search articles:     from the issue of October 4, 2007         Fankhauser trades cigarettes for running shoes  BY TROY FEDDERSON, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS Helen Fankhauser stood in front a mirror and didn't like what she saw.     Fankhauser "I had just turned 30 and realized I had been smoking for half my life," said the systems analyst with Information Services. "I thought, 'You are a wreck,' and wondered what I was going to do." Her response was to get fit - kicking the smoking habit, hitting Campus Recreation in new running shoes, and eating healthier. Fast-forward 15 years, and Fankhauser is pleased with her body image, having carried the fitness kick into triathlon competitions and potentially a side career in fitness instruction. "This all started when I went out, bought a new pair of tennis shoes and just started running," Fankhauser said. "I began with a mile or two that first time, and built from there." To stay motivated, Fankhauser started running with a friend, Rachel Bray. Over time, their runs grew into a need for a bigger challenge. "I was running with Rocky (Bray) and one day the idea to compete in a triathlon just sparked," Fankhauser said. "Running had become a bit boring, so we agreed to train for something bigger." In 1993, one year after starting to run, Fankhauser competed in the Lincoln Sprint Triathlon (500 meter swim, 9 mile bike, 3.1 mile run), the Lincoln Buffalon (2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run) and the Summer Biathlon Series (run 3.1 miles and shoot at a target between each mile). In her first Lincoln Triathlon, Fankhauser finished eighth out of 20 female competitors (fourth in her age group) at 1 hour, 11 minutes, 17 seconds. In the biathlon series, she placed first in her age group. Other multi-event races she competed in include the 1995 Lincoln Triathlon, the 1994 Lincoln Buffalon, the 1994 and 1995 Summer Biathlon Series, the 2001 Lincoln Half Marathon (13.1 miles), the 2004 Cornhusker State Games Sprint Triathlon and the 2004 Southern Hills Triathlon at Angostura Lake in South Dakota. She stopped competing as her children started graduating from high school. However, she continued to stay in shape and is now preparing for another run at the 2008 Cornhusker State Games Sprint Triathlon. "I am really looking forward to getting back into it," Fankhauser said. "My brothers, sisters and I are even talking about running the Angostura Lake triathlon together. But, we'll have to see about that one." To help her prepare, Fankhauser is taking courses at Campus Recreation with the goal of becoming a fitness instructor. While she admits her fitness journey has gone a bit further than most, Fankhauser said it remains important for everyone to keep in shape - even if that means just exercising on a regular basis. "The biggest thing about a workout is that you have to schedule it," Fankhauser said. "No matter what it is - swimming, biking, running, lifting weights - put it on your schedule. Make time for it in your day." Fankhauser also recommends finding a partner or enrolling in a group class. "It all depends on what type of person you are," Fankhauser said. "If you need reinforcement, then grab a friend or enroll in a group class. If you can't find something that fits into your schedule, then go to the Campus Recreation Center and latch onto one of the instructors. They are great motivators." Also, know that any changes will not be immediate and be sure not to get discouraged as old habits are hard to break. "For me, eating healthy has been a tough one," Fankhauser said. "These changes are not easy to stick to. But, remember you are doing this for yourself. "When you exercise, it makes you feel better. And, hopefully, it will also offer you longevity and a healthier lifestyle." GO TO: ISSUE OF OCTOBER 4 NEWS HEADLINES FOR OCTOBER 4 Soh fine-tunes software that helps monitor, enhance student learning Ari plight topic for Oct. 11 'Academic Freedom' lecture Fankhauser trades cigarettes for running shoes Health risk survey available until Oct. 12 Scarlet available in pdf format Chancellor issues Campus Wellness Program update Couple to serve on ANDRILL teams Psych training program outlined in journal article Q & A with David Harwood Researchers seek climate change 'Rosetta Stone' Trip offers first-hand experience to students 732953S37360X