John Farah

Liberty member John Farah, age 69, has run over 120 marathons. Last year, alone, he ran 12! Is it any wonder that people approach him, constantly, inquiring, "How do you do it?" "It" is the operative word in the question, and the reason John wrote "Let's Pick It Up a Bit".

John explains, in the preface of the book, " 'It' is a method I've been developing and honing my entire life, sometimes consciously, sometimes instinctively, or as a natural response to my environment and upbringing. In fact, 'It' is more than a method. It's even more than running. It's a way of life ..."

"Let's Pick It Up a Bit" shares John's lifestyle, through entertaining anecdotes and stories, as well as specific training tips, acquired with running buddies Nelson Williams and Bob Marty. The book is inspirational, and you don't need to be a runner to enjoy it. John's stories and experiences serve as examples of encouragement and motivation to any reader.    

"I shared what I've experienced throughout my life," John said, "and how I've had to keep reinventing myself, just like anyone else, along the way. For example, when I was injured and couldn't run, I'd rehabilitate myself by walking and biking. Persistence is what counts."

Specific training tips, shared in each chapter, were acquired while running with friends Bob Marty and Nelson Williams, at 5:00 a.m. in the morning. "Someone was always talking," John shared, "and the conversation often revolved around setting goals to make us better runners. Nelson was especially talkative, and I often found myself wanting to write down what he said."

As a result, John did just that. He incorporated "Nelson's Corner," in each chapter of the book, where Nelson answers a question. During one early morning run, Nelson said, "It's the perceived effort that counts in a run."

John elaborates in the book, "Think about that - not your finish time, just how hard you try. Pure optimism, pure attitude, and exactly what you need when the chips are down."

It took John two and a half years to write "Let's Pick It Up a Bit". His son, Christopher, played an integral part as both an advisor and the book's editor. "I greatly enjoyed writing the book," John exclaimed. "I liked telling stories, and I had no deadlines! And as an added bonus, I never envisioned what a fulfilling experience it would be to work with my son."

Book Signing 

Be sure to join John for a book signing at Liberty, Tuesday, June 12, 5:30-7:00pm. You'll find talking to him almost as inspirational as his book! The book will be available to purchase, cash or checks are excepted. 

Nutrition

Recipes for Health 

Liberty Athletic Club nutritionists Stacy Goldberg and Kim McDevitt share some delicious recipes that can be incorporated into a healthful menu.

June Recipe:
Veggie Pancakes

 

A savory take on an old favorite, these pancakes are chock of full of vegetables, including kale. Kale is a kind of cruciferous vegetable which provides cholesterol lowering fiber and phytochemicals called flavanoids, which provide antioxidant and anti inflammatory benefits. A great option this February for Heart Health Month! A perfect side dish for your dinner or even a main dish when complemented with salmon, all natural chicken breast or grilled tofu!

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: under 30 minutes

Ingredients:

 1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup grated zucchini
1/2 cup chopped mushroom
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped lacinato kale milk or almond milk
2 green onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup almond meal
1/2 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg white
1/4 cup low-fat milk of choice, including soy
2 tablespoons canola oil

Instructions:

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Beat together egg, milk, carrot, mushrooms, peppers, kale, zucchini and scallion. Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour batter by tablespoonfuls into pan, making a few pancakes at a time. Cook until golden, about 3 minutes on each side. Add remaining oil to pan as needed to cook remaining pancakes. Serve immediately.  

Click here to print recipe

Club Improvements

A fresh new color will be coming to our roof as we begin the recoating process next week, June 11, 2012.  We anticipate a slight disruption to parking on a few days over the next month.  Designated parking spaces will be blocked off as needed for equipment.

The parking lot resurfacing and striping has been completed for another season.  Please, remember to drive slowly through the parking lot as we will continue to have more children exiting vehicles as we move forward into summer.  

The ceiling project over the Basketball Court, Track, Group Fitness Studio and Tree House has been completed.  The new sheeting cover has increased the overall appearance and brightness to this area and has eliminated the flaking of the insulation material.  

Once again, we appreciate your patience as we continue to work on updates and improvements to the facility.

Additional pool deck space and over 60 lounge chairs have been added to the Outdoor Waterpark this season.  If you were able to join us over the Memorial Day Weekend we hope your children enjoyed the new bounce house we have purchased to be used on special occasions.  

Age Requirement Change

Beginning Monday, June 18th the Women's Adult Locker Room will be accessible to women age 16 years and up. This age has been changed from the previous requirement of 12 years of age.  

Rockwall Hours Change 

General Reminders 

• Please refrain from wearing perfume and/or perfumed lotions when coming to the club. Many members are highly allergic or have asthma that becomes acerbated when inhaling these smells.  Any type of scent can be offensive when working out on the fitness floor, attending a group fitness class, swimming or playing tennis.  We appreciate your compliance with this policy.     
• Member Check in is required at the outdoor waterpark.  If you do not have your liberty key card, please present a drivers license to the Outdoor Desk Attendant.     
• Unless enrolled in a Liberty sponsored program or event, Children must be 12 years old to be dropped off at the club without a parent or adult supervisor.  Supervisors must be 16 years or older.     

Hours and Information Brochure