A group of community leaders joined us at the offices of The Star yesterday afternoon to discuss next steps in the Our Big Problem series on obesity. We had a fast-paced hour discussing ways our community can wrestle with the frightening statistics that show Alabama is among the fattest states in the union. (And, yes, as our reporting has shown, the impact of this epidemic has huge implications for everyone, even the fittest among us.)

One big idea to address Our Big Problem is a competition pitting young people from various community centers, clubs, churches and so forth against each other. The aim is to make fitness fun by competition and encouragement. In broad strokes, the highlights include:

-- Competitors would compete against other teams in a series of athletic contests.

-- Prizes would go to the top finishers as well as those kids who showed the most improvement.

--- The event might be best compared to a big “field day” where multiple events would be happening at the same time.

-- Incentives – prizes, special events, special recognition – would be available for winning teams and individuals. 

-- Our aim is to make this a fun event where boys and girls can encourage each other to get healthier.

 So, that’s what’s on the drawing board. We talking about an annual or twice-a-year competition, perhaps hosted at McClellan, which has facilities for multiple athletic events.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in.

What do you think of this idea? 

 How can we make it better?

 What athletic events would you suggest be a part of this competition? What about X-Games-styled events?

All ideas welcome. 

Eight cyclists headed out along Choccolocco’s back roads early Friday morning. I can’t speak for the others, but Derek Jensen was on my mind at every turn of the pedal.

Jensen, the director of external affairs at the Center for Domestic Preparedness at McClellan, died Thursday morning after being hit by a truck while cycling to work, according to the police report. He was 37.

Jensen occasionally joined the group of early morning riders who follow a route designed to stay mostly clear of motor vehicles. He was a strong rider, an extremely fit athlete who never seemed to tire. He was a friendly soul, someone who encouraged slower riders like me. He was a positive person who could always be counted on to put in a good word no matter the subject, something we should all aspire to.

A death in this region’s tight-knit cycling community has weighed many down with sadness. Friday’s ride was a more somber affair than usual. Eyes and ears were even more attuned to oncoming traffic. The strain of extreme physical exertion brought an odd sort of relief, an hour or so of suffering to briefly distract one’s mind from the death of a friend. It was to me a sort of mourning.

In Judaism, the Kaddish is a prayer said in mourning the death of a loved one. Religious scholars are quick to point out that the Kaddish is not a prayer for the dead; it’s a prayer for the living.

While Derek’s friends and family remember his life, it’s important to also reflect on those left behind. We all share the same roads. There should be more awareness that others are using them, whether these travelers are on a bicycle, running or walking on two legs or even driving in another automobile.

Most runners and cyclists assume drivers of automobiles don’t notice them. Many carry flashing backlights to signal vehicles approaching from behind. Those are necessary precautions, yet not always enough. Today’s small hope is that Derek’s tragic passing can serve to raise awareness that the roads are meant for sharing.