By Lisa Schofield
Millstone resident Ashley Shaffer, Miss New Jersey 2009, continues her mission of motivating children and adults to adopt a healthy lifestyle to enjoy the bounty of life through her “Feel Great” Run/Walk on Sunday, December 6th (6:00 to 9:30 a.m.) at the Mercer County Park Boat House/Marina Parking Lot in West Windsor.
Shaffer, who will be competing in the Miss America Pageant in January 2010, has experienced the vibrant transformation through adopting healthy eating and exercise. “Not only did I shed some unwanted pounds, I found my mental and physical energy levels increased, I slept much better, I was no longer sluggish in the morning, I was able to problem solve more effectively, and my mood was improved,” she recounts.
Shaffer adds, “Making such a transformation is not difficult. The rewards are felt quickly, and that usually motivates people to continue to their new regimen. It is very gratifying for me to steward my message to the people of New Jersey, and I will continue promoting such fun programs throughout the state in years to come.”
Pre-registration is $20 per person, and a T-shirt is guaranteed for the first 100 online registrants; www.therunningcompany.net. Race-day registration is $25 per person and children under 10 pay nothing to enjoy a one-mile fun run with a paid race participant. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Participants will enjoy an official timed 5-mile course through Mercer County Park, and prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age group.
Shaffer adds that the money raised will go directly to The Children’s Miracle Network as well as Shaffer’s continued health initiative. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to give families a day they can share together, where they can be empowered to live their lives to the fullest through healthy eating and exercise, which is critical in today’s world. I hope everyone will want to join me and my team in helping to take small but invaluable steps to a better tomorrow for themselves.”
Shaffer will appear with her fellow Miss America contestants and host Mario Lopez during the live broadcast from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
