Cincinnati, Ohio (PressExposure) June 11, 2009 -- Andrew Kennedy, Logistics Account Executive at Total Quality Logistics (TQL), came in second out of 1,700 runners in the 5K leg of this year's American Heart Association's Mini Marathon and Heart Walk. The annual race, which took place this year on Sunday, March 29, raises funds for research on heart disease and stroke.
Kennedy, who was one of 78 Total Quality Logistics employees who participated in the race, was an active athlete and cross country runner in college and normally completed a 5K at an impressive pace of 18:30. His recent finish (at 17:58) not only beat his college time, but capped off a true wellness come-back story for the sales professional.
After graduation, when he no longer maintained his active lifestyle, Kennedy became accustomed to sitting at a desk for the majority of the day resulting in a 50 pound weight gain. After finding motivation in a Fitness Challenge sponsored by Total Quality Logistics in the spring of 2008, he set a goal of losing 10 pounds and getting back to his college running lifestyle. After weeks of training, Kennedy not only met his goal, but beat it and lost a total of 50 pounds.
Since the 5K race, Kennedy has continued his fitness commitment and inspired a few co-workers at Total Quality Logistics by starting a Running Club.
"I am looking forward to the opportunity of turning someone who has never ran in their life, into a successful marathon runner," said Kennedy. "We have over 35 employees who have already joined the club. Because of their involvement, a few of them have competed in a race for the first time or hit a new personal record."
Total Quality Logistics has sponsored the American Heart Association race for the past three years. This year, their employee participants raised more than $10,000 for the Association.