Walk On
Brian Zuk
A look at a couple of this year’s participants
As the largest walking-only race in the U.S., the New Albany Walking Classic draws thousands of walkers each year, many with interesting stories.
Among those whose stories stand out are central Ohio residents Brian Zuk and Lorrie McCarty.
Brian Zuk
Zuk, a New Albany resident, is an active member of the New Albany Walking Club who participates in walking races all over the country, including the Walking Classic.
Participating in the club has had an incredibly positive impact on Zuk’s life, allowing him to stop taking several medications he was prescribed.
“I have saved literally thousands of dollars in prescription costs,” he says.
But it isn’t just his health that has seen the positive influence of the Walking Club.
“Walking, especially with such a great group of friends, has done wonders for my attitude and outlook on life, too,” says Zuk.
The best way to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle is to do it gradually, he says.
“The only way to reach your long-term goal is to take steps towards that goal,” Zuk says.
Walk On
Lorrie McCarty
Lorrie McCarty
McCarty, of Dublin, has been walking for years, and when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was the only way she was able to stay active during treatment.
“During my treatment, walking was the one thing that I could always do almost every day,” she says. “Keeping active during treatment was extremely important.”
For McCarty, the Walking Classic became something to work toward when her cancer went into remission.
“I made the NAWC my goal after completing chemotherapy,” says McCarty. “I had about 10 girlfriends who walked it with me that year, and it was a great sense of accomplishment.”
Staying active is very important to McCarty.
“Living a healthy, active lifestyle is extremely important to me and anyone whose lives have been touched by cancer or any other illness,” she says. “My motivation to stay healthy is for myself. I want to be the best version of me that I can be.”
Athnie McMillan-Comeaux is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
