Health Resolve Still Strong after Resolution Run

County Human Services Specialists training for a 10K (left to right) Eloisa Vitela, Lorena Ugarte, Lily Yakubik, Gloria Cordova, Patricia Laffiton, Taylor McDonald, Debora Arellanes

One County employee trains for triathlons.

A group of his co-workers just finished walking their first 5Ks.

Despite their different fitness levels, a group of Human Services Specialists at the County’s ACCESS center in Mission Valley have found a common way to help each other be healthier.

Their approach is to register for the same organized walks and runs, but then train at their own pace, setting personal goals.  

The informal fitness group coalesced after Human Services Specialist Taylor McDonald posted a flyer for the Jan. 8 “Resolution Run” 5K and 15K runs through Mission Bay Park. McDonald, 34, has been running since about 2008 and also competes in  triathlons.

When he posted the flyer in the office, McDonald was already signed up for the 15K run—9.3 miles. But he encouraged co-workers to give the shorter race a try, either running or walking.

About nine other employees got into the idea and registered for the 5K, all of them completing the 3.3 mile, Sunday morning course.

“There are some people who don’t walk much at all; for them to get out there and do a 5K was huge,” McDonald said. “To see them walk around with their race T-shirts on was pretty inspiring.”

Next up: A St. Patrick’s Day 10K around Mission Bay. The signup sheet is posted in the office.

Patricia Laffiton, for one, is getting ready. Laffiton, like McDonald, helps ACCESS phone customers in the Mission Valley office.

About four months ago, Laffiton said she was diagnosed with diabetes and she knew she had to make some changes.

“Exercise was something I just wasn’t doing,” the 36-year-old said.

In her three years with the County, Laffiton said had become accustomed to spending her lunch hour at her desk. After her diagnosis, she started walking, building up to about 2.5 miles along the San Diego River, several days a week.

Her co-worker and walking partner Yenissa Salgado has been a  mentor and a positive inspiration, Laffiton said. Salgado has helped her to stick with the routine and pick up her pace.

Laffiton said her supervisor, Gloria Cordova, has also supported her.

Her husband and kids have been encouraging at home and helped her to keep walking on weekends too. 

Laffiton said the 5K Resolution Run represented a new distance goal. She finished, even running some of the race, and now she’s gearing up for the St. Patrick’s Day 10K. She’s aiming to  build up  her endurance and speed by then.

Regular walking for the first time in her life has already improved her blood pressure, and it definitely makes her feel better, Laffiton said. 

“When you’re doing it you may get a little hot and tired, but afterwards it feels really good,” she said.