A;t fl-Wii 7i£v-g (}4<v ...Dawn Ciccone, 57,of Highlands, is a competitive athlete and nutritionalhealth coach. But six years ago she was hi~~) an SUV,and after, she neededto use a wheelchair. Facedwith years of surger! and rehabilitation, doctorstold Dawn she would never run again.Find out how she beat the odds .

...~ ?dty- gi¥g.I smoked two packs of cigarettes a day until age 27. I finallyquitand decided to get active. I started by running and walkingone block until I was able to go farther. This year I ran my 17thmarathon in Costa Rica and won my division. Everyone startssomewhere.

...~~g~.When things are difficult, it's natural to lookback tothe ways things were, but the only way to move forwardis to accept where you are. I overcame my injury whenI accepted that I am not and never will be the same, butthat is a good thing. It gave me the opportunity to becomestronger and better balanced. Like climbing a mountain, it'simportant to keep your eye on the peak Before you know it,you are halfway to the top.

...~ fo~ r=«So often people spend more time caring for their cars or homesthan themselves. Be kind to yourself. In addition to exercise andeating healthy, I take time to do things I love - like singing andwriting I published a book that came out ofmy healing journeySelf-care is vital, If you don't take care of yourself, you aren'tfullyable to care for others .

V)~oI-Uoo,oo00,

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-=-- Doyou have a fitness story that will inspire~ others to get healthy? Share it with us! E-mailyour story to healthviews@meridianhealth.com orpost it at www.facebook.com/MeridianHealthNJ.Everyonewho submits a story willreceive a FREEcookbookfullofhealthy recipes!

Dawn Ciccone isan active runnerwho enjoys writing,singing, motivationalcoaching, andcommunity service.