Sometimes You Need an Amazing Friend – Part II

Last week I stated, “Some of the most amazing people I have met get together twice a week. They are not the young and the restless, but they are the Bold and the Beautiful.” 

It is great to have some of you commented that you agree! Tom Reichard’s number 2 son said the best description for Tom would be, “There’s NO stopping him!” Joanne Reilley’s newest students said they had never felt so welcomed or so positive about a fitness class, EVER! Tom & Joanne are timeless athletes. They are just two of an amazing group who never say quit. It is time to introduce two more amazing friends…Marlowe Meyers and Lloyd (Bud) Schultz.

Marlowe Meyers smiles and says hello even on the rough days. She is not a quitter. She is not a complainer. It is not that her world is perfect; it has something to do with her outlook on life. “You just keep working at it”. She’s been taking exercise classes since she was a young lady. Some of her early classes were with Doc Eberhardt, one of the pioneers of the St. Louis fitness movement.   She raised three children while working as a teacher – no easy task! After retiring from her teaching job with Kirkwood Public Schools, she went to work doing alterations for Roberts Boys Shop.

Several surgeries have not stopped her from attending the weekly SitNBeFit class. She had to cut back to once a week after her last surgery, but she is back to attending twice a week now! Marlowe says she enjoys being in the class because the group is welcoming and has a pleasant instructor. She is sure that exercising all joints “just makes you feel good!”

 Lloyd (Bud) Schultz is another of our Speed Skaters and bicycle racers- checking in at 88-years-young. Born at St. Luke’s, St. Louis, in 1923, he grew up a local boy. Bud spent his term in the Air Force as a Radio Mechanic working on the B-17s and P-47s, ending up becoming an aeronautical engineer.  He didn’t start bicycle racing until age 44 when his son gave up his bicycle for girls! He also began aerobic exercises after reading Col. Ken Coopers book on health and exercise.

By his late 40’s and 50’s Bud would ride 60 miles round-trip daily. Bud says he would often solve complicated math problems as he rode because his head would be most clear during those times. He and his lovely wife also rode together. They toured every country in Europe aboard their BICYCLES!

Bud enjoys speed-skating with the Coffee Club. He is surrounded by friends, gets excellent exercise and offers assistance or advice to the newbies. His smooth skating stride reminds us of the trade-mark wall mural at Brentwood Ice Arena! If you don’t skate already, come watch or come visit the crew. If you are over 50, you will certainly be welcome!

Check the blog next week for a peak at Bill & Doris Richardt. Talk about amazing!