Why I Run

For the past three years I have not been able to run in the Steamboat Classic Race in Peoria, Illinois. I had too much pain and my running chair was left sitting untouched.    Running with my dad is something I used to really enjoy and missed.  For the last year following surgery I have been working really hard to get my body to do the things I want to do, not quite for sure what I would be able to achieve, and what I had lost for good.  This year I was able to run the Steamboat, I ran for CURE CMD and awareness.  This years theme was Cause for Celebration Triumphs of Athletes With Disabilities. Being able to run this race again after so long with my dad in my running chair was a big triumph for me. It was an experience I did not know if I would ever be able to have again.  I do all kinds of things to prove to myself and others that I can.  I have been told that I cannot do a lot of things in life. When I am told that I cannot do something I often get more determined to try to prove them wrong.  I set out to prove that I can do things that might sometimes seem impossible. We put stickers on my chair to help bring awareness to some of the things I really care about.  I feel like I accomplished my goals of running and bringing awareness.   

 

  

I have grown up in a family of runners.  My dad has ran for a long time and even did a few marathons.  My brother ran cross country and track as soon as he was able and my sister naturally did too.  When it came to me I felt excluded, when we found a way for me to participate in a way it changed everything.  I no longer felt excluded, but instead included.   I spend all year listening to discussions about running. I watch running on weeknights and weekends all fall and spring. With two siblings who love cross country and track and a dad who coaches running is a big part of our family. My brother and sister were also able to run this race with me.   

From my sister Kailyn "Having Kassidy run the same race as me was very special to me.  I had gone back and forth on doing this race as I was coming back from an injury. The week before I had just finally got my boot off after recovering from a fibula fracture. Having the injury and having to miss most of my track season was difficult as track is something I truly love. Although it was hard it gave me insight as to how Kassidy feels watching us run. I see how excluding and disappointing it can be.  By having this experience it made running this race together even more special."

 

From my brother Karter "When Kassidy says she wants to do something she sets her mind to it and she does it.  Whenever I get to be part of something she does, I get to witness the joy she has accomplishing it.  Running is something I truly love and was very happy to be able to share this experience with her"

Lastly I cannot forget my mom.  She always supports us in the activities that we do.  She always makes sure that we have all the equipment, are healthy and safe, makes sure we are on time and is my personal photographer.  

Also a quick shout out to my therapists who surprised me with a sign and showed up to cheer me on!