Last year, five Bradford women – Bessie Ditta, Maggie DiPoce, Stefania Falia, Michelle Bettencourt and Janet Luz – gave themselves a new name, and a new challenge.
They called themselves the #RealHealthWives of BWG and entered the Wasaga Beach 5K Foam Fest obstacle race.
It was all part of their fitness journey together – motivating, inspiring, and supporting each other to not only reach their individual fitness goals but push themselves to new personal ‘bests.’
A fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Canada, the 5K Foam Fest is a family-friendly obstacle challenge with muddy trails, bouncers and bubble pits along the way – not “hard core,” according to organizers, but “fun core,” for all levels of fitness.
“You don’t need to be a fitness buff to conquer the 5K Foam Fest, but you definitely do need enthusiasm, positive energy and confidence to overcome any obstacle thrown your way,” said Ditta.
Not only did the #RealHealthWives succeed, they decided to come back in 2019 – and hopefully double the members of their team.
On Aug. 10, the original five were joined by Michelle Melo, Dawn Kerr, Pamela Pereira, Veronica Mato and Sarah D., at the 2019 5K Foam Fest.
“We walked, talked, laughed and jogged our way up and down sandy hills, trekking along the beach, and met with some obstacles that were actually pretty challenging for a few of the newcomers,” said Ditta – but the RealHealthWives got through it all.
“We encouraged each other to complete each and every obstacle, through motivating and building up each other’s confidence to believe in ourselves and face each challenge head-on,” she said. And every success was met with high-fives and cheers.
“The 5K Foam Fest was a truly unique experience, an overall positive vibe and atmosphere,” Ditta said. The ten HealthWives not only tackled the course, they all made it to the finish line – each receiving a towel with the race’s slogan, “Get Filthy Clean,” and a medal for their efforts.
But that wasn’t the most important aspect of the day for Ditta and the team.
She noted, “Our support toward Make-A-Wish Canada assists in creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. It is such a great opportunity to help - we encourage others to help bring the magic of a wish fulfilled for these children.”
The team’s motto is “It takes a village…," said Ditta. “Ours just happens to be a tribe called #RHWofBWG.”
