Schools
Utica’s Nancy Smith Is Ambassador for Fitness
Utica Community Schools' Nancy Smith represents Shelby and Utica in the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run and as a Fitness Ambassador to the Governor's Council.
Nancy Smith is no stranger to running. As someone who has been physically active her whole life, Smith is hoping to pass the running bug along and make others itch to get out of their seats and start moving. How she plans to do this: as a Fitness Ambassador and participant in the annual Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run.
Smith was selected as one of 400 runners in the Bridge Run lottery to lead the way across the Mackinac Bridge at sunrise before the Sept. 5 walk.
But that’s not the only thing Smith, a third-grade teacher, was selected for. Smith’s dedication to health and being physically active caused her to be chosen as one of 11 Fitness Ambassadors by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.
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As chairperson for the Utica Education Association Staywell Committee, Smith has always encouraged employees, students and their families to "get out and get active." Now as an ambassador, Smith will be able to expand her influence and serve as a health and fitness role model to all Michigan residents.
Smith feels that everyone should make some sort of physical activity part of their daily routine. According to Smith, not only does exercise positively affect one’s health, but it also helps people to be happier and more productive in other aspects of their lives.
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And when Smith says everyone, she means it. She understands that many people have very busy schedules, Smith being one of them. Smith struggled at first to find time to exercise with the addition of her three kids and a teaching career. But after she began running several years later, Smith noticed the benefits and stability the exercise added to her life.
Now Smith makes physical activity a priority. This initiative has allowed Smith to be one of 500 in the nation to have qualified for and run 11 consecutive Boston Marathons. Even more so, Smith’s exercise enables her to run around with some other great competitors: her five grandchildren.
Smith encourages everyone to make the little changes that can lead to a big difference. And you can start by participating in the 54th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day weekend. It’s never too late to commit to be fit!
