Felix Buitrago shares experience and advice with fitness-minded AtlantansATLANTA, February 2012: On January 29, Felix G. Buitrago of Brightstar Realty Services, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Midtown, placed 38th out of 800 in the ING Miami Marathon. Buitrago enjoys training for marathons on the scenic streets of Buckhead and Midtown that surround The Astoria at the Aramore. Here he shares his experience, as well as his thoughts and tips for staying in run-ready shape in the heart of Atlanta:
Q: How long have you been training for and running in marathons?
A: I have been running (on and off) most of my adult life. This was the second marathon I’ve run. The first one was the Atlanta Marathon 11 years ago. I started training for the ING Miami Marathon in early September 2011.
Q: What was special about your experience with this marathon?
A: I wanted to set a fitness goal that I could focus on and commit to a training schedule. One of my best friends from Miami told me about this marathon. There were several things that appealed to me about it: the fact that I lived in Miami in the past and have friends and family members there were the main reasons. I knew the course was going to be flat and scenic. Also, it was the 10th anniversary of this marathon.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who sets running a marathon as a goal?
A: Remember that you run a marathon one mile at a time. Don’t let the 26.2-mile distance discourage you. Follow a training program. Read about training for a marathon to learn the adjustments that you need to make (to running, nutrition, gear, etc.) to prepare for the race.
Q: Why do you feel fitness is so important throughout life?
A: Staying active is the best thing you can do for your health, physically and mentally. I find the quality of my life is enhanced when I’m fit. I have more energy and my outlook toward life is more positive.
Q: How do you stay fit and healthy?
A: I run five times a week and do strength training twice a week. I eat about six small, well-balanced meals every day to keep my metabolism going. I avoid eating anything fried and drink very little alcohol, especially during the 18-week pre-marathon training program that I follow.
Q: What are the advantages and challenges you see to staying fit and healthy in Atlanta?
A: There are several nice parks and places throughout Atlanta that are very appealing for runners. In addition, there are many running clubs and all kinds of fitness programs, like boot camps, that make it easy for people that want to be active and stay fit but need the motivation and environment of group workouts. The weather here is good for the most part, and there are plenty of health clubs around for those days that the weather is not really nice. The only challenge I see is running in busy streets during peak times—you really have to pay close attention to your surroundings and that can be a bit distracting, but that’s always the case for any city.
Q: What are some ways The Astoria at The Aramore makes staying fit easier for residents?
A: The amenities are great for active people: a state-of-the-art health club, yoga room, large rectangular pool, and hot spa, which is great to soothe your muscles after a nice workout. The Astoria is also in a great location for runners, joggers, or walkers. From The Astoria you can head north or west through the beautiful streets of Buckhead, or south towards Midtown, Piedmont Park, Atlantic Station, and downtown. You can also take advantage of the nearby 2½ miles of the beltline that runs along Bobby Jones Golf Course. The Astoria is also located in the heart of the route for the Peachtree Road Race. I live in Buckhead and always find myself running in front of The Astoria, whether doing 5 miles, or one of the long 18- or 20- mile runs a few weeks before the race.
Photos are available on request.
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About The Astoria at The Aramore: Located off of Peachtree Street in the heart of Peachtree Battle, the Astoria at the Aramore features a fitness center, lap pool, heated spa and over one acre of green space so that the residents can lead an active lifestyle. In addition to these wonderful amenities, the convenient Peachtree Battle location allows residents to walk to many destinations, which also has health benefits. The live/work/play community promotes an overall healthy and balanced lifestyle. Be sure to stop by the luxury Atlanta condos to tour one of the exquisite model homes that are open daily.
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