Donna Lafayette

As a young girl, I was never involved with sports. I didn't even realize I had a competitive gene, until I took up roller skating at 21! No, I didn't do Roller Derby!!! I skated dance, school figures, and speed. I had no natural talent, but I was going to perfect my talent to the best of my ability....after 20 years, I got as perfect as I was going to be....it was time to try something else.

In 1984 the Aerobic Dance class craze was in full swing, so at age 42 I became a certified instructor.....and I still teach classes today!

By 1988, I needed something more, and became involved with competitive bodybuilding. In my attempt to perfect this new interest, I became a certified Personal Trainer, which I continue to do today also! After seven years of dealing with the politics of competitive bodybuilding, I was getting bored!

In 1995, two weeks before the Portland to Coast event, a desperate individual asked me to walk the event.....why not I thought....it was something different! Who would have known that I'd develop a passion for the sport of walking so quickly. Pretty much the rest is history.....I have a new sport to perfect and can continue to participate until I'm 125 years old!!

Training with Judy Heller, I share her passion and commitment as an ambassador of fitness and the sport of walking.....I encourage people of all ages to get up and move!! By participating in walking events, I've met some terrific people, who will be among my "circle of friends" forever!

Becoming a Wonders of Walking committee person was the natural thing to do. For the Willamette Valley Relay, my "job" as Team Match Coordinator is to help teams needing people, and individuals who want to be on a team get connected. The other "hat" I wear, is to help make the event safe and organized, by finding enough volunteers over and above those provided by each registered team. It's great being a part of a positive action group.