Although Cannata won't attempt the half-marathon, she plans to run in the 5K along with several other women from Wyatt-Johnson. She said she runs regularly not only to stay in shape, but to encourage her children and dealership employees to stay healthy.

"The reason I am running this race is because I feel it is so important to support fitness and a healthy lifestyle," Cannata said. "I think it's a good message to encourage people in the community to get fit. It's exciting to see Clarksville on the move so much, and I want to contribute to that excitement." When Cannata was less than 10 years old, her father, Sid Johnson, along with the Wyatt-Johnson family, helped sponsor one of the first road races in Clarksville.

"I remember handing out water cups to all the runners, and how exciting it was to see them run by with their road race numbers pinned to their shirts," Cannata said. "It's fun for me, as part of Wyatt-Johnson, to help sponsor the race event this year because of the experience I had as a child." Cannata grew up playing competitive tennis for Clarksville High School and went on to play varsity tennis at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she trained intensely four hours a day.

"I have always had an active lifestyle, and to me it's important to be active," she said. Incidental workout Cannata calls herself a "weekend runner," but she also works out throughout the week. On Saturdays and Sundays, Cannata runs two miles each day, and during the week she plays tennis and does core and toning exercises. Her exercises include five- and 10-minute spurts of activity each morning and night.

"I keep my free weights on the bathroom counter — that way it's in front of me so it's hard to ignore and not do it," she said. "When I'm brushing my teeth or getting ready in the morning or at night I can just pick up a weight and do something, even if it's only for two minutes." For motivation, especially while running, Cannata relies on iTunes. Two of her favorite coached runs are by Jack Ingram and Lance Armstrong.

"I listen to coached runs along the way, and it keeps the run interesting for me, and it keeps me going because I have someone telling me what I need to do," she said. "People assume they have to do a half-marathon or nothing at all, but you can do little things throughout your days and weeks to stay healthy and stay in shape." During her son's sports practices, Cannata will go for a quick jog while she waits. On the weekends, she practically lives in her running clothes so she can go out and run or work out whenever she has a few minutes of free time. Cannata said it's important for women of any age to stay healthy and exercise regularly because this type of lifestyle leads to a better quality of life.

A healthy, normal diet helps make working out easier for Cannata, she said. Salads are a lunch staple, but Cannata said they are "good" salads in that she doesn't skimp on the cheese or dressing. To stave off hunger throughout the day Cannata keeps healthy snacks in her desk drawer.

Changing health care One of Cannata's passions is health care and the way doctors too often take care of symptoms, but not the source of the problem, she said. Recently Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, health care provider for Wyatt-Johnson, contacted Cannata and asked to send in a free health coach to talk to employees.

"This health coach came in and talked to each employee for 15 minutes," she said. "The employee could ask any health questions, or discuss their health goals with the coach. The coach encouraged us to set up workout areas at the dealership, which we may work on in the near future." Cannata said employers in Clarksville and nationwide can be more supportive of healthy lifestyles.

"I would love to see employers promoting healthy lifestyles for their employees," she said. "It was great to see BCBS focusing on wellness instead of prescriptions. I think this could also help reduce insurance claims long-term." Although Cannata hasn't decided if she is going to race in the 5K or run simply to finish, she wants to do what she can to contribute to the event.

"I think it's important for people to participate in this event, even if they walk," she said. "I hope I set an example, and if I inspire someone or rub off on them, I think it's fantastic." For motivation, especially while running, Cannata relies on iTunes. Two of her favorite coached runs are by Jack Ingram and Lance Armstrong.

"I listen to coached runs along the way, and it keeps the run interesting for me, and it keeps me going because I have someone telling me what I need to do," she said. "People assume they have to do a half-marathon or nothing at all, but you can do little things throughout your days and weeks to stay healthy and stay in shape."

During her son's sports practices, Cannata will go for a quick jog while she waits. On the weekends, she practically lives in her running clothes so she can go out and run or work out whenever she has a few minutes of free time. Cannata said it's important for women of any age to stay healthy and exercise regularly because this type of lifestyle leads to a better quality of life.