U.P. runner named Michigan Fitness Ambassador
LANSING, Mich.— Stacie Nardi of Negaunee will serve as a Fitness Ambassador in the ninth annual Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run. She will join 400 other runners on Monday, September 3 as they kick off a daylong celebration of physical activity. In addition to receiving special recognition at the Bridge Run, ambassadors serve as statewide role models for developing healthy lifestyles through their commitment to physical activity.
Nardi was chosen as a Fitness Ambassador because of her dedication to her health. She started running 16 years ago to control her weight and has since lost and kept off 30 pounds. Nardi learned to cope with life’s stresses as a working, single mother through running. Her current running routine consists of running several miles, four to five times each week.
“Running is important to me because it is a great stress reliever and makes me feel good about myself,” says Nardi.
Running for health has helped her find balance emotionally, mentally and physically and she encourages those around her to make small changes to their lifestyles as well. Her desire to motivate others to become physically active persuaded a friend to start walking during a hard time in her life. Now the friend is running and shares Nardi’s love of fitness. Even with the busy schedule of a full-time job and after school activities, she sets a great example for her daughter and those in her community by maintaining a consistent running routine and active lifestyle.
The Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run is a non-competitive event organized by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, Mackinac Bridge Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office. This year the annual Bridge Run will play host to the largest amount of runners in event history. Each year event participants are selected through an online lottery drawing with a maximum of 500 entrants chosen. To be eligible for the lottery entrants must have participated in an event endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. Entrants must also be 18 years of age and a resident of Michigan.
The Michigan Fitness Foundation envisions a physically educated population with the knowledge and skills to enjoy a healthy, vigorous and safe lifestyle in communities designed to support physical activity. For more information, visit www.michiganfitness.org.