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RAGBRAI XXXVIII: Final Recollections of the Ride

by: Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition

RAGBRAI XXXVIIIAs my front tire roles into the Mississippi, my RAGBRAI experience comes to an end. Having completed roughly 472 miles in the last week I’m looking forward to a well-deserved rest from the saddle. Yet, for every mile I peddled, I feel as though I made one more friend, overcame another challenge, or just had fun. Like my prior RAGBRAI rides, this was an opportunity for personal growth and development both mentally and physically, but this year’s ride was of special significance. It also recharged my professional calling to promote and advance the principals of physical activity and nutrition across the Nation.

Let’s face it, we’ve heard a lot about the things we shouldn’t do to improve our health. Now it’s time to focus on what we can do. RAGBRAI is a prime example of a can do. I witnessed professional riders, grandparents, people with disabilities, young adults and everyone in between joining the tour for a day, a full week, or even just a ride through town. Best of all, I got to see them have a lot of fun doing it, while building a community. They were being active their way.

To help my fellow Iowans sustain the momentum after the ride, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition partnered with the Iowa Department of Health and it’s Director Tom Newton right on the tour! As a President’s Challenge Advocate, the department will promote the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award across its fitness and nutrition programs already underway. This award not only provides recognition, but is a resource for easy, everyday ways you can be active. Like I did with the riders I met on the tour, I encourage you to visit www.presidentschallenge.org to learn more. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

With that it’s time to say farewell to my teammates Susan, Jose, Tom, and Karlin. As we part ways, I know we are even more committed to living and promoting a healthy lifestyle. I hope the thoughts and experiences you’ve read about during our ride help inspire your next step to a healthier you. Maybe I’ll even see you on a future RAGBRAI, but until then all the best in health to you!