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My name is Kim Collins and I am 48 years old. I was definitely what you
would call a couch potato. I did not do anything that even resembled
physical activity. I struggled with my weight and my high blood
pressure. I have taken blood pressure medication for years and had just
started taking medication for my HDL cholesterol. My total cholesterol
was great (150) but my HDL was 26, I think.
A co-worker sent us an email asking if we like to join the Couch to 5K
in 8 Weeks that was being offered by your facility. I procrastinated
for a while and then decided I would give it a try. I didn’t actually
start the program until January 14th.
It was a very cold evening. I don’t remember the temperature but I
remember I wore a heavy coat and a scarf. I started out running in my
daughter’s horse riding arena. I followed the plan by running for 1
minute and then walking for either 2 or 3, which ever it was. I
continued to run in the arena for awhile but soon moved on to running
down the street because it got boring running around in circles. I
have to say that it was not easy; in fact it was very difficult. I
struggled every day in the beginning but was determined to keep it up.
There were days (quite a few) that I had to make myself get out there
and do it, especially when I got to the point in the plan of running for
4 to 5 minutes at a time. But as I watched my weight and my blood
pressure drop, I knew I had to continue.
I completed the Cantrell 5K in 42:55, if I remember correctly. I then
went on to run the 5K at Houston Health Care with a time of 38:15 and
the Run for Luke in 36:21. I continue to run at least 3 miles about 4
times a week. I have lost 23 pounds and my blood pressure now runs
around 114/75. I feel great and I am so glad that I started this
program.
Kim Collins
2009 Cantrell 5k Participant
The Cantrell Center's 5K was the first one I had ever participated in.
I started walking/jogging to get in shape for it and I
have continued since then. I even participated in another 5K last month
and plan on doing one in June. My whole family has joined me and it has
been really fun to do this together. I can now jog off and on during my
walks and my goal is to be able to run the whole mile. So thanks so
much for the inspiration and for the challenge!
Karen Fulwood
2009 Cantrell 5k Participant
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