Meet your Foot Lake 4 Walk Director
Roxanne Lorenz

Sponsoring organization

Statewide Health Improvement Program - Willmar

Job title

School Intervention Coordinator & Community Health Educator

Fun fitness fact

I qualified for the Boston Marathon, but wasn't able to make it there to run the race.

Favorite fitness activity

I enjoy running since it can be done outside all year round. I also enjoy biking and taking advantage of the State Trails. Basically, I enjoy being outdoors.

Why are you interested in fitness?

Growing up, my family was active. We spent a lot of time outside whether it was on the ball field or at Sibley State Park hiking and camping, we enjoyed being active.

That is how it started and my interest has grown from there. I pursued a health degree and like promoting all aspects of health.

Being active is something I enjoy doing, plus there are so many health benefits related to having an active lifestyle.

Why did you volunteer to be part of the Foot Lake 4 Planning Committee?

I have been involved as a participant in many races and wanted to be on the other side of the race and experience all that goes along with planning a running and walking event.

Who can participate in the Walk?

Anyone! Young, old, and everyone in between! It doesn't matter what your age or pace is, as long as you are able, come out and enjoy the scenery and hopefully beautiful weather!

Pre-walk tips

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your walk.
• Warm up before you walk, perhaps with a few easy stretches.
• Start your walk slowly, then stop and do a few more stretches along the way.
• Walk for your determined length of time.
• Slow down your pace to wind down at the end of your walk.
• Stretch well after your walk to feel better and help prevent injuries.

For more tips and a 12-week walking schedule, visit www.thewalkingsite.com.

On making it 4 miles

Mind your posture - walk tall.

Think of elongating your body.

Hold your head up and look forward.

Your shoulders should be down, back and relaxed.

Tighten your abdominal muscles and buttocks and fall into a natural stride.

Are there health benefits to walking?

So many! Here are just a few:

• Burns calories
• Easy on your joints
• Strengthens bones
• Lowers blood pressure
• Cuts cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of heart disease & diabetes
• Reduces stress
• Helps you sleep better
• Improves your mood
• It's free!

Why should someone participate? Many reasons!

This is a great event that brings the Willmar community together.

It is also a great activity for the family to do together.

It's an excellent excuse to get outside and move!

For heart health - yours, as well as the heart health of our community. Foot Lake 4 is a fundraiser with proceeds going to heart health education and services in our communities.

We were able to purchase and place nine automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the area with the proceeds of the 2007 and 2008 events.

AEDs increase the survival rate of heart attack victims.

Rice Memorial Hospital hosts the annual Foot Lake Four Walk / Run. >> www.ricehospital.com