar always makes it enjoyable for me to stay in shape, but the real motivation is that I just don’t like the feeling of being out of shape.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now? I’ve been involved in sports all my life, dating back to being one of the first girls to join my hometown Little League team with the boys. I wasn’t talented enough to make the cheerleading squad, so I opted for volleyball and track in high school. After college, I competed on a national level in powerlifting before getting into bodybuilding 10 years ago. A few road races up to half marathon distance and RAGBRAI have been part of my routine and participating in triathlons has been a new adventure for me, which I plan to continue.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? NOT being able to get a workout in diminishes my work performance as an attorney. Fitness clears the mind and is good for the soul.

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Don’t be afraid to try new ways of improving your fitness. Working out in the same old routine won’t motivate you to stay fit if you perceive it as work. You have to make it fun and a natural part of your life if one is to be successful at staying in shape.

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? My two goals for 2007 were to compete in a pro bodybuilding show and finish an Olympic distance triathlon. In April, I took fifth place in the Cayman Islands at a WNBF pro bodybuilding show and completed the Hy-Vee Triathlon in Des Moines in June. I am also considering another pro bodybuilding show in New York toward the end of this year. My goal is to continue on with both sports.

Sirpa Hall, 43
Vice President, CH2M Hill Inc.

What’s your workout regimen? Most weeks, I practice tae kwon do at least three times and attend one fitness kickboxing class at Farrell’s US Martial Arts. I also run occasionally as time allows.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? I try eating smaller healthy meals several times a day. Also, I could not start my morning without oatmeal.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How?

I mostly run and practice tae kwon do while on vacation. I try staying at hotels with workout facilities.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? The good feeling I get from the exercise is the strongest motivator for me. Exercise also helps me relieve stress.

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? I continue to raise the bar and set new goals for myself as soon as I reach the old ones. I am currently working on increasing the number of push-ups I can do per minute.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now? I participated in volleyball and basketball during my high school years. I now compete in tae kwon do tournaments and also participate in at least one running event a year.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? My fitness routine helps me to keep a fresh outlook on life and helps me stay focused at work.

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? If you have not exercised for a while, find a structured program to help you get started with an exercise routine. Set achievable short-term and long-term goals and reward yourself for achieving them.

Kristi Knous, 38
Vice President, Donor Relations & Community Investments Greater Des Moines Community Foundation

What’s your workout regimen? I run at least four times per week. I also enjoy throwing in walking and other exercise programs from time to time. I really like Chicometrics, which is deep muscle toning exercise. I also add light strength training to my runs.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? I start every morning with breakfast. For 15 years, I didn’t eat breakfast, but now that I do, I can’t make it through the morning without it. I have a lot more energy and I can tell a difference in my productivity and focus at work – because I’m not thinking about my growling stomach! I’ve also noticed between exercise and eating breakfast, my metabolism hasn’t slowed.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? I exercise as much as I can when I travel. On vacation, it’s great time to spend with my husband, and we don’t feel as guilty about other indulgences on vacation – like nachos and margaritas!

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? I’ve always been active and exercise has been important to me. Especially after having my children, jumping right into some classes and home exercise were important so I could get right back into shape and feel great about myself and being a mom.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now? I was a cheerleader – go team! I’ve played coed softball as an adult, but when my team nicknamed me “Prancer,” I gave it up.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? I feel good about myself and have lots of energy. I think it helps me deal with a busy, sometimes stressful schedule and keeps things in perspective for me. I love having time to think while I’m exercising, or just tune it all out and listen to great music while I run.

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Go for it! But set realistic goals that you can achieve. I think people set goals that they may reach three years from now, but in six months, it doesn’t seem like you’ll ever get there. I’d set milestones in between and celebrate when you achieve them. I love running with a partner; there’s a slight pressure to keep going and we both feel great about it when we’re done.

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? Over the winter, I’d like to take some exercise classes that will increase my strength and flexibility. I’m really looking forward to adding that into my routine. I enjoy the Dam to Dam 20K run and the Des Moines Half Marathon, so I’ll keep training for those longer runs.

Jim Goodman, 45
President, Customer Ease Inc. & Emerging Growth Group, LLC

What’s your workout regimen? Biking, swimming, running and/or weightlifting for an hour or so. Early morning – 5 or 5:30 a.m. – five days a week.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? Discipline, portion sizes. Once I changed my diet, the bad stuff didn’t seem that good anymore.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? For business: Get up early and use the fitness center, run or bike. On the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Washington, D.C., trip, I ran in the mornings; at the ABI Conference, I took my bike and rode and ran. For vacations, we usually take active ones with our two older girls (Natalie and Ellie): skiing, biking, swimming, hiking …

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? Family and health. My wife, Lisa, is a personal trainer, and I hated adding the disclaimer that “I am not one of her clients.” I want to be around to walk all three girls down the aisle, and we have a 2-year-old. Really, this competition was a great motivator, I like competition. Then there was the Hy-Vee Triathlon. I had several friends doing it (Jimmy Dematteis, Tom Hamilton, Doug Vander Weide and Jeff Goodman), so I signed up. They all were great motivators and very supportive. Now that I am back in shape (a relative term), I like it and want to keep it. I also want to be a better example for our daughters, and Lisa deserves a more fit husband.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now? I wrestled and played football for Urbandale High School and then wrestled and played football for St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. (Each for NCAA Hall of Fame coaches: John Elton and John Gagliardi). I guess now triathlons.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? After exercising I have a better attitude, and every day’s outcome is determined by your beginning attitude.

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Just do something. I like a quote from St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? Better muscle tone and endurance, and get a sub-3-hour triathlon.

Randy Beavers, 56
Assistant General Manager, Des Moines Water Works

What’s your workout regimen? Three-minute daily stretching including push-ups. Bicycle riding three to four times a week.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? Eat a light breakfast every morning, reduced pop consumption to about one can a week, drink decaf coffee, minimize eating between meals, eating less meat and fewer fast-food hamburgers.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? The stretching regimen is easy to do when traveling or away from home.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? My weight has been creeping up every year, and the Fittest Exec program gave me motivation to see what I could achieve if I watched my diet a little better and followed a slightly more rigorous aerobic exercise routine. I’ve only done hit-and-miss gym workouts in the past. My home workout pattern better fits my schedule.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now?

I did football, golf and baseball in high school and played slow-pitch softball after college for 10 years or so. My sports now are limited to golf and tossing a football around at family gatherings and tailgating.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? I want to stay active to be able to do home projects and my limited sports endeavors without worrying about a bad back or other ailment. I’ve been fortunate not to have back problems.

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Find something that’s easy to fit into your daily routine. Stretching has really worked for me and adding some physical workout to the stretching regimen like push-ups and sit-ups or light weights is also fairly easy to do. Then add an aerobic element like walking or exercise bike or treadmill.

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? Stay with an aerobic exercise program year-round. I tend to drop off the aerobic exercises during the warmer-weather months. I do stay active with home projects and volunteering at my church and Lions Club, but that doesn’t fully offset the exercise bike riding.

Dorenda Waters, 45
Director of Human Resources & Business Strategy, Des Moines Water Works

What’s your workout regimen? I am a bicyclist. I cycle three to four times per week, with a goal to complete 150 miles per week. I also enjoy power walking. Working at Des Moines Water Works provides lunchtime access to walk in Water Works Park and Gray’s Lake.

What are the keys to your healthy diet? I eat lots of fruits and vegetables. While I don’t like the typical broccoli and cauliflower, there are many other alternatives. The key is to buy fresh produce, as packaged veggies and fruit often contain excessive sodium and/or sugar. For meat, I like fish and chicken, both low-fat alternatives. My keys to eating healthy are to eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet Monday through Friday with modest portion sizes, and not worry about it over the weekend.

Do you exercise when you travel for business or go on vacation? How? Occasionally, I will spin on a stationary bike, but I always walk. I love being outdoors.

What motivated you to get in shape, and what motivates you to stay in shape? Basically, health and quality of life. I have a passion for travel and want to be healthy to enjoy traveling in my retirement years. I want to be fit enough to be able to climb a mountain or a pyramid. I treat myself to rewards along the way to keep me motivated. Last November I completed a 10-day bicycle trip in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. This August I will be biking along the Danube River in Austria. There is nothing more rewarding than enjoying these trips with my husband and some very good friends.

Were you an athlete in school? Do you participate in sports for fun now? In high school I played on the women’s volleyball team, and growing up on the East Coast, I played women’s field hockey. As an adult I played volleyball in leagues for many years, but once over age 40, diving for those balls just hurt too much! Now I stick to biking in our biking club.

How does fitness affect your everyday life? Fitness is a wonderful stress reliever from a busy and demanding career. It provides me with renewed energy, and the ability to think more clearly. Of course, the bottom line is that it keeps you healthy so you can enjoy life!

What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get in shape? Don’t be obsessive about it. Select a few small goals to begin with. The key is to develop healthy habits that become part of your lifestyle. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Celebrate small achievements of improving your own best record at whatever activity you choose.

Any fitness goals you still hope to achieve? I want to become stronger and stronger in my physical pursuits. My goal is to top whatever I did before.