Survival of the fittest
This whole campaign season is all about determining each candidate's fitness to serve in public office.
Physical fitness is another matter.
On that score, however, some contenders do stand out.
Most Greensboro voters may know about the athletic background of former Councilman Robbie Perkins, who's seeking to return to office this year. Perkins was an all-America distance runner at Duke back in the '70s. At 51, Perkins says he still runs about 20 miles a week, although his legs aren't quite what they used to be.
Probably fewer people are aware that newcomer Cyndy Hayworth is a weightlifter who competed internationally. Hayworth, 57, who looks more like a gymnast or figure skater, still lifts weights, bicycles and enjoys other sports.
I don't know about his background in sports, but first-time candidate James Carpenter really showed me some athleticism yesterday when I met him in the N&R lobby for our Editorial Board interview. He literally ran up the long flight of stairs to the second floor, leaving me way behind.
Well, Carpenter's all of 27 years old.
Who are our other "fit" candidates?
Comments (7)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
I may not be considered "athletic", but I jog and/or walk at least 6 miles per week to keep off the extra calories I am consuming at functions during the campaign and I participate in at least one or two 3K or 5K fundraiser races each year.
Posted on August 31, 2007 11:03 AM
I may not be considered "athletic", but I jog and/or walk at least 6 miles per week to keep off the extra calories I am consuming at functions during the campaign and I participate in at least one or two 3K or 5K fundraiser races each year.
Posted on August 31, 2007 11:03 AM
Marikay, is it harder to keep up with your fitness routine now that you've added campaigning to your activities?
Posted on August 31, 2007 11:20 AM
I do a 30-minute aerobics routine every other day plus 30-minute walks whenever I can fit it into my schedule. My proudest accomplishment to this point is my 23-pound loss in the Mayor's Weightloss Challenge! This Labor Day weekend I'm down at the coast doing a lot of kayaking and beach-walking. Works for me!
Posted on September 1, 2007 12:01 PM
In response to Doug Clark's question asking if it is hard keeping up my fitness routine....
Of course it is, but jogging, running is such a great stress reliever! I try to run/walk in the early morning and feel that it sets a good pace for the rest of the day. As long as my joints hold out (so far, so good) I will continue my regimen throughout the campaign! Thank you for asking, Marikay
Posted on September 4, 2007 4:12 PM
Walking/jogging on paved surfaces are hard on the joints. Now, Sandy's beach walking sounds more like a low-impact workout (although it actually requires more energy to push through soft sand). Anyway, how about a campaign promise from someone to create a sandy walking trail in Greensboro? Anyone?
Posted on September 4, 2007 4:18 PM
Over 25 years I ran about 27,000 miles on Greensboro streets and at other places. After a two year absence due to back surgery I've started again - slowly - on a tread mill and my first goal is to work up to 5k distance, then 10k, then......
Posted on September 19, 2007 10:55 PM