"Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other women who have her back."
Before joining this group I had walked by myself for quite some time and frankly I wondered if I would enjoy walking with strangers more than on my own. I was delightfully surprised when I soon found myself wanting to walk as much for the company as for the great exercise. I also quickly discovered that it was easier to stick to a walking schedule as part of this group and make it a priority in my daily routine. I got out and moved when I otherwise might have come up with an with an excuse not to. Along the way I have met some fantastic ladies who continue to inspire me and make a difference in my life. I’m invested and I can’t wait to see what we do next!
~ Jennifer Buckler ~
This summer, I started out agreeing to walk in support of my dear friend Teri - she was looking for a way to help her through a difficult time and I was happy to help. Little did I know that by supporting Teri, I would not only feel better physically but would also make new friends and cement my relationship with some old friends as well. The ability to spend time with these “chicks” has given me great girl talk, lots of laughs (and I can’t lie, some tears as well), great pride in our walking progress, and peaceful moments of pure Michigan beauty. It is so comforting to have a group of friends that supports each other and has become more comfortable by the day to share their lives (good and bad), laugh at our crazy (i.e., menopausal) moments, cry at our losses, and just be ourselves. Thanks to my friends for a great summer and many more walking seasons to come!!!
~ Patty Russ ~
I started walking in desperation due to a dress purchased for my daughter’s wedding. I had been trying to lose 10 pounds for six months. The scale went up and down, but mainly rested on the same numbers. One night while playing cards with friends and one asked “Hey, do you want to join me for a 1/2 marathon?” Luckily she was mistaken and it was really a 10K walk. The fact that in two months I needed to squeeze into the dress, and I was in a good mood and having a good time, made me say, sure. The wedding has come and gone, the dress was worn, and I’m still walking. I walk to lose weight. I walk to look better. I walk to feel better, not just physically but mentally, by walking with friends. We walk, we talk, we share adventures along the way. We make more friends as we each bring new people to join us. There aren’t many reasons I would get up at 7:45 am on the weekend and can’t believe that I am doing it to exercise. There is nothing that motivates you to show-up for something you normally don’t want to do, even if it’s good for you, like friends.
~ Chris DeFouw ~
Let me just start by saying that I am a very lazy person. I have always been upset with myself that I’m not exercising regularly. So one fine night with friends earlier this summer, at the mere mention of a 6 mile race and possibly getting a group of us to join, I was in! A walking schedule was set up and I knew where to be when. I was very dedicated to the schedule. I find it hard to believe that I am actually getting myself out of bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings for an early and sometimes long walk. I’ve come to appreciate these early morning walks. The mornings are so quiet and beautiful, very peaceful. I have found a new appreciation for being closer to nature. This walking club makes me happy. I’m moving again. Along the way I have met new people, become closer to friends that I’ve known for a while and had really great conversations with great people. I’ve learned a lot from these very smart women. I am proud to call them my friends. I look forward to walking with them all through the winter and beyond.