Fat 2 Fit: The DOTS: The Best Things in Life Are "We"

Imagine yourself surrounded by friends who encourage you to become the athlete you may never have dreamed you could be!

 

That's the story of four Californian women who've formed an exercise-support group, Dressing on the Side, or DOTS. The head DOT, Lori "Wizzy" Wisniewski, exercises and trains regularly with Cathy Anderson-Meyers, Laura Van Etten-Collins, and Kirstin Koch-Lockwood—most of whom are in their 50s and all of whom have competed in the same local triathlon.

 

The group started working out together more than a decade ago. After dropping off their children at school, Cathy, Laura, and Lori would go for a run—rain or shine. Two years ago, Kirstin joined their group. More than workout buddies, these four have created valuable friendships that have sustained them through the inevitable ups and downs of life.

 

Wizzy, a former medical/surgical nurse, breeds yellow Labrador retrievers. She has five children—the youngest two are in high school. Wizzy didn't start exercising until she was 25. Inexperienced in biking, one of the triathlon events, she showed up for her first training ride with her helmet on backwards. "My swimming wasn’t much better until I was coached by DOTS members," she said. Today she competes with the best of them.

 

Kirstin, mother of two and the newest member, has always been active. Her teenage nickname, "Bones," reinforced the notion that being thin was important. At 13, she was diagnosed with anorexia/bulimia. To address this serious medical issue, she wisely decided running was better than eating and purging: it calmed her spirit and burned calories. Two years ago, she joined DOTS, whose members encouraged her to participate in a triathlon. "Fear of failure made me want to quit," she said, "but the girls kept pushing me forward." Besides running, Kirstin spins, cycles, swims, uses free weights, snowboards, and hikes.

 

Cathy, a snowshoe guide and teacher's aide, is married and has two teenage sons. A lifelong athlete, Cathy is drawn to her teammates for more than exercise: "We talk and share thoughts, fears, ideas, child-raising, difficulties, triumphs, trials, faith, and tragedies. We sweat and smile. And when we might want to sleep in, or it's cold, or too hot, we keep each other going."

 

Laura, the fourth member, has two teenage daughters and is a state park ranger. "My support group," she said, "makes exercise fun. They keep me accountable and force me to show up and exercise even when I don’t want to."

 

All group members agree that the best things in life are "we."