Run, Dottie, Run

Dottie Beebe has continued pounding the pavement as an avid runner since we last visited with her five years ago. In fact, the impressive 56-year-old has picked up the pace.

“When it comes to running, I’ve grown by leaps and bounds since I was last interviewed by the magazine.”

Since 2010, Dottie has completed five half marathons, as well as multiple 15k, 10k and 5k races. She has also become a member of the Central Lake Runners, a group of 100 running enthusiasts from Eustis, Tavares and Mount Dora.

“We run together every week and love sharing our knowledge

Fostering Love

Foster parents make a profound impact by taking children away from dangerous situations and showering them with unconditional love they might never receive otherwise.

But foster parents receive as much as they give.

That’s the belief of Dr. John DeGarmo, who discusses the many blessings he’s experienced in his new book, Foster Parenting 101: The Joys of Being a Foster Parent. The book is the fi rst in a series that covers various topics concerning foster care.

Dr. DeGarmo and his wife currently raise nine kids, which include biological, adopted and fostered children. He serves as a dynamic speaker and is considered a leading expert on the foster care system. He has authored numerous books on foster care and also travels extensively to meet with foster parents, child welfare workers, churches, schools and organizations. His book can be ordered on Amazon.com.

with one another,” she says. “Being around like-minded people has helped us continue to grow in the exercise we love.”

There’s another reason Dottie has improved as a runner. She works out at Mount Dora-based Wallace Fitness twice a week and focuses on strengthening both her core and legs.

“I’m living proof that you can continue running even as you grow older,” she says. “However, it is important to be a smart runner and remember to keep a strong body. There’s nothing quite like a runner’s high when the adrenaline and endorphins are flowing.”