Do you have a favorite school story or funny memory?
I have a vivid memory of the gym teacher, Miss Mertens, making the girls' gym class run around the track--all the way around! Actually run, in our very unflattering one-piece navy blue gym outfits! I couldn't believe I was asked to do such a thing. I seriously felt like I was going to die. At the time, I felt it was unladylike to break a sweat. Miss Mertens insisted. "Of course you can do it!" she yelled. "Now keep moving!" These days, I live much of the time in Steamboat Springs, training ground for young Olympians. I watch girls play and train as hard as boys in almost all sports, including hockey. They definitely sweat, with pride. And I am inspired by my many active friends in their 70s, 80s and 90s, on the mountain and on the biking and hiking trails. I watch them overcome all kinds of illnesses, disabilities and chronic conditions in order to stay active. Miss Mertens was right--the important thing is to keep moving!
