Annie Wyatt

Spunky Annie Wyatt was the first member of the Treasure Valley Fitness Walkers. A profile on Annie in October 1988 states that she was first in line when George Beall’s dream of TVFW became a reality. In March of 1987, at the age of 60, Annie stopped smoking and started jogging to cope with nicotine withdrawal. In one short year’s time, Annie transformed herself into a winning racewalker. She compiled subtle clues to change from a jogger to a racewalker—aching joints, noting racewalking men on the greenbelt, reading a Prevention magazine article on speed walking—all at a time when racewalking was not a popular sport in Boise. One winter evening, Annie read in the Statesman about a racewalking class taught by George Beall. In March 1988, she attended then immediately began competitive racewalking that spring. She earned medals, ribbons, and a reputation as the "wild walking widow of Warm Springs wood Annie received good training, picked up a fun habit, and found good friendships in the newly formed Treasure Valley Fitness Walkers.

Anne has seen Boise open up to racewalking. In 1990, she competed in the Sawtooth Relay, the first one to allow walkers. She worked with other TVFW members to get walking categories into local fun runs. She paved the way for us.

Anne could count on taking first in her age group and remained competitive until she broke her foot in an unfortunate accident last July. Her fracture healed, but her doctor feared that the tendon and nerve damage may be permanent. Her doctor found out that you don’t say "don’t" to Annie. She knows the benefits of moving, and has fought hard to push herself to the limits. Annie laughs it off, talking about her state of geezerhood, and bragging that her signature fragrance is Ben Gay!

That’s Annie as a racer. Annie as a friend and helper is the true Annie. She has held every office in the club, some of them more than once, has been the newsletter editor, and also was a trainer. Annie introduced me to the TVFW when I met her at the 1997 Women’s Fitness Celebration, and kindly began to teach me the racewalking style, and staying back with me at the walkabouts to make sure I was learning. I loved Annie’s enthusiasm and quick smile. She was 70 when I met her, and how I hoped that my genetic codes and good luck would keep me as active and happy as Annie.

Annie has earned our admiration as a generous, giving person. And because of her dedication to exercise, she even earned a compliment the other day—a gentleman told her that she had good looking legs for an old goat! Well, it’s a little rough around the edges, but Annie deserves compliments in every form. Thank you for your continued dedication to walking and TVFW.