Two Ceres women have decided to start up a walking club that welcomes anyone interested in walking around Smyrna Park for their health and social sake.

Melissa Reece and Debbie Bailey, a registered nurse, are putting out the word for others to join in at 7 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, rain or shine. The group will meet at the Smyrna Park picnic shelter on Fowler Road.

"We've heard people say they would walk more if they had walking partners," said Reece. "It's just a way to walk in a safer way."

The intent is to walk around the park "as long as people can walk."

Reece said she started walking regularly for better health and weight management. She recalls being out of breath when she started brisk walks and "thought that was ridiculous." She steadily increased distance and regularity of walking and is now up to five-mile walks.

"It feels better in my heart and soul and after I'm kind of proud of myself," said Reece, who encourages parents to walk with their children.

Reece and Bailey are both Herbal Life distributors and are considering the club offering walkers a monthly drawing as an incentive to anyone toward walking more.
Reece stressed that anyone may join in the morning walks.