At That Time There Was No Title 9

About Coach Stephanie
This issue I'll tell you about myself. The research was easy! In my senior year of high school the entire class had to run a mile for the President Kennedy Physical Fitness Test, as required for all graduating seniors. We girls never ran on the track. In fact, we were not allowed to run in high school running programs. At that time there was no Title 9.

I failed miserably in my attempt, having no idea how to pace myself. I felt abandoned by the P.E. Dept. having no concept of how to run that far. Our "Girl's" PE Program never offered any type of running program in my entire 4 years of high school. Thank goodness things have now changed.

This event piqued my interest in learning more about my physical limits and "pushing myself". My chosen graduation present was a trip to a girl's Outward Bound Course in the Cascade Mountain Range.

Outward Bound introduced me to my inner ability to overcome both mental and physical fears and obstacles. In addition to rock climbing, rappelling, and 3 days alone in the woods with no food or sleeping bag, I completed running a "marathon" at the end of the 26 day course! It was life changing…

I loved learning that a woman like me could do these things! I blossomed with the realization that I could overcome mental and physical barriers that had seemed impossible. These barriers were self-made and I could change them! This was a wonderful awakening for an 18 year old.

Graduating from high school created many life changes as I headed out on my own, not knowing what direction to go in. Living on my own, with a full time job and part time attendance at a community college, gave me ultimate freedom and limited time. I stopped exercising and gained more than 40 pounds. Oh, those morning doughnuts, endless cups of coffee and sitting all day were changing me in ways I hadn't realized. I had so much to learn about what really mattered.

Running on a Regular Basis
When I realized that change needed to occur I was positive that I could make it happen. It would take work and believing in myself but I knew I could do it! I started running after work in a park across the street from where I lived. I ran when it was dark because I was embarrassed for people to see me. Running/Jogging at that time was not common, especially for women.

One time around the block equaled 1/8 of a mile. It took about a month before I ran 8 times around that block, but I was on my way! 30 pounds lighter and a few years later I ran my first official marathon and placed third female! Another milestone had been reached and I was hooked. I have been running ever since.

The Rest of The Story
The essence of this story however, goes way beyond my love of running. The true benefit has been the gift of fitness, discipline, and the psychological/emotional lift that running has given to me. Running has offered comfort and clarification to me during difficult times when the rest of my life was in turmoil. There have been many trials throughout my life (as there are for all of us) and running has been a steadfast friend.

There have even been epiphanies (of a sort) during my running. Little assists and major realizations have occurred and, as any runner knows, they just happen! How could I give that up? Now, if I had to stop running for reasons beyond my control, I would have the wonderful memories and knowledge of the commitment I made when I COULD run. I would carry within me the solace of knowing that I was given a gift and took full advantage of it while I was able.

You owe it to yourself to use this gift, too. The distance you run is not the issue. How fast you run doesn't matter. That you get out and maintain your well-being; that you run to show your appreciation for the ability to move; that you realize how much better you will be, for those around you, when you take care of yourself through exercise; these are what matter! From our inaugural issue in November 2007