Sarita Shoemaker

Dave and Regina Doeppel on their first day of camp together at Rocky Peak.

Sarita Shoemaker

NOW: Dave RUNNING Hummingbird Trail in Simi Valley.

Simi Valley resident, Dave Doeppel has been trying to turn his health around and take care of himself.

Dave's story is probably very common: "I always had asthma. I wasn't allowed to run when I was in junior high and high school. I have high cholesterol and blood pressure and serious lower back pain." It wasn't getting better, it was getting worse.

"I used to have a 24 Hour gym membership and tried it on my own. I had no motivation. I tried personal trainers at the gym, all they wanted was to keep booking more sessions and never taught anything that I could do on my own. I tried Weight Watchers and that worked ok for awhile but it is a lot of work keeping track of points, I'm a regular guy and that's not something I'd do naturally...so it dropped out."

"I'm married have two daughters and three step children, I had to do something effective about my health! "My wife Regina joined the 805Bboot Camp and dragged me too. It was the best thing I could have done."

That was March 2008 and Dave hasn't looked back. His first day was nightmarishly difficult due to so many years of inactivity. He struggled with shin and calf pain. "Randy (Shoemaker) advised me to get fitted for shoes to be at camp. The pain went away and I was able to work harder exercising."

"Running 1 mile was impossible. I couldn't do it. I also couldn't believe it!"

Dave then joined 805 TrailDogs, a group of adults that just like to take on exercise challenges, and got so much support he decided to sign up for the BullDog 25K.

The BullDog Trailrun is 25 in Malibu State Creek Park in August. To describe it is pretty much impossible - it starts off 3 miles rolling and shaded then there is a grueling 4+ mile ascent that tests your will to continue! Then the remainder of the trail run is downhill - all 15 miles.

Dave did it all!

In a thank you to his fellow Trail Dogs Dave wrote, "I would have never thought I could accomplish something like the Bulldog and without all of your encouragement I probably would not have even tried."

Congratulations Dave!

The 805 Trail Dogs is a free not-for-profit group created to help Simi Valley Residents get MOVING in the trails, races or adventures and be healthier. You can find out more information at www.805BootCamp.com or www.ILoveSimiValley.com/805TrailDogs or call Randy Shoemaker at 805-823-3409 for more information.