Wilmington groups sticks to health resolution

WILMINGTON — Losing weight, getting fit and becoming healthy are all popular new year’s resolutions. The trick is sticking to them.

At the crack of dawn Tuesday morning a group of people met in a Wilmington park in hopes of following through with their promise.

The without limits running program is trying to help dreams become a reality.

One member started his quest to lose weight and get healthy after reaching the weight of 300 lbs.

The program has helped Don McGuire lose 40 pounds so far.

“I dropped numerous pant sizes. I’m in my skinny clothes as they say because everyone’s got a closet full of fat clothes and skinny clothes, if I loose anymore weight I’m going to have to buy a whole new wardrobe and that’s great,” McGuire said.

Dozens of other runners have seen progress in just a few months. Alecia Williams was never able to run faster than an eight-minute mile. Since joining without limits, she’s shaved a minute off her time.

“It’s kind of motivating when you get out there and do better than you’ve ever done. And I’m almost 47 years old, so that’s a major feat for me,” Williams said.

Running coach Tom Clifford has interval running workouts five days a week around town for his runners. He said, “Everybody starts out at beginner level. You’re not starting out with the guys that are trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. You’re just starting out at the beginner level, and eventually you’ll learn to push yourself with those other people, and anyone can do it. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything you want to do.”

It’s Clifford’s motivation that keeps his clients coming back for more.

“If I had to do this myself trying to get up at 5 in the morning, I’d just roll back over. But when the team depends on me and I depend on them, the motivation’s here,” Clifford said.

“It’s the best I’ve ever done, and I never though it was possible. Without this help I wouldn’t have done it. I would have given up.”

For more information you can visit www.withoutlimitsrunning.com or contact Tom Clifford: 910-297-4973, tclifford626@yahoo.com.