Lydia Hudsick and Ingleside residents attended the Annual Rockville 5K run on November 5, 2023.
Maryland has officially coined the month of October as “Walktober,” a celebratory challenge that encourages individuals of all fitness levels and abilities to step up and step out to enhance their physical health. Whether you prefer to get your steps in through a morning hike, a brisk power walk, or are more on the competitive side and decide to join a 5K race, there are several ways that Ingleside residents can partake.
For 73-year-old Lydia Hudsick, an Ingleside at King Farm resident, Walktober is an everyday challenge and age has no barrier to achieving her fitness goals and milestones.
With a passion for running, Lydia completed a 3.1 mile run in 33 minutes and took home a first-place trophy in her age group in the 2023 Rockville 5K race, an annual race organized by the Montgomery County Road Runners’ Club. She previously came in second in her age group at the annual 5K race in 2022, but after making use of the exercise classes offered at Ingleside, Lydia was able to increase her stamina and performance, eventually breaking her own record from the year before.
Her victory is a testament to the wellness-focused lifestyle available to residents across Ingleside’s communities.
“We have an excellent fitness program here at Ingleside,” Lydia said. “I am able to partake in strength training classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, along with interval training programs every Tuesday and Thursday. It’s also convenient and easy for residents to attend.”
Lydia and her husband Clifford moved from South Carolina to Ingleside at King Farm in 2020. While in search of a new senior living community to reside, they listed a vibrant social environment and opportunities to maintain physical fitness as some of their top must-haves.
The couple met with an Ingleside fitness manager who shared further details about the community’s array of programs which now includes offerings such as a fitness and yoga studio and regular workout classes.
“My husband and I talked about the classes that we have been taking and our individual fitness goals we want to achieve,” Lydia said. “I want to be pushed to be better, and I want to remain motivated in maintaining a healthier lifestyle.”
The Hudsicks were ultimately impressed by the variety of Ingleside’s wellness initiatives. They enjoyed the social aspect of the community’s exercise classes, and were also in awe of the greenery of the surrounding King Farm area. The husband and wife duo identified multiple locations throughout the DMV where they enjoy practicing Argentine tango — a social dance and one of their passions.
When asked about her goals after her fantastic performance in her latest race, Lydia shared that she’s already signed up for the upcoming 5K run on November 3rd. Additionally, she’s planning to sign up for another 5K in the Spring alongside her daughter and granddaughter and hopes to inspire more Ingleside residents to join her.
“I’d really like to continue running,” Lydia said. “I enjoy running past scenery, seeing the wildlife, and taking a look at what people plant in their yards. It’s an opportunity for me to have some solitude and spend time alone.”
For more information on Ingleside at King Farm’s wellness and fitness programs, contact (240) 557-2918 or visit https://inglesideonline.org/ingleside-king-farm/.