After attending high school in Plainfield, IL, Heather Henderlong lived in Iowa for a while where she worked at her local YMCA before being transferred to the YMCA in La Porte, Indiana. There, she worked in the aquatics department, where she helped with and oversaw many things, including aqua therapy. Before long, Henderlong to make a change, taking up a job with Chicago Titles as a Business Development person. There, she was able to work with different communities and chamber functions in many places, including Valpo.
"I was able to see all off these other organizations," Henderlong said. "It was great, seeing how all of these different communities worked, and to be a part of everything they did."
Then, Henderlong felt it was time for another change, so she and her husband had a talk and researched how to open and run a store. Three years ago, Henderlong and her husband opened Extra Mile Fitness as an extension to their love of running. Henderlong and her husband loved the area and the community so much that they wanted to help their community and affect people's lives positively.
"It's everything, and more, of what we dreamed it would be," Henderlong said. "It's so wonderful being here, so many beautiful places to see while running and wonderful people it meet. It only made sense that we help them. We try to make sure people are moving and can do whatever they want to do – walking running, or Zumba at the YMCA."
Henderlong and her husband felt very passionately about hiring local high school kids to work in their shop, training these students to learn how to fit people correctly and how to help the customers find exactly what they need. They are pleased to have many student athletes employed in their shop, including a triathlete who will be attending college on an athletic scholarship to study physical therapy.
When she's not busy working with her husband in their store, Henderlong spends much of her time volunteering. After having served on the board for six years, she now serves as the Vice Chair for the Porter-Stark Foundation – a foundation that brings awareness about mental health and possible mental health issues. In her role there, she helps put together many fundraisers including the Mental Health Symposium, and the Turkey Trot. The money raised goes to many things including scholarships and programming that people can't get through their insurance, such as programs to help overcome substance abuse.
"Sometimes, people don't fully realize the effects of substance abuse," Henderlong said. "It's not just something that a person can get over. It is a constant struggle that effects everyone around that person. Having seen someone in my family go through the struggles of alcoholism, I have always wanted to help people facing the same struggles in any way I can. The Porter-Stark Foundation allows me to do that."
Henderlong and her husband also help any not-for-profit that comes into their store as well. Recently, they had a National Guard member come into their store and ask for help putting on an event to memorialize soldiers lost in Afghanistan. Henderlong and her husband happily agreed to help. They also help put on many running and walking events, including the local 4-H race and the Lake Shore Paws Race. They also volunteer with Calumet Region Striders, putting together a track meet for the children through Hershey.
"Being able to see the kids run for the first time, smiling, and getting a ribbon – it's just such a wonderful to be a part of," Henderlong said.
In her downtime, Henderlong enjoys gardening, bird watching, and spending as much time as possible with all of their kids – no matter what they're doing.