Go fat granny on a purple Schwinn and other thoughts while running


I just finished another long run in training for the Kiawah Island Half-marathon coming up in December. I am often asked, "What do you think about for that long?" Well, to satisfy your curiosity (or just for your information!), here’s a brief synopsis of the thoughts that can dart through my mind during those hours of miserable-yet-somehow-satisfying long runs.

As I’m pondering yet once again the purpose of such a goal for myself (and I’m doing this because ?), I recall a recent e-mail I received from the Coastal Cyclists group. Apparently a self-proclaimed "overweight grandma" has dubbed herself "Fat Granny On a Purple Schwinn" and is setting out December 9 to travel with three of her grandchildren by bicycle across the country. They plan to take seven months to complete their journey, stopping along the way to perform various charitable tasks and labors of generosity. They are receiving the support of numerous businesses, organizations, and even our very own governor.

"Our very own governor," . . . yes, the one who was referred to in last week’s Time magazine as one of the country’s three worst governors in office. I disagree (along with State Representative Ben Hagood, who was quick to debate that very same article), and personally I think Mark Sanford is doing a fine job. Of course, my interest is in the work he and the First Lady are doing to improve the quality of life in our state. Together they have issued a challenge to the state of South Carolina to increase activity, improve the nutrition, and reduce the smoking rate of South Carolinians. Governor and Mrs. Sanford have been very proactive in promoting family fitness, encouraging SC citizens to participate alongside their own family in various physical activities. For more information go to www.healthysc.gov.

And speaking of family fitness and better nutrition for adults and children, let’s think for a moment about nutrition in the schools. A client recently came to workout and with dismay told of the slushie machine that had been placed in his six-year-old’s public school cafeteria. A slushie machine. Great. Fill the kids up with pure sugar and send ‘em home.

But as residents of Daniel Island, we don’t have to worry (yet) about what the public schools are serving our children to eat. Kudos to the Daniel Island Academy, where I have heard healthy meals and snacks are served, and parents are not allowed to send food with their children. Unfortunately other schools are not quite so health-conscious, even in the private sector. Some PrimeTime clients report that their children are fed things such as sugar cookies and PopTarts as snacks. Parents, please remember that if you do send a snack to school for your child’s classmates, you are responsible – for the moment – for the nutrition of several children. Many parents try to keep their children from exposure to added sugars, trans-fats, preservatives, etc. Now, I am not promoting organic-everything for your children, just healthy snacks that can be enjoyed by all with no ill-effects (think temper tantrums, poor attention, irritability, etc). Pretzels, celery and cheese, whole-grain crackers and peanut butter, fruit . . . these are just some examples of healthy snacks that children can have, and may enjoy if given the opportunity . . .

If given the opportunity. children can learn healthy lifestyles early. My thoughts return to Fat Granny on a Purple Schwinn, who is biking with her three grandchildren across the country. What a great role model granny is, and what an example she is setting! You go, Granny . . . what a way to be involved in the health and wellness of your family! (for more information on Granny’s journey, go to www.fatgrannyonapurpleschwinn.com.

And speaking of your family, what are your plans post-turkey consumption this Thanksgiving? Why not engage the entire family in a game of hoops, a long walk, a bike ride, rollerblading, cleaning up the yard . . . instead of the usual sit-on-the-sofa-and-digest routine. Nothing too strenuous . . . just some light activity to burn those extra calories before lounging in front of the television catching up on the football scores of the day.

Well, there you have it . . . a few thoughts that helped me make it through another long run. Next time you see me on the streets, give me a few short beeps and something else to think about!


Meredith Nelson, M.Ed, is the owner of PrimeTime Fitness, Inc, on Sullivan’s Island. Meredith divides her time between the gym on Sullivan’s Island and limited in-home training here on Daniel Island, where she resides along with her husband and two cats. Meredith can be reached with your fitness questions at 883-0101, or Meredith@primetimefit.net.

Daniel Island Publishing

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Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

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