Extraordinary Health Magazine EHMagazine Vol 36 | Page 37

“Nothing in the world is easy but when it comes to fitness, you are
worth putting in all the work and it can be done if you want it,” said
Dudley. “You only have one life, so don’t waste it.”
Photos courtesty of: NBC Universal, The Titan Games
“A lot of people reached out and said they didn’t think they could
become successful, but I always tell them to just keep it fun and
interesting,” said Dudley. “Some days I don’t want to go to the
gym, so I’ll take a walk with the dogs on the beach and I do take
a rest day and eat a cheat meal once or twice.” Dudley’s favorite
indulgences include pancakes and pizza.
The Titan Games opportunity came as a surprise to Dudley, who
mostly used Instagram to keep in touch with her granddaughter.
“I got this message about the show, which I didn’t even answer,
but then I got another and another, and as soon as they said it
involved The Rock, I was on board,” said Dudley. “They picked
me and I was like, ‘Really?’ and I got to be the token older person.”
Dudley says her whole goal was to not get hurt. And she admired
Dwayne Johnson for his discipline and fitness.
“He was so nice and while we didn’t have a ton of contact with
him, he was so kind and genuine and encouraging, just a really nice
person,” said Dudley. “He just makes you smile when you see him.”
Dudley must make fitness and health a priority because of
her job. And being around coworkers in great shape, it’s not
surprising they have full gyms in every station. Working hard is
nothing new for Dudley, who instilled in her kids that rewards
won’t come easy or be handed to them. While the same can be
said to achieving health goals, Dudley advises her fans to start
with baby steps.
“It starts with the little things, like taking the stairs or taking the
dog for a long walk—just move—and it’s the same with eating,”
said Dudley. “Just make healthy choices, even in a restaurant.”
To inspire people who feel defeated before they even begin a
healthful regimen, Dudley emphasizes food preparation, saying
busy people don’t always eat well. Dudley credits Garden of Life
as an essential part of those days, and recommends the products to
her followers.
“Some days we run calls and we don’t ever get to stop, so I keep
Garden of Life Sport Performance Protein Bars in my engine to give
me energy and keep me going,” she said. “Also the shakes keep me
on track, along with mykind Organics Turmeric since my joints are
hurting more at my age.”
Dudley is excited to try the Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen
proteins recently released and has a laundry list of other products
she plans to incorporate into her daily wellness. On a recent fitness
cruise, Dudley packed a suitcase full of Garden of Life Raw Organic
Meal shake packets and Garden Of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food,
which she mixes with water in a take-along shaker, though she also
recommends mixing them in coconut water if available.
“It’s funny, I love to cook but we didn’t grow up with junk food or
sodas,” said Dudley. “I eat clean, lots of chicken, fish and meat.”
Rather than set goals, Dudley stays prepared for when opportunities
arise. Typically if she hears about something cool or inspirational,
she jumps on it. She spends her time in meaningful ways, like
running the Tunnel to Towers race in New York City, honoring the
firefighters who helped an injured city rise again after Sept. 11.
She loves participating in events with family members. Dudley
recently took part in a video by Fire Dept. Coffee and LION’s
"Real Women in the Fire Service" in celebration of International
Women's Day and the International Association of Women in Fire &
Emergency Service.
“I hope women will see it and that it gives them hope,” said Dudley,
who retires in six years.
Meanwhile, she takes no moment for granted. With Dudley’s job
there comes another level of insight, that any day could be the last
and that the time to start taking care of the body is now.
Extraordinary Health ™ • Vol 36 35