My TAKE
A new pastime turned into a healthy lifestyle for
Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital’s Network Administrator Lew Harter.
In 2012, Lew and his daughter, April Harter, began running
to have an activity they could do together.
“Prior to that I never considered myself a runner,” he said.
Now they have run 5K, 10K, 15K, and half and full marathon races.
They are currently training for a Marathon in April. Lew also has
qualified for the Boston Marathon, and they are hoping April will at the next race.
“It’s been a great chance for us to spend time together and bond,” Lew said.
Since beginning running, Lew said he has lost 30 pounds and his blood pressure is down.
“I would say I am probably healthier now than any time in my life,”
The El Dorado bike paths provide a good opportunity to stay active and get outside. He enjoys running on the trails at the El Dorado State Park, as well as the lake road and wants to try out the horse trails at the lake.
Lew believes the city of El Dorado has shown commitment to having a healthy community through their investment in the bike paths.
“I just love being outside,” he said. “I just go run and see what I can see.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Lew continued. “Almost anyone can run. It doesn’t have to be fast and it doesn’t have to be far. It will make a difference in their lives.”
Hidden Gems
FLINT HILLS
Voted one of the eight wonders of Kansas, the Flint hills are an incredible, wonderful, almost magical place. Located East oF El Dorado and extending North and South for several hundred miles, the Flinthills are one of the remaining tallgrass praire ecosystems in the world. (travelks.com)