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Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. —
Linn Creek Police Chief Trevor Dowdney has always enjoyed living an active lifestyle so find out what motivated him to participate in the Fit and Fun Challenge.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Lake of the Ozarks?
A: The lake itself. There’s so many activities you can do, things you can see and it’s all right in our backyard. There’s something for everyone at every intensity level. Something as simple as walking can be done at a dozen different places with wonderful scenery surrounding you.
Even when it’s too hot outside for running or biking, you can cool down by swimming in the lake.
Q: What motivated you to participate in the Fit and Fun Challenge?
A: I wanted to show people that the lake is not as people as think. Just because some media outlets want to hype up certain aspects about it - a couple of bad testings - doesn’t mean it’s not safe. Every lake in the world is going to have bad sample results after certain conditions, like when it rains. Our lake isn’t any different.
I also wanted to emphasize the physical component - to get people off the couch. Rather than watching reality TV, people need to be living reality. Between swimming in the lake, the state parks, hiking and biking trails in the area and other activities, people are missing what’s right in their backyard.
Q: How was the first swim?
A: I had been swimming in the lake for more than a week before the first swim, so I was physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. What I wasn’t counting on was the cold. The temperature dropped a few days before then and when I jumped in, it was breathtaking - not because of the scenery, but because of the cold.
Q: What do you hope to get out of this?
A: It’s a combination of many things. I hope to educate people about the lake and bring awareness. I want to motivate people to get off their couches and explore their backyards. But, to do it safely.
Q: What has been people’s reaction?
A: When I tell people what we’re doing, some people look at me and say, “That’s a great idea!” Then there are those that tell me I’m mad, that the lake is dirty, I’ll get sick, something. It’s those people I’m trying to educate and get past the few negative things they have heard and concentrate on all the wonderful things about Lake of the Ozarks.
Contact this reporter at deanna.wheeler@lakesunonline.com
Linn Creek Police Chief Trevor Dowdney has always enjoyed living an active lifestyle so find out what motivated him to participate in the Fit and Fun Challenge.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Lake of the Ozarks?
A: The lake itself. There’s so many activities you can do, things you can see and it’s all right in our backyard. There’s something for everyone at every intensity level. Something as simple as walking can be done at a dozen different places with wonderful scenery surrounding you.
Even when it’s too hot outside for running or biking, you can cool down by swimming in the lake.
Q: What motivated you to participate in the Fit and Fun Challenge?
A: I wanted to show people that the lake is not as people as think. Just because some media outlets want to hype up certain aspects about it - a couple of bad testings - doesn’t mean it’s not safe. Every lake in the world is going to have bad sample results after certain conditions, like when it rains. Our lake isn’t any different.
I also wanted to emphasize the physical component - to get people off the couch. Rather than watching reality TV, people need to be living reality. Between swimming in the lake, the state parks, hiking and biking trails in the area and other activities, people are missing what’s right in their backyard.
Q: How was the first swim?
A: I had been swimming in the lake for more than a week before the first swim, so I was physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. What I wasn’t counting on was the cold. The temperature dropped a few days before then and when I jumped in, it was breathtaking - not because of the scenery, but because of the cold.
Q: What do you hope to get out of this?
A: It’s a combination of many things. I hope to educate people about the lake and bring awareness. I want to motivate people to get off their couches and explore their backyards. But, to do it safely.
Q: What has been people’s reaction?
A: When I tell people what we’re doing, some people look at me and say, “That’s a great idea!” Then there are those that tell me I’m mad, that the lake is dirty, I’ll get sick, something. It’s those people I’m trying to educate and get past the few negative things they have heard and concentrate on all the wonderful things about Lake of the Ozarks.
Contact this reporter at deanna.wheeler@lakesunonline.com
