See It: The Community being helped

Tucker, my husband was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the spring of 2006. One of the most devastating effects of the disease is not knowing how you got it, or exactly how to cure it. Unable to answer some of these hard questions, we turned to health issues that we are able to control – healthy eating habits and regular exercise. We both share a love for the city of Memphis and are very disturbed to find that numerous studies indicate our city to be the unhealthiest.

On October 29, 2007, Forbes.com released data from a statistical research project that ranked Memphis as the most sedentary city in the nation. Topping the charts in BMI (body mass index), physical inactivity, and TV viewing hours Memphis residents are plagued by a number of health-related issues that can solely be blamed on lifestyle choices. In a day where fast food, heavily laden with calories is only 10 minutes away, America has a sweeping epidemic on its hands. City planners are the new physicians of our time. Suburban sprawl, poor public transit, and unwalkable neighborhoods are the deadly poison that contributes to Memphis’ poor health.

We began to talk about our part in a healthy Memphis. As a city planner, Tucker has a dream for Memphis that will promote the outdoors. As a former athlete, I am passionate about introducing people to the joys and benefits of exercising. As we brainstormed ideas in our downtown studio, the vision of Memphis Running Tours was born. Memphis Running Tours is the first exercise based tour of downtown Memphis. Our aim is to promote the city and its rich history and to reach suburban Memphians. We want our residents to know that there is beauty within our city to experience on foot.

The project began strictly as a run based tour. With our wish to promote health, we wanted all of Memphis to participate, whether their current health condition allowed them to run or walk. Currently we offer walking, power-walking, jogging, running, or school field trip tours. Word got out through promotional t-shirts and free tours. In one month we have reached over 35 locals already! Our website, www.memphisrunningtours.com has provided curious potential tourists with valuable information about what Memphis Running Tours has to offer. The success of the tours cannot be measured in pounds lost, or reduced TV hours. The first step is awareness. When others see our enthusiasm and genuine concern with their personal health and wellness they will be inspired to take new strides in committing to a healthy lifestyle.

Memphis Running Tours are offered Monday through Saturday from 5 am to 9 pm. The 3.5-mile tour highlights the history of the river city town. The sights and sounds of downtown Memphis lure the tourist outdoors for a physical enjoyment experience. We believe that exercise must be fun, and that good exercise doesn’t feel like exercise. We are here to prove it.

Memphis Running Tours is looking forward to the day when we don’t have enough staff to accommodate an active Memphis! Promotion of the project includes, but is not limited to – newspaper and magazine articles, website advertising, word-of-mouth, t-shirts, and business cards and flyers. Already an active donor, once the project is completely underway we want to partner with St. Jude as an official fundraiser for the locally based Children’s Research Hospital. With an emphasis on fundraising for cancer, our hope is that others will see the blessing of a healthy life and embrace it.