ATHY RED OPEZ“TRAIN HARD, STAY FIT” AT THE LINCOLN FAMILY DOWNTOWN Y

About Fred and Cathy Lopez Fred is a native of Arizona. He has worked in the mortgage banking industry for over 20 years and now works for a law firm in Phoenix. Cathy is a south Florida transplant. She is a project manager of electronic data and a senior litigation paralegal at a large law firm in Phoenix.

When and why you join the Y? Fred: We first joined the Ahwatukee Y in 2005 and transferred to the Lincoln Y two years ago. We believe you can change your mind set and body by hard work, desire and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The boxer Michael Olajide Jr. said “if you continue to have your body meet the demands as though you were in your 20s, it slows down the aging process.”

What is your workout at the Y? Cathy: We train with Dean Thap, our Y personal trainer. Dean is completing his degree in Exercise & Wellness at ASU with an emphasis on health promotion. His knowledge, energy and enthusiasm have made a big impact in our lives. Our workouts include athletic conditioning, cardio and strength/endurance training. Dean’s training techniques and workouts are tailored to allow us to achieve the highest goals we set for ourselves. In addition to training with Dean, we work out 6 to 7 days a week to ensure we are as successful as possible. We hope this is encouraging and inspiring to others.

What is special about the Y? Fred: We enjoy the community atmosphere and the diversity of the members and staff. We've made some lifelong friends. We've received amazing support and encouragement along the way In addition to Dean Thap, we have been inspired by several Y instructors: Erica Hoppin, Sarah Shimchick, and Jaime Cardona. Thank you all for your guidance, grace and dedication.

Can you tell us something about you we did not know? Cathy: While attending college, I worked as a South Florida ocean lifeguard, following in the footsteps of my father, James "Mac" McCarthy, a South Florida ocean lifeguard for over 40 years. Mac competed in National Lifeguards Championships and the Hawaii Ironman competitions. The U.S. Lifesaving Association recently renamed its yearly southeast regional championship in his honor, the James ‘Mac” McCarthy memorial southwest regional championship. I've always been inspired by my father’s commitment to physical fitness. At Dean's suggestion, I set a goal to run my first marathon. With Dean running alongside me, I completed the Prescott Y - Whiskey Row Marathon on May 5, 2012!