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Posted on 06/22/2002 1:53:10 PM PDT by pittsburgh gop guy
Bush Sets Fast Pace at Fitness Race
Sat Jun 22,12:42 PM ET
By LAWRENCE L. KNUTSON, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - He didn't finish first, second or even in the top 20, but President Bush ( news - web sites) tried to lead by example Saturday in a three-mile run with hundreds of White House workers.
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Bush came in near the top of the 400-runner field, finishing 26th.
The 55-year-old president, running in blue shorts and a white T-shirt with "Healthier U.S. Government" on his back and a No. 1 tag on his chest, was clocked at 20 minutes, 27 seconds. The White House said, however, that the official time was 20:29, as recorded by a chip in Bush's running shoe. The first two laps were well under a 7-minute-mile pace at 6:30 and 6:49. The 20:29 was better than Bush's usual 20:30 for three miles.
"It felt great. It was less than 20:30," Bush said at the finish line at the Army's Fort McNair in Southwest Washington. After the two laps-plus around the parade ground in the early morning sun he was soaked with sweat. Philip Mattson, 26, of the White House correspondence office, came in first at 17:12.
First Lady Laura Bush ( news, bio, voting record) led a large group of walkers over a 1-mile course and completed it in 22:58.
The entry fee for the executive mansion employees to run the race was a pledge to devote several hours of time to volunteer work. Bush told the staff he was serious about collecting it.
"It's important for those of us in the White House to live how we talk," Bush said. "If we're going to say we're going to live a healthy life, let's do it. If we say we care about a neighbor in need, if we want to love a neighbor like we'd like to be loved ourselves, let's show it through our actions."
"I hope you understand that at least that's how the boss thinks," he said.
To Americans generally, he said: "I know you're a better worker if you exercise on a daily basis. I know you'll help keep the health care costs down in America if you exercise on a daily basis. I know your life will be more complete if you exercise and serve a neighbor in need."
Bush's own routine includes a run on Sundays when he clocks his 20-minute three miles. On Thursdays, he routinely runs about four miles, again averaging about a mile in seven minutes.
Bush underscored the fitness theme in his weekly radio address Saturday, saying every participant in the Fort McNair race "took important steps on the road to better health."
"And the good news is this: When it comes to your health, even little steps can make a big difference," Bush said. "If just 10 percent of adults began walking regularly, Americans could save $5.6 billion in costs related to heart disease. And research suggests we can reduce cancer deaths by one-third simply by changing our diets and getting more exercise."
Just before he left Fort McNair, the president watched as SFC Mark Fortinberry, 32, based at Fort Knox, Ky., stormed a 35-foot climbing wall and reached the top in seconds.
Asked if he had been tempted to stop for a breath the sergeant replied, "If it's the commander in chief watching, you can't stop."
YEAH - but I can bet that he was the fastest 55 year old in the race. He really had a great time.
And we know if slick willy had done half as well, the media would be pronouncing him the fastest man alieve (I think monica did that).
This is way too cruel. ;o)
So true! The look of honesty is in those pictures.
Did you mean this radio address?
Yes I do! Thank goodness no more of this:
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Look at that pasty white chicken leg poking out of those shorts. eeeewwwwwwwww!
What a vile suggestion! (Yes, I'm always on the lookout for innuendo and double entendre...)
IF THERE IS ANYBODY STILL FUSSING AT THIS LATE HOUR ABOUT PRESIDENT BUSH, PLEASE COME OVER HERE AND LOOK AT THIS!!!
AS ALOHA RONNIE SAYS - NEVER EVER FORGET!!!!! THE TRASH THAT FILLED OUR WHITE HOUSE FOR THOSE EIGHT LONG YEARS FROM HELL!!!
As gov, he used to "run" when he visited Danny Williams' Mom, Gennifer Flowers, the broad who died in that fire, etc. . .
Carolyn
It's not that it's particularly wrong. I just think he should be paying more attention to his administration's contravention of our Constitution than to the physical health of individuals.
Carolyn
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