ATX100
From Biggest Loser to ATX100: Taking on the Freedom Run
Nov 16, 2011 | 12:18 pm
- The ATX100 groupPhoto by Kathleen Jennings
- ATX100 stretching before their workoutPhoto by Kathleen Jennings
- ATX100 getting prepared for their Saturday workoutPhoto by Kathleen Jennings
- The hill workout beginsPhoto by Kathleen Jennings
- Heads up the hillPhoto by Kathleen Jennings
ATX100, a group of folks trying to lose 100 pounds each this year, takes on its first group challenge this Saturday. They will gather at Camp Mabry for the "Freedom Run," the first of five 5K's the group will run before the big Capital 10,000 run in March.
They're two months into their journey and their passion to lose weight is growing bigger as their bodies are growing smaller. You can see it in their faces, their determination is contagious.
It's a Saturday morning in Austin and the group is together for their weekly training. They convene at RunTex and venture out to the trail for their workout.
Runtex owner, Paul Carrozza leads them to the bars for stretching and then they're off to Butler Hill, that's the one to the right of Palmer Auditorium.
On this day, it's 20 hill repeats, 10 up and 10 down, some forwards, some backwards—it's a tough climb. Hills are tough on the muscles; easy on the joints but they help burn double the calories compared to a flat surface. Carrozza marvels at how far they have already come and how much their bodies have changed. There are 65 in the group, some more vocal than others, rumbling about the workout and the toughness but they keep moving, helping and encouraging one another as they knock out each rep.
Joe Bacon is part of this group. Remember him and his blog, alittlelessbacon.com. He has been the voice of ATX100. Joe is down 43 pounds. He's wearing clothes he hasn't been able to fit into and giving away clothes that are too big. He says his legs are stronger and he's feeling healthier and an added benefit, his golf game has dramatically improved! Bacon has struggled with his weight his whole life but he says this time it will work. He's exercising, eating better and doing it for himself and that keeps him on the right track. He says he wishes he were losing the weight faster but has learned it is truly "one day at a time."
My Fit Foods is helping Bacon and the ATX100 team meet it's goal by teaching healthy habits. It provides healthy portioned meals. The owner, Mario Mendias started the business 5 years ago. His mission was to create healthy meals in hopes of teaching a balance between fitness and nutrition. My Fit Foods provides a meal to ATX100 after every Saturday workout along with a nutritional consultant.
The "Freedom Run" kicks off at 9 am at Camp Mabry on Saturday, November 19th. The run benefits our Veterans and their families.