Put the spark back in your life

ELLEN, journalist and anti-athlete: Patrick McGovern of Yardley needed help getting back on track with his exercise program and food plan last fall. So, he sought out SparkPeople, a goal setting system on the Web.

He's one of thousands this year who did so.

If you are one of the many people looking for a catalyst to help change your ways, you might look up this Web tool.

The site offers users a place to set goals, get advice and then share the success. It also has a new feature called the GoalPilot that does require a fee. Check out the site for more details.

Chris Downie.

Chris Downie, 33, is the founder and president. The Web system started with Chris who claims he was shy and anxious as a teen. He wanted to change.

"In my early 20s, I started combining goal setting and leadership with health and fitness to reach my goals," said the Cincinnati resident. "The results were unbelievable. I ended up having so much more energy that all areas of my life improved --- even my relationships with other people. The extra energy gave me the courage to quit my safe, secure job at Procter & Gamble and start my own company with a friend."

Take note, Doubting Thomases: Chris said he and his partners (he gathered a couple more) sold their company called Up4Sale to eBay in 1998 for a reported $70 million.

So, if the dark days are getting you down, try finding a spark with Downie's program.

Philly area's McGovern, a former marathoner trying to get back in shape, says he hopes the system helps him train in a consistent way so he doesn't end up injuring himself by training too fast.

McGovern particularly likes the food log that he can keep on his desktop. "I find the closer I track what I'm eating, the better choices I make," he said.

The Girlfriends are not control freaks, so we don't want you to get the wrong impression when we say to those of us who are blue at the moment, "Get Control of YOURSELF!" SparkPeople appear to have a good approach. Posted April 09, 2003 01:43 AM