Sports
Setback Had Sandy Springs Resident Cheering on Sidelines at 5K
On her way to a major weight loss goal and plans to participate in last week's, Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk but broke her foot.
Lori Barclay had big plans for her first Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk. The Sandy Springs resident trained hard in the months leading up to the 5K, as part of her goal to reclaim her health and lose 100 pounds in one year.
The event was held last week. The start and finish line was at Turner Field.
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Barclay planned to walk the hilly course with an entourage of supporters, including her best friend, her boyfriend, her daughter and a childhood friend she hadn’t seen in 30 years.
Unfortunately, a broken foot sidelined her.
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“Obviously I’m extremely disappointed,” she said. “It’s something I really wanted to do.”
Yet Barclay, 47, didn’t let the injury derail her long-term goals. She came to the race anyway on Thursday and helped out at the tent sponsored by her employer, Northwestern Benefit Corporation of Georgia. Her entourage came with her and participated in the race, including the old friend she recently reconnected with through Facebook, who drove from Mobile, Ala.
“I have so many people supporting me in this journey,” Barclay said, adding that she holds herself accountable by posting her progress and struggles on her Facebook page.
She has lost 10 pounds so far, and at times gets frustrated with the slow pace of weight loss. She says is inspired in part by the impending birth of her fourth grandchild. “I know I’ll need all my energy to keep up with my grandkids and be a part of their lives,” she said. “I want to live my life instead of just existing.”
Barclay cheered on more than 16,000 walkers and runners who participated in the 30th annual run/walk, which winds through downtown Atlanta. The goal of the 5K is to promote corporate wellness and inspire life-changing healthy decisions like Barclay’s.
The 5K is produced by U.S. Olympian and running expert Jeff Galloway through Phidippides Runners RRCA. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Braves Foundation, Back on My Feet and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Did you participate in the run/walk event, last week? Tell us about it in the comments.
