Community member organizes walks

Published 6:56 pm Saturday, August 7, 2010

You’re never too old, too young or too out of shape to start getting your walk on.

That’s the idea behind the first Immunization Awareness Live Life Walk being held 6 p.m. on Monday at Planter’s Park.

“We’re fighting against obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and so much more,” organizer Tisa Edwards said. “It’s about living an active life and putting aside anything that gets in the way for that.”

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The walk is the first of six in a six-week campaign that Edwards is planning in the Tidewater area.

Walks are already scheduled for Mount Trashmore and City View Park in Virginia Beach, and ones in Gates County, Elizabeth City and Portsmouth are in the works.

The walk will be about 30 minutes, but there are no strict guidelines or requirements.

“You can walk at your own pace, and if you can’t complete it that’s okay,” Edwards said. “You do what you can.”

The idea behind it is that “you start off with what you can do,” Edwards said. “You just start at your own pace, and you don’t let anyone stop you — not even yourself.”

All you need to participate are a pair of comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing and a bottle of water.

Those interested in participating in all six walks can use them to qualify for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, which requires six weeks of working out 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

If someone is interested in the challenge, a $5 fee is required for the cost of the certificates and T-shirts.

Edwards decided to start the walks as a result of her own health battle and the example of her friends.

“I myself am rebuilding my health and my life,” Edwards said. “Almost two years ago, I was hospitalized, and I’d been what could be called disabled for the past few years when I was just in my early 30s. Now, I’m in my mid-30s, and I went from being inactive to getting my life back. I’m able to go to theme parks with my kids.”

Through walking and learning proper nutrition, Edwards has lost 24 pounds and is off the many medications she was on before.

“I’ve found a simple walk has made a major difference in my life,” Edwards said. “There’s something everyone can do, no matter what shape you’re currently in.”

No registration is needed for the walk.

Call 739-1130 for more information.