With summer here most people are eager for barbeques, swimming, and camping. Byron Piatt is looking forward to marathons – many of them. Although Byron came from a physically active family, whose 80 year old mother is currently competing in the National Senior Basketball Tour, Byron lived a sedentary lifestyle. Learn how Byron made a remarkable lifestyle change by reading the full article.
With summer here most people are eager for barbeques, swimming, and camping. Byron Piatt is looking forward to marathons – many of them. Although Byron came from a physically active family, whose 80 year old mother is currently competing in the National Senior Basketball Tour, Byron lived a sedentary lifestyle. Byron convinced himself that he needed to get back into shape. Despite his busy schedule, he made time to work out at Johnson Center. There, he saw a flyer advertising the Duke City Marathon. Bryon, always up for a challenge, decided to train for his first marathon. With the support of his iPod and his wife, Byron completed his first marathon in October 2010.
Currently, Byron is signed up for over six races including marathons and triathlons from the Duke City Marathon to the Walt Disney World® Marathon in January.
Byron works as a Senior Emergency Manager for the UNM Emergency Disaster Medicine, a job that can cause both mental and physical strain. “A trick to making sure I participate in a full marathon,” he points out, “is paying for them beforehand.” Due to Byron’s enthusiasm and ambition to maintain a physically active lifestyle, his wife now joins him in training for the Disneyland® Half Marathon on September 2.
Another source of support is Byron’s involvement with a local running group. This group teaches nutrition, stretches, and other running specific fundamentals. The group assists with learning new ways to help meet his fitness goals and improve his nutritional habits. After sustaining a foot and knee injury, sports nutrition and medicine particularly peak Byron’s interest.
Additionally, over the years, physical activity has become Byron’s stress outlet. During this time, Byron is able to “center myself” and therefore decrease his stress level. While, working out Byron contemplates and organizes his thoughts relating to work, home, and improving his running performance. Byron’s philosophy is the faster he runs the faster he gets to go home.
Byron benefits from UNM services including EHP’s Fitness Consultant, Tara Vig, and Recreational Services Outdoor Shop on the east side of Johnson Center to help him with his bike needs.
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