2011 Half Marathon Contest Winners
Have you ever dreamed of running a half marathon? Many people do, but wonder if they're fit enough to finish.
Tri-City Medical Center invited runners and would-be runners to enter our contest to train with our experts for the 2011 Carlsbad Marathon and Half, coming up on January 23, 2011. Meet the "Lucky 14" who were chosen.
Their trainer, Siene Silva, shares her tips and fitness knowledge with you here.
Lynda Barrett, 70, Carlsbad: An already active woman, who walks, participates in at least one spin class per week, a weight lifting circuit twice a week and rides her bike on 10-15 mile bike rides. Looking to increase her stamina to help her keep up with her boogie boarding buddies!
Jim Bell, 46, Oceanside: Having lost more than 25 pounds this past year after discovering his high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Jim is hoping to become re-dedicated to fitness after taking a twenty year absence.
Casey Campbell, 20, Carlsbad: Having struggled with her weight, she is looking for inspiration and a challenge to make a lifestyle change. Casey also wants to serve as a role model for other young women who struggle with weight related issues.
Paul Carey, 32, Carlsbad: Diagnosed as “bipolar” since a child, Paul has experienced a multitude of medications, treatments and hospital stays. Since moving to Carlsbad last year, he has stopped his medication usage and lives life to the fullest by running on the beach, eating healthy and enjoying the simple things in life. Running has proven to be his best therapy yet and he is looking forward to achieving what he once considered an impossible goal; to run and finish a half marathon.
Owen Cobb, 35, Cardiff by the Sea: As a young child, Owen suffered a severe bone infection (Osteomyelitis) which caused his left hip to deteriorate in a degenerative manner, such that by the age of 10 he was left with stiffness and arthritis of an eighty year old joint. Having undergone total hip replacement surgery in March 2010, he finally has a new titanium and ceramic hip. Having recently completed his physical therapy at the Tri-City Wellness Center, and after only eleven months since his surgery, Owen is looking forward to accomplishing the half marathon that for most of his life was out of reach.
Laura Dudek, 42, Encinitas: She has worked over the past two years to change her lifestyle after struggling with weight issues for most of her life. She has stopped making excuses and is ready to commit to achieving her goal of living a healthy life as an aging adult.
Manuel Harris, 61, Carlsbad: Eleven years after retiring from the U.S. Navy, Manny is committing himself to a healthy lifestyle. He recently started swimming and is now up to swimming a mile every time he gets into the pool. He now wants to accomplish a half marathon with the assistance of a group training program through Tri-City Medical Center.
Leesa Lamb, 46, Vista: Since being diagnosed and treated for Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer, Leesa is determined to live a healthy lifestyle in order to tackle whatever comes her way! This wife, mother and cancer survivor is striving to add “half marathoner” to her list.
Alicia Magdaleno, 34, Solana Beach: After suffering from Preeclampsia and losing her child, Alicia became an emotional eater and went down an unhealthy path in life. After learning that Preeclampsia was related to heart disease and realizing that both of her grandmothers suffered from heart conditions, Alicia slowly started making lifestyle changes which began with nutrition and exercise.
Dan Randol, 43, Carlsbad: Five years ago Dan suffered a debilitating back injury that changed his life completely. Once a very physically active person, he was forced to reduce his amount of exercise in order to allow his body to recover from the injury. Dan is now once again moving towards his ultimate goal of being an athlete and all around healthy and happy dad.
Alicia Reynolds, 45, San Marcos: Having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis eleven years ago, Alicia has changed her lifestyle and diet in order to avoid medications. She has always dreamed of completing a half marathon and is now doing so with the support of her fellow Tri-City Medical Center half marathon contest winners.
Melanie Tyszkiewicz, 34, Carlsbad: Never run more than 3 miles, Melanie is looking to promote an active lifestyle to her two young children and to be a positive role model for them.
Bernadette Wieboldt, 47, Oceanside: Since making a New Year’s Resolution this past year to improve her health, “Bernie” has been working on increasing her energy and stamina by walking and now running. The goal of finishing a half marathon has been a dream of hers for many years but she lacked the resources and knowledge. Bernie is now on her way to realizing and accomplishing her goal.
Sandy Zelasko, 53, Valley Center: Since May 2008, Sandy has overcome Ovarian Cancer, lost over 70 pounds and is now leading a healthy life. Her plan is to carry on with fitness and to conquer yet another milestone in her life – to finish a half marathon.
