5:30 a.m. CST – We departed for an interview with Ernie Paulson of KARK Little Rock. The interview started at 6:32 a.m. and lasted for about three minutes. Ernie was very excited about the story and wanted to follow up with us before we left town. We gave him our number and he told us that he would call.
After returning to the hotel from the interview, we rested for a while and I prepared for my meeting with Chris Pyle, with the Governor’s Office, at the capitol building.
2:30 p.m. CST – We departed for the meeting with Chris Pyle, the Policy Advisor for Family and Faith for the state of Arkansas.
3:45 p.m. CST – We arrived at the State Capitol building in Little Rock, Arkansas. We went to the second floor of the building where we met Chris Pyle in the Governor’s Reception Room. There, we discussed Governor Huckabee’s Healthier Arkansas Initiative and how what I was doing with the Tour could Arkansas’s efforts to reduce obesity and unhealthy living. Governor Huckabee himself had taken personal responsibility for his health and had lost a lot of weight and gotten in shape. He is a great example of what you can do when you put your mind to it and decide there is always a way and never give up. I told him that one of our sponsors, Imshapingup.com, was providing free memberships for government officials at both city and state level and how this would be the first virtual health and fitness portal. It would provide easily understood information that was measurable and could be used for accountability. Chris thought that it was a great idea and said that he would like to go ahead with working with us and that he would check into the website.
After our meeting we met some interesting people who worked at the Sate Capitol building. They told us the history of the building and about former President Clinton recently doing an interview for 60 Minutes in the Governor’s Reception Room. They also told us that the movie, “Stone Cold”, staring Brian Bosworth was also filmed at the State Capitol building. Most of the building was closed off for the filming of the movie.
6:00 p.m. CST – We departed the State Capitol building and went out for dinner.
7:00 p.m. CST – We packed up the trailer in preparation for an early departure in the morning.
11:30 p.m. CST – Went to bed.
8 to10 AM – We packed and loaded the trailer to get ready to move on to our sponsor Baymont hotel in Little Rock, AR.
The title of today’s blog is an anonymous quote that I really like. A lot of time is spent these days talking about fitness. A lot of people think to themselves, “Yup! It’s time to get in shape! I just need a plan and I will really do it right. I’ll start on Monday.” Only Monday never seems to come. How many times have you thought about working out or eating better only to drop the ball? Maybe you even made dramatic promises to “lose twenty pounds by New Years day!” but never got past the thought. I admire the desire you have to get in shape, I even like that you recognize something in yourself you’d like to improve. Good for you! The only thing is you must get past the thought and create the action! When you start an exercise and nutrition regimen it is good to have a plan. You will have a more efficient and profitable work-out if you have a routine to follow. Also, nutrition can be tricky and you need a plan there as well. However, don’t let your lack of these things stop you from getting active – today. RIGHT NOW! Ok, right after you finish reading this. Something as simple as walking around the block or riding a bike is a great start. In fact, invite a friend and pass your new enthusiasm for fitness along to someone else! While you are walking you can start formulating that all important comprehensive fitness plan. The gym isn’t the only place you can get in shape but it can be a fun place to work out and get motivated by like minded people. Never been to a gym? No problem! Every day lots of people step into the gym for the first time. Even my pal Arnold Schwarzenegger had to have a first time so don’t sweat it! If you need help ask a trainer to assist you. Much of the equipment has instructions for proper use right on them. Also, many gyms have beginner programs that will get you started. If weights aren’t your thing try one of the many group exercise classes gyms offer. I’m sure you’ll find something that makes you feel great and have fun while getting in shape. As for nutrition, stay away from fad diets and certainly don’t starve yourself. Eat sensibly and reference well documented sourced for your nutritional needs. So put your good thoughts to action – get moving, get fit and get started today.
7:00 a.m. CST – First thing in the morning, Dora went to Wal-Mart to exchange the printer.
8:45 a.m. CST – We drove back to Marianna, AR, where we stopped yesterday, to continue the push towards Stuttgart, AR.
Total miles pushed: 52
10:00 a.m. CST – The morning was spent running miscellaneous errands and getting ready to leave tomorrow.
7:00 to 9:00 a.m. CST – We spent the morning packing and loading up the truck.
Total miles pushed: 57
5:00 a.m. CST – I woke up and got things ready to go. We received a donation from Ron Sanderson, a guest at the hotel, that morning during breakfast. Again, I just want to thank everyone who has contributed to this Tour. With their support and enthusiasm, I know the Tour will be a success and that together, we will be able to win the war against obesity.
6:00 a.m. CST – We got packed and ready to go. We left some thank you cards and spoke with people before we left.