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When you see a runner churning down the side of a road, her story may be more about
COURAGE
than fitness.
And if you think she's incredible, read about Matthew Long (below on the left). Click the photo to read his story.
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| Matthew Long, left, forces his mangled body to relearn the art of running. His running buddy is Frank Carino. |
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Are you just a slug or is there a
LAZINESS
gene to explain your inertia?
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| Louisville's Mayor-For-Life Jerry Abramson is a terrific advocate of bicycling, and is working hard to make the city more bike-friendly. His "Mayor's Hike & Bike" events have been growing exponentially over the past few years. |
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SUGAR & SPICE AIN'T SO NICE
Life expectancy for American women is heading backwards.
Obesity. Diabetes. Smoking.
Take charge of your health and live longer, girl.
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LOOPY SCOOP
The 100 mile Louisville Loop is facing a few obstacles in connecting a few neighborhoods, but the first 26 mile section is about to be officially opened.
Bike or hike. It's what you'll like.
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| The Louisville Loop faces a few hurdles. |
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Words to chew on as you map your destiny:
Persistence
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common that unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."
---Calvin Coolidge
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| Maasai warriors run on pieces of car tires tied to their feet. "Twenty six miles not far," said one Maasai runner. |
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A MARATHON MIRACLE
Read about these Tanzanian Maasai warriors who run for 5 or 6 days straight and you will understand that running a simple marathon is an attainable goal. These warriors are running a marathon in London without water so they can provide running water for their people in Tanzania and southern Kenya. And they'll wear pieces of tires for shoes, which is traditional dress in the Maasai tribes.
Never, ever doubt the limits of human willpower.
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Every day is New Year's Day. Each day, you awaken and have one thing that you can control...your attitude.
If you suffer from the common ailment known as stinkin' thinkin', it is within your power to make today New Life Day and flip your negative thoughts to productive ideas.
Forget the stinkin' thinkin' and flip it around to yes is best.
Savor your life. Seize each day. Rid yourself of negative people and ideas. Move forward with wonderment. Get to the finish line still laughing.
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"If it is to be, it is up to me."
You are capable of living your dreams. Declare a goal. Pursue it. Relish the accomplishment forever.
It's that easy, baby:
1) Determine a goal.
2) Decide that nothing will stop you.
3) Keep living step 2.
Your dream will be realized. You will savor the accomplishment for the rest of your life and you will lead others to achieve their goals.
Learn. Lead. Love.
But by all means, have fun in life. That's the secret to success; have a little bit of fun every single day. That way, every day contains a joyous moment that connects to tomorrow's next joyous moment.
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Work Out and Drink Up
CNN/TIME medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta says adding a little alcohol to your life can actually replace a little exercise time.
Here's mud in your eye, sweaty.
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| Randy Davidson & Terry Meiners, 1993. Click the cassette to hear a compilation of "Best of" clips from WHAS Radio. |
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HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it. Don't waste them on exercise . Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening.... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable. It's the best feel-good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle ?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had
about food and diets. And remember: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
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| Melissa and Molly conquered the grueling two-day Goofy Challenge in Orlando. It's a half-marathon on Saturday and a full marathon the next day. Ouch. |
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SISTERS BUT NOT SISSIES
Terry,
I wrote to you earlier this year, telling you about the Disney World Goofy Challenge. Just wanted to get back in touch to let you know that my sister and I completed both the Half and Full Marathons this past weekend. It was the hardest thing I've ever done!!! After wearing those 3 medals around my neck . . . it was worth it. Attached is a photo from the finish line. My sister (Melissa) is on the left, I am on the right.
Thanks again for all of your encouragement.
Molly
TM: Awesome! Your work inspires others to get up off the couch and live a healthier, happier life through personal achievements. You rock. I'll listen for all that jingle jangle when your bling rattles.
[Note: The Disney World Goofy Challenge offers a runner 3 medals; Donald Duck for the half marathon and Mickey Mouse for the complete marathon. A person who completes both events on consecutive days earns a Goofy medal to note the incredibly challenging accomplishment.]
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Hey Terry,
Which of the Derby Festival races are you running this year? I'm plugging along with my running, loving every minute of it, although these cold days coming up will present a challenge. I read in a Marathon Training book (I love having access to so much information at my bookstore!) that dedicated runners adopt the mantra "It Doesn't Matter" - how cold, how snowy, how rainy...
I hope things are well with you, and thanks again for your inspiration! I have been able to encourage 6 people that work for me and a friend from high school to start running! This is a blast!
Scott
Barnes & Noble
TM: I love running in cold weather. The body never overheats. Always protect your hands, feet, and face from wind burn and potential frostbite. Running stores have the right gear.
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PERSPECTIVE
Accept that you are a tiny speck in the grand spectacle of the world. Then take your gifts of perspective and benevolence directly to someone in need.
That one act of selflessness is a seed that can grow into a mountain of leadership that others will emulate.
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| Terry Meiners at The Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, CO., January 13, 2008. |
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From one of my Phoenix Marathon buddies...
Terry,
Just wanted to thank you and tell your advise and daily exercise preaching works!
I am living proof that once you start exercising it's addictive as hell! I am a former couch potato who decided about four years ago it was time to make a change.
I went from a guy who never ran a mile is his life....to someone who's about to complete his third marathon in less then nine months.
Looks like we're gonna have a little better weather then you had last year!
Take care,
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A new British study says:
Four small lifestyle changes extend people's lives an average of fourteen years. 14 MORE YEARS OF LIFE! Are you kidding me? Do it!
Details here.
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EVERY DAY IS NEW YEAR'S DAY. GET A NEW START TODAY.
LIVE YOUR DREAMS.
click for: self-help tools. motivational help. service to others.
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| Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks ignored detractors and finally moved the long-suffering program to a prominent level. |
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Terry,
#1) In June, I was 271 lbs. and climbing. I knew that something had to be done. Listening to you on the way home everyday was inspiring, so I went to Pacers and Racers and bought a good pair of running shoes. My goal was to run in my first 5K race in November, continue to run 5K's, and complete the Triple Crown in March. It was rough at first, considering I couldn't make it halfway up my street. But I kept going.
#2) Friday night, October 26, I completed my first 5K, the "Run Like Hell". 33:53. It was the second best feeling of my life as I crossed that finish tape! Oh, I forgot, I crossed that tape at 239 lbs. and FALLING.
#3) REVISED GOAL. Keep it up, complete the Triple Crown AND the Mini-Marathon. Train all year, and run the October Louisville Marathon.
#4) NOTHING will stop me.
#5) There will be another revision. Boston Marathon anyone?
Thanks for being an inspiration to so many people, and helping them to achieve something so worthwhile. I'm 33 years old and making some significant changes in several areas of my life. I'm in the process of shedding anger, getting in shape, and gobbling up happiness. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Scott Schultz
Store Manager
Barnes & Noble @ The Summit
TM: I am deeply touched that you're letting me share in your transformation. You are doing it on your own. Revel in it. Celebrate it every minute of every day. We all know that life is finite; my hope for all of us is that we take steps to PROLONG our lives. Keep it up, bro.
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Learn about the beauty of serving others from
Johnny The Bagger
And remember, you're never "just" anything in this world. You are a leader. You are an inspiration. You are a member of the human race.
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| Johnny The Bagger |
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Hi Terry,
Just wanted to say thanks for your inspiring radio program. I listen everyday on my way home. July 21st, 2007 I started to walk each evening because i needed to drop 17 lbs. because Dairy Queen is across the street from the office and over the past year I discovered that the Reese Cup Blizzard is the bomb. I should know because I tried them all! With Fall on my tail I decided that I wouldn't prefer to purchase a new wardrobe, so I got to work. As I said I started walking three miles every evening then I started to jog portions of my trek, I now have graduated to jogging three miles every morning (before it gets too hot) and am loving it! I have lost 17 lb.s exactly and I still have to purchase more clothes because this amazing transformation has taken form. I have muscles in places that I didn't even know I had places. I'm 46 years old and feel and look in better shape than when I was in my teens! The only down side (other than the wardrobe) is My right knee bothers me. Could I be overdoing it? I feel so good that I can't stand to miss a day! Keep up the good work. Thanks again, Judy
TM: Awesome work, Judy. Check with a medical professional about your knee. Don't ignore pain, but don't use it as an excuse to quit.
Speaking of extreme levels of discomfort, a Louisville runner wrote to rave about the Chicago Marathon crowd support in a tough situation:
Terry,
Just thought I would share a little of my experience in Chicago over the weekend. I've ran the Louisville marathon the last three years and Columbus Ohio last fall. I wanted to experience a "large" marathon and boy did I get more than I bargained for!
I knew we were in for a long day when at mile five the medical tent was full. What's even worse I started from a seeded coral (C) so these where my peers who had a quailing time of 3:45 or better.
I was running with the new balance pace group at 3:40 pace. I was on target at the half but by that point things were getting unbearable. At the water stops people including myself were taking 3 and 4 waters and Gatorades to drink and pour on themselves. Supplies were going quick. At that point fans (who were 3 deep on every inch of the course) started taking it upon themselves to help the runners.....it was awesome. They got out lawn sprinklers, hoses, handed out ice, wet towels and poured there own water into Dixie cups. Problem was it was so humid you just couldn't cool off. By the time you reached the next water stop you were completely dry.
About mile 16 I told myself this is no longer about hitting your time it's going to be about finishing....This was my fifth marathon and the first I considered quitting. I decided to fall back to a light jog and walk it out at water stops. I struggled til mile 19. People were dropping everywhere I looked. It was insane. Ambulances were running everywhere you looked. Walkers and joggers became the norm very few running.
It kept getting hotter and hotter. By the time I reached mile 22 the water tables were empty volunteers were pouring hot water into glasses as fast as they could pour. It this point I felt like I was going to be able to finshes.
Just past mile 26 the ems worker got on a bull horn a yelled "the race is cancelled stop running" There was no way in hell I was gonna stop with 2 tenths of a mile to go!
I crossed the line 4:06 my worst time by 20 mintues but it was by far my greatest since of accomplishment....
It's a shame the weather had to ruin the race. The city was awsome and we could only hope to growth Louisville's marathon support to a fraction of Chicago's!
Onto next!! - PF Chago Ariz 08.
Tom
TM: I'm glad that you made wise choices in a frantic situation. I hope this freakish situation doesn't dissuade others from pursuing their marathon dreams.
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Terry I’d just like to thank you for being a part of a life changing moment that helped me make my life better. Last December at a Louisville Basketball game I was picked for the halftime shoot out. By pure luck I won the layup portion and was so overweight and out of shape (287 pounds) I could hardly breathe and you where your normal comedic self. I went on to shoot the free throws and after the last one I fell backwards on the freedom hall floor and was totally embarrassed! I from then on was known as “the fat guy” who made a fool of himself in front of 19000 people to my friends. I decided that night that I would change my life and with the help of my wonderful wife we went on a quest to improve ourselves and live a healthier lifestyle. We started eating right and joined a fitness club and well… here we are!
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071003/NEWS0201/710030893/1026
I don’t know if you will ever now that that December night at that game you where a part of a life changing moment but I understand that as a fitness nut you might get some enjoyment out of this if you remember the “fat guy who fell on his back during the halftime shootout” . Thank you Terry and keep up the good work!
Sincerely, Jeremy Bowen
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| Tony Cruise rides her bike to the candy store. |
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Dear Terry -
Thanks for the exercise tips. I've ridden my bike for 3 years and here are my tips: 1) Always wear your helmet. I've fallen over 4 times and hit my head twice with no major injuries thanks to my bike helmet. 2) Always ride the same way to work so you will learn the points of danger, blind corners, parking garages, etc and become aware of them. 3) Cars are not your friends. Do not confront them. They will hurt, maim, or kill you so all that exercise will be gone as you are gone. 4) Just because you are on a bike and have "rights" you can't change the laws of gravity or physics - if you place yourself in obvious danger don't count on the right of being a bike rider to bail you out. Right or wrong you will be the one that's hurt. 5) Ride in the rain at your own risk. Ride at night at your own risk. 6) Ride conservatively - do not rush - do not take chances. Even if you are very careful you will almost be hurt at least 1 time a day. 7) Give motor vehicles the right of way - do not hold up traffic. They will run over you. 8) Enjoy the ride but safety first. I don't mind if you use all of this but please don't give my e-mail address or the name "****" out. Thanks enjoy listening to you.
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| Louisville's Sarah Pritts toughed her way through her first Ironman on September 9th. But she never stopped smiling. Click the photo to watch her video. |
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| Sarah spent 8+ hours on the bike. Just settle in and enjoy the journey. It's all about dedication and determination. |
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| Louisville's Chad Holloway earned a spot in the Ironman World Championship. His finish line catchers are Mary George and Terry Meiners. |
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| Get in shape. Shed anger. Gobble up happiness. |
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| Besides exercise and diet issues, the #1 rule is to have a little fun every day. |
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Here's a Louisville area race calendar. This will give you lots of options for complementing your solitary running with real races. Don't worry about other people's times; you are only competing with yourself.
Why should you use aerobic exercise as a catalyst for better living?
The object is to use exercise as a means of cleansing your body, mind, and spirit of corrosive substances, thoughts, and feelings.
Your sweat will purge from your body all of the things it does not want or need. Just as the announcer says in the sport drink commercial, give your body what it wants.
Exercise.
The good feelings, sense of accomplishment, and improved health that follow a regular workout pay dividends all day.
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