Dr. Tim Kalafut, Ph.D., is a forensic biologist at the U.S. Army Crime Lab at Fort Gillem. While excelling in his chosen profession, he had let himself go physically to the point where he was 50 pounds overweight.
Finally, last year he decided enough was enough and started on a fitness program to get back in shape. “I realized that I need to be in better health too, as this has been a learning process for me that you can’t take your health for granted. I decided I was a big fat blob, and so I’ve been working hard at both the road bike and running.”
He began jogging and then tackled his first 5-kilometer race at the Cleveland Elementary Grand Prix series in September 2010. He finished in just over 33 minutes. He ran it again this year and finished in just over 25 minutes. In October Tim, along with his wife Carol, will take part in the Peachtree City Classic 15K.
“It’ll be a first for us both, as we’ve never run that far before. I’m rather proud of us. Carol was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just over a year ago and has decided to make the most of her health,” Kalafut said. “She’s always been good about exercise of some sort but has really picked up the running.”
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord with a range of moderate to severe debilitating symptoms over a period of years. It typically strikes women more than men.
“Carol learned in July of 2010 that she has MS. After accepting the diagnosis, the decision was made to live life to the fullest, enjoy each other, and trust God for the future.” Since they started biking and running, Tim declares “We’re both in the best shape of our lives right now.”
In fact, they have made fitness a family affair as their children, Spencer, 10, and Ellie, 7, also ride their bikes.
Tim and Carol started a website, www.causeofcarol.com, to raise awareness of MS, reach out to others affected by it, and to raise money for research in finding a cure.
In the meantime, they continue to run and ride and stretch their limits and challenge themselves by taking on the Classic 15K.
If all goes well, Carol’s next goal is to run 10K through the Christmas lights at Calloway Gardens. After that, who knows? Perhaps the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day?
When they cross the finish line of the PTC Classic, it will be a major morale booster and inspiring example of living life to the fullest.
The Classic actually consists of three different races: a women’s 5K, a men’s 5K, and the 15K open. All races are run on separate TAC-certified courses, and start and finish at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater.
The 5K races for men and women are open to the first 800 entrants in each category. The popular 15K is open to the first 1,500 entrants. All finishers in the different races will receive a special commemorative edition technical shirt to mark the 31st year of this Classic event.
The races will take place Saturday, Oct. 15, along the scenic golf cart paths of Peachtree City. It is one of the most popular runs not only in Georgia but in the Southeast as well.
The race is unique in its use of paved cart paths for the race. This scenic race is run mostly on the paths through the greenbelt areas, by lakes, through small tunnels, in the beautiful planned community of Peachtree City. The 15K was voted the best 15K course in Georgia by Georgia Athlete Magazine and is always a sellout, so participants are strongly encouraged to register early.
This year’s race director, George Martin, is looking forward to the using computerized timing chips for the 10th consecutive year.
A Pre-Race Expo will be held at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater on Friday, Oct. 14, from 4:30-8:30 p.m. A Race Day Expo will be held on Saturday from 7-11 a.m. also at the Frederick Brown Amphitheater. The expo will include health and fitness products, sponsors, and selected vendors.
Applications are available at various locations in Peachtree City, Newnan, and Fayetteville, including local recreation departments, libraries, and sporting goods stores. Applications are also available at World Gym, Ultimate Fitness, T&G All Sports, Smith and Davis, Play It Again Sports, and AIS Computers. You can also register on line at www.ptcrc.com. If you have any further questions about the race, you can send email to ptcclassic@aol.com.
