Chris Eder - Waikoloa View
Name: Chris Eder
Age: 47
Where you were born (Hometown): Born in Glennallen, Alaska, but my hometown is really Valdez, Alaska because my parents moved back there when I was 6 days old. My parents were relocated, along with everybody else in Valdez, due to the March, 1964 earthquake. My parents returned to Valdez as soon as I was born in October, once the town was safe again.
Family: Significant Other (husband, Guy Smith) and two dogs (one good one and one bad one, more on that another time)
Career, business, volunteer… I manage grant projects at Bellingham Technical College. Previously, I worked at Washington State University Extension in several positions. I love being in a college environment, I love the energy, the students, the learning, and how college changes lives. I get to be part of this on a daily basis, and wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Favorite music: My all-time favorite musical artist is Barry Manilow! I *LOVE* him! I have been to 6 of his concerts in 3 different states. But, I like a lot of music, including Top 40, soft rock, classical, and rock ballads. Right now I really like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Adele
Favorite book: I love to read, and read a lot … favorite books include: “The Crimson Petal and the White” (Michael
Chris Eder with friend Kerena - 1st Run Together
Faber), Stephanie Plum novels (Janet Evanovich), political espionage (Vince Flynn, David Baldacci). I also like historical fiction.
Favorite quote: A lot from The Simpsons and South Park that I shouldn’t repeat since they aren’t family-friendly!
What do you like best about walking and/or running?
The feeling of accomplishment when it is over! I am always amazed at what I was able to do, and that my body was strong enough to do what I asked it. And, the feeling of getting better, stronger, faster! With the FitSchool classes, I like the camaraderie of the women, and they inspire me to keep running and striving towards more goals! It is so much fun to run with these women – much more fun than running on my own!
What inspires you to keep a regular exercise routine?
So many things … I like to walk with Guy and the dogs, I like the feeling of going farther and/or faster, I like the feeling of being more toned and having my muscles start to show!
What are some tips you have about eating a healthy diet?
I completely changed what I eat a year ago, and I eat mainly whole and organic foods. I feel fuller faster and my appetite has lessened, because of the whole foods and increased fiber intake. I also try to eat often.
Chris Eder walking in Waikoloa Village in Hawaii
What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome (this could be exercise related, career related, or anything in your life)?
A year ago I was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, and had to completely change what and how I eat. I had been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for at least 15 years, but stopped eating gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, almonds, cane sugar, and many other foods due to the new-found allergies. I had to learn how to adapt recipes to make them gluten-free, vegan and without any of the numerous items I am allergic to. It was really hard at first, but became easier as I learned more and tried out more recipes. My family has been really supportive and helpful. In the long run, this has turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me because I feel so much better, I have lost weight, I feel more toned and have much more energy.
Your favorite place in the world you have walked/run/hiked:
I like to walk pretty much anywhere I am, but my favorite place to walk is Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. I love walking in the warm sun and breeze, looking out over the Village and down the slopes of Mauna Kea and the ocean. I love the tropical plants, the beautiful homes, and the smells!
Anything else interesting about you:
I love to scrapbook and paper craft. I can easily spend hours creating scrapbook pages and cards. I like to scrapbook vacation albums (Disney World!) and make cards to give to friends, for birthdays, celebrations, to send cheer, etc. I love to travel too.
Chris's Favorite Place in the World to Walk
