When my husband was a student at Hendrix College, the entry math requirement was calculus. There was only one alternative to this requirement--a course called Math in Contemporary Issues. His calculus professor affectionately referred to this class as "Math for Poets."
I am not, nor have I even been, an athlete. It speaks to my mother's stubbornness that she ever got my 5-year-old self out of a dress and into my t-ball uniform. After providing matching hair bows, she probably convinced me that the uniform was simply a costume change. By the second inning I was in the outfield doing pirouettes and plies. One of my only memories of my attempted athleticism was during my last season of softball when of my teammate's (Rachel Waggener) grandmother attempted to give me "running lessons" because I skipped from base to base (or realistically, from the mound to first). Who cared if I was tagged "out" as long as I looked fabulous doing it?
It was not long after the grandmother-running-coach incident that I happily realized my talents were better applied elsewhere. I was relieved of my duties of softball halftime entertainment (which I was shocked to find out doesn't actually exist) and became even more involved in community theater, dance lessons, piano lessons, drawing, and other artistic endeavors. While my friends continued on with softball, track, and cheerleading, I chose the path of least physical resistance--activities such as band, choir, art, and creative writing.
I went fifteen years without a single attempt at a sport (that is, if you don't count dancing and 4" stiletto stair-climbing sports).
It was my friend Sara that got me to run my first steps in... well, very literally ever. Sara lived with cystic fibrosis. However, Sara was never defined by her condition. She was the living representation of one of favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis-- "You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." She understood that, and helped others to understand that as well. She was not her body.
Sara got sick for the last time in October. Up until then, I was toying with the idea of becoming healthier (spending 20 minutes on an elliptical twice a week). One day I was particularly overwhelmed with Sara's failing health and decided to push myself harder than normal. I was never capable of running, so I tried a treadmill. I made it roughly the equivalent of a city block before I was winded. Two days later, I was back. And I came again. Through the advice and encouragement of wonderful friends (Shanna Jones, Megan Ross, my dear husband Matt, and many others), I have increased my running to over five consecutive miles.
On March 6th I am running in the Little Rock half-marathon. Out of all the goals in my life, this is by far the most difficult (and unnatural) I have attempted. However, it will be impossible for me if I am running for sport's sake. I have decided to dedicate each mile of the 13.1 miles to someone whose body is no longer with us but have taught me valuable lessons about living. Check back as I post stories about each of these people.
The purpose of this blog is two fold. First, I am seeking support and accountability as I attempt this crazy challenge. But most importantly, I hope that my stories are an inspiration or a comfort to you wherever you are in your life's journey.
"O death, where is thy victory? O grave, where is thy sting?"
Sarah, I have an insurmountable amount of faith in you. You've done the hardest part, you've registered for the race. Deciding you want to do it is the easiest part. You are doing an amazing thing! I look forward to following you on your journey, and if you ever want to chat about what a half marathon is like, I'm here for ya! (It's amazing, btw!)
ReplyDeleteSara was my cousin and I am so glad to see someone carring on her legacy! This is an amazing selfless thing you are doing and it truly is remarkable. Thank you so much for posting this. If you listen to music like I do when I workout on the treadmill I found some great music tonight on iTunes. (If I don't keep my music fresh I get board). If you go to the black "music" tab on the top of the page where there's options for music, movies, etc - click music arrow down and it will give you generes of music, click "fitness and workout". As you browse you'll see some that specifically help you train for marathons! Good luck and God bless!
ReplyDeleteKatie Younts
@Ashton! Thank you old friend! Your encouragement is priceless! I will take all the pointers I can.. I know nothing except start running (oh, and drink lots of water)! I really appreciate your support. It gives me faith in myself.
ReplyDelete@katie I am glad you have come across the page and are touched by it. Thanks for the music tips! I love music (it was something Sara and I could always talk about) and I appreciate the pointers. I just can't run without it! If you know some of Sara's favorite songs, I'd like to add them to my playlist. Thanks!
Your story about Sara and how she inspired you is beautiful. Her mom, who is my first cousin, is also an inspiration to so many. She has so much courage, love and strength in her that she amazes me. Sara was so much like her mother in those ways. So many people were touched be her, and their lives were better because they knew her. I am going to really start working on loosing weight and the things you have shared with us here, I will keep in my mind and use them to keep it going even when my body wants to give up. I have marked your blog as a favorite and will keep checking back in. Thanks for sharing your story about Sara here, every story I hear about her gives me more insight into the truly remarkable person she was. Good luck in your marathon!
ReplyDeleteSarah - I have only known you for roughly 5 months, but in that short time I have learned that you can and will do whatever you put your mind to. I think that you (and probably only you) will be surprised by the inner strength you find and that initial 13.1 will just be the beginning.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the C.S. Lewis quote - it really touched my heart.