BAY CITY -- The St. Patrick’s Day Races in Bay City Sunday were a record breaker!
More than 4,000 people tied up their tennis shoes.
Among them were Bay City’s Rookie Runners, two people who have vowed to change their lives.
And they're off!
Bay City’s Rookie Runners, Ed St. Laurent and Monica Carlson take the first steps into a new lifestyle.
“I'm going to be like the little engine, I think I can, I think I can,” said Rookie Runner, Monica Carlson.
For the last month, the two have trained with Ann Gasta and the Bay Area Runner’s Club.
Carlson’s mother recently died of heart disease and she wanted to break the cycle.
St. Laurent is a corporate chef and needed a lifestyle change too.
“Being in the food business you are always eating. You are always around food and I wanted to lose some weight, get rid of the diabetes, and this is the first step to doing it,” said Rookie Runner, Ed St. Laurent.
Their hard work paid off. Both Rookie Runners finished the 5K race.
“I used to walk around the block and get tired before, so doing this was quite an accomplishment,” said St. Laurent.
“I’m very proud. It’s very humbling, and that means I am doing my job,” said Ann Gasta who trained the Rookie Runners.
About 4,300 people crossed the finish line Sunday, and people like Ed and Monica say they couldn't have done it without the support of friends and family.
“A couple times I said, I am sucking wind pretty good here, and they were like, no, no your fine,” said Carlson.
“We kept on talking to each other saying it’s not that far. Plus, we both grew up in Bay City so we were reminiscing,” said St. Laurent.
But the adrenaline rush doesn't stop here.
“My son just text me and we are already planning a 5K in June,” said Carlson.
“My wife and I are going to run and walk, and I am going to ride my bicycle,” said St. Laurent.
The Rookie Runners may have finished the race, but they know it's just the start to a healthier way of living.
St. Laurent says so far he's lost 12 pounds and two inches.
Gasta hopes St. Laurent and Carlson will help train next year’s Rookie Runners.
