This article was written by Emma Bartlett of the Cranston Herald. To read the full article follow the link proceeding the excerpt.
Within the past year, Cranston’s Donna Rivard, 45, has lost 100 pounds, run a 5K and run a half marathon. She will now participate in the Providence Marathon on May 1.
Rivard lives in western Cranston but grew up in Washington State. She came to Rhode Island to attend Johnson and Wales University where she graduated with a degree in business. Two babies and a husband later, Rivard never left. She went on to work as a regional training manager for Panera Bread where she managed 12 cafes in three states. The company paid her to open new cafes, teach classes and train people.
“I was pretty good at my job and liked it,” she said.