Tracy speaks at St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration Expo

Several thousand people gathered to hear Tracy speak about women's fitness

Don't let top world rankings, Hall of Fame honors and the other athletic accolades fool you.

Tracy Mattes has struggled like many other people to live a healthy life. The American track and field runner spoke to thousands of participants who celebrated fun and fitness at St. Luke's annual 5K run/walk and fitness Expo.

After her presentation Tracy Mattes spoke with the participants
and signed autographs at the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

"This truly is a celebration of women and their spirit," St. Luke's director of women's and children's services Sherri Iverson said. "Last year, we had 10,000. This year we topped that."

Tracy Mattes speaks to the press at the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

The event benefits a variety of charitable and nonprofit organizations that focus on women and children. It is one of the largest women's runs/walks in the nation. Grandmothers, mothers and daughters of all ages and abilities participated Saturday. At least one group had three generations represented.

Tracy Mattes speaks about health and fitness at the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

"Tracy is inspirational and motivational. As a world class athlete who has made it into the one of the most elite Halls of Fame in the world of sports, she remains a down to earth, Midwest girl who has made it to the top through hard work. She had a passion and she had a goal and is a shining example to all the young girls and women here. She continues to work to impact the lives of people such in a positive way."

Participants listen to Tracy speak about health, fitness and getting back into shape at the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

Tracy took time after her presentation to meet with the press, sign autographs and speak personally with the participants about the struggles of getting back into shape and offered tips on general fitness. Mattes says the participants here inspired her as much as she inspired them.

"Being here was inspirational for me too" Tracy said. "It was great to see so many women of all ages out here to run, to walk and ask questions about getting fit and living a healthy lifestyle. The number one question I was asked here is, how I manage to stay in such good shape so many years after my athletic career ended. The truth is, I do have a slight advantage in that for nearly 20 years of my life, as a professional athlete, being in world class physical condition was my job. So I still have that higher metabolism and muscle memory even if I take time off. But its not so easy for me to stay in tip top shape anymore. I can notice a difference, even if other people can't just yet."

"I can relate to all these women who say 'I want to be in shape but I just can't always find the time to work out.' I tell them about the many times I've struggled to get back to having a regular workout schedule, and when it looks like I am finally back on track, I end up skipping a month or two due to work or travel." And when they tell me that they struggle to give up their favorite fried foods or chocolate, I can absolutely relate, because I have the most difficult time with that, too."

Tracy signed autographs and answered questions about finding a the right fitness program

For women, whether its work, family responsibilities, children, travel, career goals, education, (the list can go on and on), its not always easy to find a fitness program that works for you. But I have found that it can be very simple. It doesn't have to difficult or complex.

Tracy Mattes signs autographs and poses with some young participants at the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

This event has actually inspired me to move forward on a project I have put off for awhile, due to being so busy with other professional projects. I have been in discussions with a health club chain to do a Women's Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle DVD series. I have been putting this off because I just couldn't find the time. But these amazing women here have really inspired me to get moving on this project.

Tracy Mattes signs autographs for some participants at the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

So many women want so much to be in shape, to workout and be healthy, but they just don't know how to get started, or how to find a program that works for their body type so they do not get frustrated and quit once they do start; and most importantly, how to find a simple program they can easily balance with their busy lives. If I can help any women to do this and get on the right track, that would make me so happy. Because I know their struggles and what they are going through and I am facing them myself.

Participants listen to Tracy speak about health, fitness and getting back into shape at the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

If I can share the knowledge I learned from 20 years as a professional athletes, in terms of what works and what doesn't, and how to make it simple but productive, that would add yet another positive element to my career. I really loved being here supporting this great cause for women and children. It's been such a fun, positive atmosphere and that is very contagious!