Part I:
Topic:
My father, Michael Pratt, overcame obesity by adapting a healthy lifestyle and going on to successfully run the Hoover Dam Marathon.
Purpose:
It is a Feature Story about a man who persevered through a dark period in his life. It is moving and inspirational.
Audience:
The target audience for this Feature Story is adult men and women who enjoy being in shape or plan to make big changes in their lives. It pertains to the reader because it gives encouragement to his or her fitness lifestyle.
Interview Planning and Summary:
Interviewee’s Name & Title: Michael Pratt, father
Date & Time: May 19th, 2014 at 5:30pm
Format: In person
Questions:
What event enabled you to make a change in your lifestyle?
What specific changes did you enable?
How has running the marathon changed you?
What was the hardest part of training?
What motivated you to persevere?
Research Summary:
· “Hearing this news was such a wake up call. I didn’t realize how much I let myself go”
· 50 pounds overweight, medications
· The Hoover Dam Marathon: its hardships and successes
The Hook:
· Inspirational
· Dramatic
· Informative
Part II:
Running for His Life
by Katie Pratt
On March 15th, 2013 in the DuPage Medical Office, Michael Pratt heard the news that changed his life forever. Doctors told him that he was 50 pounds overweight, and that his condition took 10 years off of his life span. As a consequence, he had to start four medications. “Hearing this news was such a wake up call,” Michael says. “I didn’t realize how much I let myself go.” Despite the bad news, the doctor explained that if Michael lost the 50 pounds and adopted a healthier lifestyle, he would not have to begin the medications. Michael accepted the challenge and decided to train for the Hoover Dam Marathon.
Doctors gave Michael nine months to lose the weight and prepare for the marathon, so Michael had to start his plan immediately. His first move was to rid his diet of all junk food. “All the pop and chips had to go,” he explains, “I had to start eating clean.” If that wasn’t a struggle enough, he then had to start the grueling process of running. He started off slow, just a couple miles a day, three times a week. Once he felt like he was in the groove, he joined a training program, and was eventually running up to 40 miles per week. The movement did not come easy. “There were times I wanted to quit so badly. I would be so tired and so sore and I felt like it wasn’t worth it anymore,” Michael admits. Valiantly, he did not give up and would remind himself why he was running. “I not only ran for myself, but I ran for my family. I didn’t want my life to be cut short just because I was lazy,” Michael explains.
On December 14th, Michael Pratt ran and completed the marathon in 5 hours and 10 minutes, and 57 pounds lighter. It goes to show what hard work and commitment can do. Michael is a tremendous role model for those who do not want to take shortcuts when it comes to personal wellbeing. If you would like to jumpstart your health, consult your physician about your options.
