By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
Fit, dedicated and lovers of the outdoors, a significant number of residents across the shire are fighting heart disease at the coalface as members of local Heart Foundation walking groups.
There are currently three active walking groups located in Tewantin, Pomona and Coolum.
Each meet at various times during the week for average walks of five kilometres.
The longest running group is Tewantin Tickers, which was created in 2009.
Now with 20 active members the group is as popular as ever with members enjoying not only the health benefits but also the social atmosphere.
At 88 years of age, Dorothy Jenkins is the group’s eldest member.
“I used to play golf and I thought this would be a good way to keep up some exercise and I’ve enjoyed it so much,” she said.
“Having the regular gatherings gives you the discipline you need to have to get out and about and everyone is so nice so it’s a great way to make new friends.”
At Pomona’s walking group, the Pomona Pacers, there has been excitement of late with two members recently having reached significant milestones.
Long-term members Ellen Leape and Assunta Easton completed 1000 and 500 walks respectively.
Walk leader Karen Gosling said that while the ladies’ achievements proved an extra incentive for members to continue attending the walks, it was the social side which kept bringing people back.
“While health definitely a key part of the initiative, I think a lot of people come for the company,” Karen said.
Although the majority of walkers are retirees, all ages are welcome to join and there is a group for any fitness level.
The Tewantin Tickers meet at the Tewantin marina on the corner of Memorial Avenue and Lake Street, on Mondays and Thursdays at 6.30am for a medium paced 45 to 60 minute walk.
For more information contact Janet on (07) 5474 0071.
The Pomona Pacers meet at the Community House, 1 Memorial Avenue, Pomona, on Mondays at 7am, Tuesdays at 7am and 6pm, Wednesdays at 7am, Thursdays at 7am and Fridays at 7am, excluding public holidays, for a fast paced 45 to 60 minute walk.
In addition, the group enjoys an evening moon walk each month including a light meal in the Tewantin area followed by a stroll along the beautiful Noosa River.
Other outings such as regular coffee mornings and longer bush walks are also organised from time to time.
For more information contact organiser Karen at karengosling63@gmail.com.
The Coolum Beach Heart Foundation Walking Group meets Outside the entrance to the Coolum Surf Club in David Low Way for a one and a half hour easy walk on the first and third Saturday of each month at 8am.
For more information contact Svetlana Winn on 0418 894 001.
