The last Wednesday of each month, we recognize an Odyssey House employee for their positive wellness efforts. This person is working on their wellness goals and along the way, they are inspiring others around them. This employee is the Wellness Wednesday Champion.
Congratulations to this month’s Wellness Wednesday Champion, Mr. William Cheatham. He continues to motivate those around him at Tinton Avenue with his very active lifestyle. Keep up the great work, Mr. Cheatham!
Wellness Champion Q & A with Mr. Cheatham
- Odyssey House site/position: Tinton Avenue/Case Manager
- What’s your favorite food? Elbow macaroni mixed with cream of chicken soup, mixed vegetables, chili beans, stew beef with Adobe seasoning & pepper.
- What’s your favorite way to stay fit? I run as much as time permits during the week. I try very hard to run at least 25-30 miles a week but when I can’t run, I ride my bike. I train and run with the Odyssey House Run For Your Life team (track workouts on Tuesday nights at 6pm and longer runs in Central Park on Saturdays at 7:45am). I have run six NYC Marathons and numerous shorter races and training runs. I’m 71 years old and I run to enjoy the sights of the route and the company of the other runners.
- Any words of wisdom for other OH employees looking to improve their health? Set a goal for your training. Keep a written record of your accomplishment towards your goal(s). If you are not a runner, walk as much as possible. Walk at a quicker pace for a certain distance for a week and each week afterward, increase your pace and distance. This advice also works for beginning runners. The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you can talk while running, you are at the right pace for your workout. Motivation is also important. Partner up with a friend, co-worker or family member. Your best bet is to come and join us in Central Park on Saturdays!
Do you want to nominate an employee who motivates you to live healthier? Please email tmardigan@odysseyhousenyc.org with the employee’s name and a few sentences as to why they deserve to be a Wellness Wednesday Champion.