Negaunee Woman Is Fitness Ambassador

A Negaunee woman took part in the annual Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run yesterday morning, and she had a special role to play in the event.

Stacie Nardi is serving as a statewide Fitness Ambassador.

The Michigan Fitness Foundation chooses seven people from around the state to serve as ambassadors each year.

They serve as role models for developing a healthy lifestyle.

Stacie says she starting running 16 years ago to help with the stress of living as a single mom with a demanding job outside the home as well.

Besides putting her mind at ease, running has helped her lose weight and keep it off.

Stacie runs several miles four or five times a week.

But yesterday’s early start was a bit different; she had to be at the bridge at 5:45 in the morning.

She got to shake Governor Rick Snyder’s hand and says it was beautiful to see the Straits of Mackinac from the high altitude of the bridge span as the sun was coming up.

This was the ninth year for the non-competitive Bridge Run as opposed to 55 years for the Bridge Walk.

More than 400 runners took part, which was a record for the run.

You can learn more about Stacie and the six other Fitness Ambassadors on the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run blog.