Combating Obesity for Alachua County’s Health
COACH is Alachua County’s health initiative on combating obesity. It was organized by the Alachua County Medical Society and Alliance.
testimonial was received from Peggy A. Kimerling on
January 22, 2016 during our 2016 season of the wellness walks.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the people and organizations that have helped
make the Wellness Walk such a success. No event can be successful without hard work,
commitment, and a shared goal to be great. I would like to also share a bit of a testimony
and how the wellness Walk has changed me.
I have been a participant in the walks for all three years. I have been amazed at the transformation
in myself in three years. My very first walk I was able to only walk two miles, eight times around
the track. It was difficult for me! I was out of breath and pretty much exhausted. I continued
to attend faithfully for ten weeks and found myself unhappy when the event ended.
A friend and I agreed to continue walking on Saturday mornings, same time, same place.
We have walked faithfully for the past two years through all kinds of weather; hot, cold, rain or shine.
We do not like to miss.
On a personal level, I completed the 5k Yearman run/walk last April and placed third in my age group.
I now walk daily one mile a day before work and on Saturdays, I walk six miles. If my time allows,
I will walk on Sundays as well. Three years after my first walk, I’m healthier, stronger, weigh less
and generally feel great!
I again thank all who are involved in the Weekly Wellness Walks and look ahead to continued
WALKING.
Peggy A. Kimerling