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PORTLAND, OREGON (March 2008) – With the 4th of July over 4 months away, few Americans have plans for the 2008 Independence Day holiday.  However, in Portland over 150 Foot Traffic University (FTU) participants are already preparing for the celebration!  These individuals have begun training for the Sauvie Island Full or Half Marathon and on July 4th will join other runners and walkers to compete on the USATF certified course.

Kari Baxter, a working new mom, is just one of the individuals who will be running on July 4th.  Baxter learned about FTU through the LifeBalance Program, an active wellness program available to her through her employer, Red Lion Hotel on the River. “I was looking for a way to get back in shape after the birth of my daughter.  However, like most people, my schedule doesn’t allow for me to spend time at the gym each day.  FTU allows me to run when I choose but holds me accountable too!  If I haven’t been running you can certainly tell during the Saturday group runs,” said Baxter.

Like Baxter, many of the individuals participating are not seasoned marathon runners and some are taking on the challenge of running for the first time.  “We welcome runners and walkers of all abilities and offer pace groups for all speeds because it is much easier to complete a goal when working with similarly focused individuals.” said Sean Rivers, FTU Coordinator. “The emphasis is on adaptation to each athlete's ability and focus on completion.”

This year, FTU has partnered with the LifeBalance Program to expose participants to a variety of other wellness resources that will enhance and support the half marathon training experience.  “The LifeBalance Program’s partnership with Foot Traffic University creates a unique opportunity for wellness-related businesses to significantly impact a population interested in active living.   At a typical Saturday training participants will hear race day nutritional advice from Kate Fischer of Alameda Fitness, go for a group run or walk with FTU pace groups and finish with bananas from Pioneer Organics and a massage from 2bwell Clinic. It’s a balanced approach to wellness,” said Dave Miller, LifeBalance Program Director.

While FTU officially began February 2, 2008, registration will remain open through March.  To register for FTU, please visit www.foottraffic.us or visit any Foot Traffic retail location.

The LifeBalance Program, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, has been helping clients and members achieve an active, healthy and balanced life through recreational, cultural and wellness activities, events and resources since 1996. The LifeBalance Program is sold to businesses as an employer sponsored employee benefit or bundled into health/association plan offerings as a value added wellness component and healthy lifestyle promotion. The LifeBalance Program currently supports over 1,500 clients and 400,000 LifeBalance Program members in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Existing strategic relationships include Providence Health Plan, Associated General Contractors, CHP, Pacific Health Trust, Providence Health & Services, Municipality of Anchorage, PeaceHealth, West Coast Bank and Xenium. Visit www.LifeBalanceProgram.com for more information.

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