Looking for some inspiration to get started in training?  Check out the stories of a few of our former training participants!

Peggy Can’t be Knocked Down

In 2008 Peggy Haymes was hit by a car while riding her bike.  She was left with a pelvis fractured in three places and a set of wheels attached to a chair.  It was while she was in her wheelchair that Peggy decided she wanted to run a 5K.  Two months after she returned to walking her training officially began.  She limped, shuffled, persevered and eventually ran her first 5K.  But that was just the starting line.  Defying the expectations of her doctors and physical therapists, Peggy has gone from being wheelchair bound to running multiple half marathons.  She even got back on the bike and is now an official triathlete.  What did No Boundaries give her?  Confidence, a foundation of fitness, and many wonderful friends who are her running partners and support crew.  Next year we will cheer her on through her first marathon.  Peggy Haymes can’t be knocked down… in fact, she can’t be stopped! 

George Found His Routine

As a successful attorney in his sixties, starting a new fitness routine seemed a daunting ordeal to George Ragland.  But after finishing No Boundaries training, running and fitness is now a priority in his life.  It was George’s daughter in law who went beyond encouraging him to join the program and actually led him to Fleet Feet (by the hand!) to sign up for the program.  Four years later George finds himself surrounded by a running family that spans both genders and generations.  Through his training George has learned that “there are lots of other people out there just like [him], knowing they need to become more active but not sure what step to take first.”  And despite his fear of failure he re-learned something that he instinctively knew all along:  You can probably do it if you try. 

Dawnyelle Discovered Her Own Friends

After years of putting everyone’s needs in front of her own Dawnyelle Leonard joined No Boundaries to get active, to be able to keep up with her son, and most importantly, to finally do something for herself.  Aside from developing a regular routine of fitness Dawnyelle has “become a stronger person physically and mentally.”  What keeps her going?  She has made countless new friends, from marathoners to walkers.  As her running family continues to grow Dawnyelle is encouraged that taking time to take care of herself has even made her a better employee, spouse and mother.  And now her son has to keep up with her! 

Jane Dropped Her Numbers

After seeing some less than flattering photos of herself tagged on facebook, Jane Lyerly decided it was time to make a change.  An e-mail in her inbox invited her to join No Boundaries and it seemed that all signs were pointed in the same direction.  Jane joined the program with fear of how she might compare to others, but was happy to learn that “everyone goes at his or her own pace and tailors the program to their individual needs and abilities.”  A year later Jane’s doctor has noticed the “changes it has made in her numbers…  weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.”   While these numbers have dropped, her number of friends has grown.  She has a support system filled with friendships from her No Boundaries program and is now serving as a mentor for our new participants. 

David and Julie Encouraged Each Other the Whole Way

Julie and David wanted to exercise more… so they decided to take a challenge together.  Because their work schedules were unpredictable, finding time to exercise was difficult.  Toether they joined No Boundaries hoping that working out with a group and a regular training schedule would help them stick with the program - they were right!  By doing the program together Julie and David encouraged each other to attend the group practices and complete the training runs on their own during the week.   David says that “It was not always easy but we found training with a group was really helpful.”   The No Boundaries coaches and mentors were supportive and encouraging without being overwhelming.   They expected to be challenged - and they were - but the program never dished out more than they could take.   Julie and David also made great new friends in the mentors, coaches, and group members.  Together they continue to stay active and fit.  Their journey into No Boundaries has become a lifestyle and has changed their whole family!  

Helen Continues to Survive

As a cancer survivor Helen Phelps is well aware that something that may have “seemed impossible is possible once you set your mind on it.”  Just a few years ago running for four minutes seemed impossible.  But she joined No Boundaries, finished her first 5K and has gone on to run a half marathon.  Along the way she picked up a few extra sports and started racing sprint triathlons.  Impossible?  Not at all.  For Helen, exercise has helped her to take an active role in her recovery and in staying cancer free.  Furthermore her amazing level of activity has helped her to stay balanced both physically and emotionally.  Who knows where we’ll see Helen next as she “keeps adding to the bucket list.” 

Adrienne Found the Love of the Group

In a society where childhood obesity is on the rise Adrienne Smith signed up for No Boundaries to set a positive example for her children.  Along the way she discovered the power of training with a group.  Although she questioned her ability to keep up with her fellow participants, Adrienne “learned that running is possible for all ages, shapes and sizes.”  And she soon realized that her fellow runners and walkers in the group were there to cheer her on and to share in her milestones along the way.  She no longer asks herself “Can I?” but now she asks “When will I?”