- Back to: Articles

CHISHOLM going that extra mile

By: Courtney Gillies

Category: Natures Whey News

What seems Goofy to most people is a lifestyle to Paula Chisholm

Chisholm going that extra mile

Medicine Hat News

What seems goofy to most people is a lifestyle to Paula Chisholm.

Chisholm currently runs about 60 kilometre a week and will soon increase her distance to 80 kilometres a week as she prepares for the Walt Disney World Goofy Run on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13. The run includes a half marathon followed by a full marathon the next day for a total of 63 kilometres in one weekend.

"I don't think it's goofy," said Chisholm. "It's something I've thought about doing. I actually tried to register for it last year and it was full."

With just 10 weeks until the run, Chisholm is slowly increasing her training.

"I've run lots of halfs and lots of marathons, but to do both of them is different," said Chisholm who gets up at 5 a.m. every morning to exercise.

Chisholm's commitment to health isn't simply a selfish one. As a nurse and owner of Nature's Whey, Chisholm's job is to encourage others to live healthier lifestyles. She's not just training for the run, but also using the experience to fundraise for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

"Because I am a nurse and I work in ICU, emergency and do clinical research with patients investigating high cholesterol, heart attacks and angina, it's something that's always been dear to me," said Chisholm.

When she's completed the Goofy Run, Chisholm isn't taking a break. Instead she'll start training for her first ironman competition, the Bigfoot Ironman in Harrison Mills, B.C., on Aug. 9, and collecting donations for the Canadian Cancer Society.

"A very good close friend of mine was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and she's in remission," said Chisholm. "I ran the Portland marathon for her as well when she was sick in the hospital. When I do run I tend to do it for people or dedicate each kilometre to someone."

Chisholm said dedicating her races to important people in her life helps her through the psychological challenge of running kilometre after kilometre.

"Dedicating each kilometre or mile to someone is part of it for me," said Chisholm. "The person who is most dear to you gets the last kilometre."

Chisholm, who turns 41 on Nov. 27, is always looking for another challenge. In June she reached her latest goal to compete as a body builder by the time she was 40.

"I took the year off from doing any cardio and just pushed weights and ate tons and competed in June (Southern Alberta Bodybuilding Championship) and placed second," said Chisholm. "I absolutely loved it and I am going to compete again next year."

Donations can be made in Chisholm's name under Nature's Whey at the Heart and Stroke Foundation office or donation envelopes can be found at Tandaz, Heartbreaker Dance and Fitness, Platinum Health and Fitness, Premium Sausage in Seven Perssons and Nature's Whey. Donations of $10 or more will receive a receipt from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

For more information phone Chisholm at 527-5440 or visit www.natureswhey.com.

06.11.07 11:47
Age: 3 yrs

- Back to: Articles