Beyond the Dream It, Live It, Love It theme I discovered in research for my book, a second major theme emerged after I had done about twenty interviews, and came about due to a confluence of things that hit me at the same time. One morning, I had been watching the news on television, and the main topic in the national news was health care reform. At the same time, my wife Sylvia was involved in a food drive, and her restaurant was a food drop off point. That morning, I went out for a run, and as usual, my mind drifted onto various topics, including how one of the oldest athletes I interviewed, made the comment that he is not on a single prescription drug. That thought lingered a bit, leading to other thoughts about how all the people I had interviewed seemed in extraordinarily good health. I guess I shouldn't be surprised to find this out, given the results of the studies I had read about. Then the big idea hit me. Suppose I could combine the volunteerism I'd like to do, with this project? I've never been a guy who volunteers for food drives, blood drives, or other community programs. Maybe this is a way that I can give back, in a way that is in line with my passion. That day, the concept began swirling and brewing in my head.

Just the other day I was interviewing Carol Jean Vosburgh, who is a 63-year-old multisport athlete from Florida, and she was telling me that one of her priorities is giving back through volunteer work, as well as by inspiring others to lead a healthy lifestyle. She lit the spark in me to take some action and get something going.

I created the 50,000 Active/Athlete Challenge. The goal of the challenge is to recruit 50,000 people to adopt some of the healthy habits I've seen in the athletes I've been interviewing. This is not limited to any age group and I hope to include the very young to the very old. These habits are:

- Discover an activity they enjoy
- Have a written goal in that activity
- Have a written plan to reach the goal
- Have a means of holding themselves accountable to their plan
- Get out there, follow your plan, be accountable, and have fun

It is my belief that if someone commits himself or herself to doing these things for three months, their lives will be changed in a major way. From these simple habits, come regular exercise, association with people who share a common passion, awareness of the importance of good diet, and awareness of the importance of good physical health. This can be life altering.

If you are already an athlete and want to help reach the 50-K Active/Athlete Challenge, you can help by helping people carry out the steps outlined above, and by being a mentor to them. If you want to be a part of this, then join the 50-K Active/Athlete Challenge.

I am very excited about this program, and see it as a great opportunity for those of us who have benefited immensely from the healthy habits of an athlete, to give back in a way that is in line with our passion.

Enjoy your active life,
Don McGrath & the 50-K Staff