Community Thanks September 30, 2012

PLAN: A fine way to get a running start

On the last Wednesday of this past February, I attended an informational meeting on the No Boundaries Run/Walk Plan at Fleet Feet Sports in Coeur d'Alene.

The program is designed for the beginning runner or those of us who for a variety of reasons have been physically inactive.

I'd never been a runner and, due to health reasons, had been leading a sedentary lifestyle. With my health issues then recently sorted out, attending that meeting turned out to be one of the more important beginnings in my life of 56 years.

At the end of 13 weeks I ran a 5K and the Sunday before last completed a half-marathon. Now, I feel not only healthy but physically fit; and, that great feeling of fitness is permeating into every aspect of my life.

I want to express my thanks to all of my running buddies for being so encouraging and, well, fun! I especially want to express my thanks to Anna, Bill, Caleb, Kim and Garth the coaches (more like encouragers) of Fleet Feet Sports who regularly created a positive, safe, and fun environment. Of course I had to follow the plan, but I know that it never would have happened without each of you!

DAN OSTER