Pack member Jane Cook, age 75, doesn’t let the hardships of life get her down. Being widowed at age 28 with two small kids, and having had bilateral knee replacements, Jane has learned to adapt to her situation and find ways to stay intentional according to her own abilities. With this mindset and intention, Jane has found herself down 16 pounds, and when not walking in the water, she’s getting in her miles with her best walking pals—her Jetti Poles, Trust and Hope.
We recently chatted with Jane, and here’s just a few things we’ve discovered about her.
Where she calls home:
The water has her heart, and it’s a sight she gets to see often living in Kill Devil Hills, NC, in the beautiful Outer Banks.
That ocean view can only be trumped by one thing…
Jane's son and grandchildren who live nearby.
Now that’s one way to get in a power walk!
Though Jane is officially retired, she finds herself power walking after toddlers while working a few days a week at the YMCA’s Stay and Play, and also in between singing the praises of the Outer Banks at her gig at the visitor center. If you’re visiting, be sure to stop in and say “hi!”
A stable solution.
Jane loves to crush her miles in the water. Whether in the pool at the YMCA, or in the sound (the water system between mainland North Carolina and the Outer Banks barrier islands), water walking helps keep her upright, and reduces the risk of falling. We bet it keeps her nice and cool, too!
Her favorite nosh?
Chocolate. Hands down.
A sight to behold.
Being able to watch turtle eggs hatching on the beach and seeing the babies dash out to sea is one experience Jane will always remember from one of her walks. What a lucky gal to see this momentous occasion!
Her best advice when times are tough?
To just keep moving. One step at a time.
Jane’s go-to tune?
Gerry and the Pacemakers’ “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” It’s her reminder that God has always walked beside her, and carried her when she stumbled.
The person that’s inspired her the most?
Eleanor Roosevelt. Her tenacity and learning the importance of having a purpose have been quite the influence on Jane, which is apparent from the moment you start talking to her.
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