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SamTrans > News Archive > Heart Walk Inspires SamTrans Employee to Get Fit
Heart Walk Inspires SamTrans Employee to Get Fit
Diane Shaw was a new employee at SamTrans two years ago when she volunteered to be a
team captain in the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk. “I thought it
would be a good way to encourage teamwork among my co-workers and to get to know
people,” said Shaw, a software systems manager.
The Heart Walk is a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of heart disease and
encourage people to take charge of their health. The event emphasizes the importance
of walking as a heart healthy exercise, while raising funds to help the American Heart
Association.
SamTrans has participated in the walk for four consecutive years. This year 162
SamTrans employees raised a total of $31,063. Countywide, the Heart Association
raised more than $500,000 at two area walks to the fund research and public education
programs.
In addition to helping her learn her way around her new job, the Heart Walk also
meshed with Shaw’s resolution to lose weight. “I had decided that since I was starting
a new job, I would also start a diet,” said Shaw.
But Shaw’s diet did not include exercise. “I hated the idea of exercise,” said Shaw,
“so my plan was to sponsor all of my co-workers and have them walk for me.” She was
surprised to discover that it wasn’t going to be that easy. “They wouldn’t let me off
the hook,” said Shaw. “They said I had to walk.”
Shaw, who hadn’t done any exercise for years, was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to
finish the three-mile course. She was so concerned about failing in front of her new
co-workers, she decided to take advantage of SamTrans’ on-site gym. “I started
walking on the treadmill on my lunch hour three days a week,” said Shaw. “My goal was
just to be able to get through the Heart Walk.”
In the days and weeks leading up to the event, Shaw kept at it and, when the day of
the Heart Walk arrived, not only was she able to complete the three-mile course, she
was one of the district’s top fundraisers, single-handedly raising $1,200 in
contributions.
Shortly after Shaw finished her first Heart Walk, SamTrans contracted with Excel
Personal Training, a local health studio, to offer lunch-time exercise sessions to
employees. Shaw was one of the first to sign up. Employees pay a discounted fee for
the on-site classes and also are eligible for a substantial discount off personal
training sessions at Excel’s gym.
Participating in the Heart Walk made a lasting impression on Shaw. She continued to
exercise and, to date, has lost 135 pounds.
“The coaches from Excel have really kept me motivated,” she said. “I exercise
everyday now.” The former exercise-phobic Shaw has gone from being unable to climb a
flight of stairs to doing wind sprints on the treadmill.
Shaw credits the Heart Walk with getting her started on her weight loss journey. “I am
also grateful to SamTrans for encouraging employees to participate and for providing a
gym and fitness training,” said Shaw. This year Shaw raised more than $2,000 in
contributions at the Heart Walk.
11/11/04
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