Barbara Blackford
Barbara Blackford – Yellow Group Assistant Coach
Fastest Marathon Time: 5:02
Marathons Completed: 5
Half Marathons Completed: 9
Other races: 4 5ks, 9 10ks, 1 25k, 2 sprint triathlons and 1 duathlon
Background and Experience: Background and Experience: Barbara is an example of “better late than never”—she didn’t begin running until after she turned 48. Barbara has practiced law in fast-paced areas such as finance and mergers and acquisitions. For years, she was more likely to stay up all night at the printer than to take a walk around the block. Before turning 50, she vowed to change her ways. She started walking, but after a while, as she acclimated to her new routine, her weight loss and fitness plateaued. So she decided to try running. With the help of an on-line coach, she completed her 1st 10k in March 2006 and her 1st half marathon in January 2007, less than two weeks after her 50th birthday.
In 2008, she decided to try for the ultimate fitness challenge—to finish a marathon. She joined Get Fit in April 2008. She completed her first marathon in November 2008. Barbara believes Get Fit provides fun people to run with, encouragement, added accountability, the right amount of challenge, and the plan and logistics essential to training for long distance runs. Since joining Get Fit, Barbara has lost almost 40 pounds, and nearly 100 pounds overall.
Barbara grew up in Mobile, Alabama (her dad, from Ohio and Michigan, dubbed her “the only yankee born in Mobile Infirmary”). She has lived in Atlanta for over 25 years, except for three years in St. Louis working for Monsanto. Barbara lives in Vinings Village with her husband, Bob Argo, their dog, Star (the “golden splab”) and Tipper the cat.
Certifications: CPR & First Aid
Contact information: 404.580.3210 E-mail: Barbara@GetFit-Atlanta.com
