A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
In the end everyone comes out a winner - for reaching personal goals and for donating your time to raise money for Special Olympics. Konwahahawi Herne and Chanel Cook stand with a friend at the end of the race.
Chanel Cook and Konwahahawi Herne celebrate over a year’s worth of walking and running workouts to participate and complete a 5K race this past weekend in Albany, NY.
The summer has seen many races throughout the eastern states and southern Ontario, but the end of summer seems to bring out the best in people. Many races are run as charity races for good causes and the “Color Me Rad’ held in Albany, New York on September 21, 2013 was no exception as participants ran for the Special Olympics. Two local women, Konwahahawi Herne and Chanel Cook ran the 5K race along with 250 other people who ran their hearts out for those in need. As much as the runners are helping out children with disabilities and providing an outlet to let them shine athletically, each runner comes face to face with their own abilities.
Konwahahawi Herne and Chanel Cook started using the Tewatahitha Walking Trail last year, “I have been working up to running an eight minute mile. I cannot believe I ran a 5K! Chanel really believed in me and my ability. Also, I really look up to Nikaiataa Skidders. She kills those obstacles courses. Chanel and I have goals for the next two years to run more 5K’s, 10K’s and a half marathon and a full marathon for cancer in honor of those we love and have lost”.
Setting goals and having people to look up to are essential for any workout regimen and preparing yourself for a walk or run. Konwahahawi looked back on the past year and all that she has accomplished. She said, “I am a firm believer that the Creator gives you the gift of this body. It is the only thing that I will ever truly own. I must take care of it. I am reflecting on this incredible journey. To be healthy is such a gift and the life I am living is an adventure. I am no longer a spectator looking at life from a couch. I am grateful for this new path that I am on and I hope that I can continue to succeed. I know I have inspired others to make lifestyle changes. I have surrounded myself with positive and supportive friends and family. I want to be a good role model for my nieces and nephews to make positive healthy decisions”.
All types of people can take part in local and national walks, runs and obstacle courses. It’s great for your self-esteem, certainly great for your health, and if you take a close look around you may be the person someone looks up to for inspiration and guidance.
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