What began with a tighter waistband and walks with the family dog became a lasting commitment to fitness — and a desire to inspire others.
I started writing stories about truck drivers’ health journeys to inspire other drivers to take control of their personal well-being.
However, trucking executive Keith Johnson’s journey inspired me to shift gears, so to speak, and share the story of a transportation executive who adopted a new approach to making major lifestyle changes. I hope Keith’s story will inspire transportation executives — as well as drivers and other trucking professionals — to adopt healthy changes and consider installing company-wide wellness programs.
After 20 years with FedEx Ground in Pittsburgh, Keith accepted a position in Milwaukee with two merging transportation companies, Dawes Transport and Roadrunner. When he joined the team, the dress attire was a bit more formal. That shift in “uniform” let to a hard realization as he refitted his work wardrobe: His size 40 slacks no longer fit, and he had to buy a larger size.
The increase in waist size was not Keith’s only challenge. His weight increased to over 300 pounds, which, along with a family history of heart issues, was not a great combination for life longevity.
That was the tipping point for Keith: A lifestyle change had to be made.
Small steps, big changes
Keith’s first action was a smart one: He and his wife added a Labrador puppy to the family.
The addition of a canine family member caught my attention. Why? It all goes back to my mission of working with professional truck drivers: 60% of truck drivers own pets, and 40% of drivers travel with their pets.
These pets provide more than companionship; they also offer incentives and opportunities for physical activity. When I’m coaching drivers, I recommend getting a dog. They’re great walking partners, and they also provide mental health support when times get lonely.
Next, Keith’s attention turned to his diet, starting with a reduction in food intake and alcohol consumption (there are a lot of hidden calories in alcohol). Fortunately, he said, sweets have never been a major temptation.
Keith recognized when changing his nutrition to make sure he consumed enough carbs for his running and weight training; 15 years ago, he cut out red meat in exchange for fish and chicken.
Keith’s original workout routine started with taking the dog for walks; then the walks turned into runs, trying to run from mailbox to mailbox — walk one segment and then run the next.
As his physical condition improved, he started working out three times a week in addition to running 40 to 50 miles each week. Time is always an issue, he said, noting that he generally gets up at 4 a.m. to run or work out before heading to the office. That’s not always easy on cold Wisconsin mornings during the winter! Currently, Keith runs 3 to 4 times a week, logging 15 to 20 miles for the week.
Going the distance
What I found most impressive about Keith’s health journey is something I hope everyone will take into account when making lifestyle changes: Results happen over time, not overnight.
During his continuing journey, Keith began running half and full marathons in 2013. To date, he’s completed seven full and 31 half marathons.
To me, Keith is a great example of this simple truth: It’s never too late to start exercising. The proof is in his before-and-after pictures.
Keith’s message to drivers and transportation executives is this: “Drivers have a difficult lifestyle. Sitting for long periods, long hours on the road, and poor food options. But deciding to change your health for the better is important.”
He enjoys sharing his story, and at this point in his career, his focus is on motivating others and celebrating their wins.
As people often say, it’s not about adding years to your life (which it will do!); it’s about adding life to your years. Just keep moving forward!
Bob Perry is a regular contributor to The Trucker. He has spent nearly the past four decades on a mission to educate professional drivers and share life-changing products and services to help them live healthier lives while on the road. Recognized throughout the transportation industry, from bus drivers to over-the-road professional drivers, Perry has played an important role in creating a paradigm shift helping regulatory agencies, private and public sector entities, and consumers understand the current health challenges of the professional driver. He has participated as a wellness advocate in several roundtable discussions, large audience groups and small forums as well as going “curbside” through a national truck stop tour.
Bob’s articles have been featured in The Trucker and a number of other national transportation industry publications and is the host of a weekly wellness call produced by Rolling Strong. Bob has been a regular guest on RedEye Radio and Land-Line Radio, and is often an invited guest on Sirius radio shows. He has been featured in the New York Times, Men’s Health Magazine, Drug Store News, American Road Magazine, WSJ, NPR, ABC National Radio, as well as hundreds of daily newspapers. He has appeared on television news shows across the nation, including a featured TV segment on ABC NightLine News.
