Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ &8212; Mark Newman is a man on a mission.

The 46-year-old Natchez Native wants to bring cycling to the forefront in his hometown and fitness into lives of its citizens.

For Newman the mission began six years ago, when he made some drastic lifestyle changes that resulted in the loss of 125 pounds of excess weight, a career change and a newly found passion.

&8220;Well I was at the point in my life where I was nearing my forties and I knew I needed to make some changes in my life,&8221; Newman said. &8220;Heart disease and diabetes run rampant in my family, and there I was at 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing over 300 pounds. I knew I had to do something or I wasn&8217;t going to be around for long.&8221;

Once Newman decided to make the changes, they happened almost overnight.

&8220;I lost the 125 pounds in nine months, the change came so quick people said it couldn&8217;t be healthy,&8221; Newman said. &8220;I had tests done and the doctors would ask me &8216;What are you eating straw?&8217; because my cholesterol was so low.&8221;

After the weight loss, the next logical step was a change in careers. Newman said he felt frustrated with the tedium and stresses involved with his job in construction and decided that since fitness had become such a big part of his life, he might as well make a career of it. A few courses and numerous certifications later, and Newman was ready for a new career as the Fitness Manager at Main Stream Fitness.

It was there that Mark really began his mission to help the people of Adams County get in shape.

&8220;I don&8217;t want to sound like I&8217;m criticizing anyone, but fitness is something so critical to a person&8217;s overall well-being, that it is hard for me to believe that it goes overlooked in our community,&8221; Newman said.

Newman&8217;s other goal is to give more attention to the sport of cycling here in Natchez, and he is currently doing his part in that task by serving as coordinator of this weekend&8217;s Louisiana-Mississippi District Road Race Championships held for the first time ever at the Natchez State Park.

&8220;A lot of people have misconceptions about cycling and think that it is just for the upper class, but I&8217;m just like your average guy you might run into at the hardware store,&8221; Newman said. &8220;The only difference is I love to ride a bike&8221;

As for the state parks&8217; being selected as the location for this year&8217;s district championship, that was all Newman too.

&8220;I brought members of my team down here in January for a sort of training camp,&8221; Newman said. &8220;At the time we were looking for a location to serve as host for the race. The park was the last spot I showed them, and I didn&8217;t have to say a word to sell it-everyone knew that&8217;s where the race needed to be held.&8221;

Newman said that his most sincere desire is that through this race, his passion for cycling and fitness get passed on to the people of Adams County.

&8220;We have so many beautiful places to go and ride in the area,&8221; Newman said. &8220;If any one thing could come of this race I would have it that attention be drawn the sport of cycling, and that this event will get the citizens of Adams County to go out and visit the park.&8221;