Clyde Stevens is not just a runner. He’s an athlete and community leader who has brought the art of running and walking to the masses.

Stevens, a long time member of the Edmond Running Club, has held many positions within the club. Currently, he is in charge of volunteer recruitment for the Frigid 5K, a race that is held every year in early February, with the 14th annual one coming up on Valentine’s Day. He also is a past president, board member and race point tracker.

Even though running has been a fundamental part of his life for many years, he has always had a personal struggle with his weight.

“I have probably lost about 7,000 pounds over my life,” Stevens said.

When he graduated from high school, he weighed in at 145 pounds. By 1971, however, just five years after graduation, he had put on 65 pounds.

His first weight loss program was with the “Uncle Sam Boot Camp” method. Since then, he has tried all kinds of methods to lose weight, from boot camp, to a 1,000-calorie diet, to a water diet.

He also has been a member of Weight Watchers for many years. That program has been a large part of his success, but according to Stevens, the problem has always just been himself.

Now, however, he has found the personal motivation that he needed to truly succeed.