Posted on 03/21/2019 12:43:05 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
In February, Bonnie VanDeraa approached the finish line of the Sweetheart 5K in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With a determined look in her eye, and loads of cheers from the crowd, she focused on putting one foot in front of the other. This race was a major milestone for her; it was the first she’d complete without the aid of a walker in more than a year.
At that point, VanDeraa had been running for a little more than five years, starting after she signed up for that same race back in 2014 with a coworker. Following that, she completed a bunch of 5Ks, halfs, and marathons, and even set her sights on finishing 26.2 in every state.
But the Sweetheart 5K remains special to her: Each year, she celebrates her “running anniversary,” by taking on the race to remind herself why she started. This year, completing it meant more than usual. That’s because last year, she didn’t even think she’d be able to be there for it: It came just three weeks after she survived an attack where she was shot in the head twice. Ultimately, she was able to finish, crossing the finish with a walker.
A year later, she marked this year’s 5K with another first—the first race since the incident she was able to complete on her own. Each mile, she inspired other runners on the course, showing what it takes to overcome life’s toughest challenges, one step at a time.
Not Without a Fight
VanDeraa, who has worked as a paramedic since 2007, had the day off on January 23, 2018. Dressed comfortably in her Montana Half Marathon sweatshirt from her 2016 race, she planned on relaxing all day.
(Excerpt) Read more at runnersworld.com ...
5K is now considered a "Marathon?"
She was shot in head twice and it took her 365 days to finish race!?
Nicely written headline.
My thoughts as well.
Poorly written and headline seems just WRONG. But, a good story of guts and perseverance.
Shot in the head twice? What dirt does she have on the Clintons?
I need to run a marathon like a hole in the head.
Awful long time to finish a marathon.
And since WHEN is a 5K run called a marathon.
Seems like a site called Runners World would know there is a difference.
Brutal.
“The Hare and the Tortoise . . .”
Well, farther down in the story, it appears that she completed the Sweetheart 5K without the walker and the Little Rock Marathon separately with the walker.
So, she got shot twice in the head at the START of the race, and finally made it to the Finish Line a year later? ;)
WOW!
Just WOW!
I was shot in the head, only once, RVN 1969. A Dustoff flight to the Hospital Ship Sanctuary within the few golden minutes and guaranteed my injury was less severe. No one beat on my fingers.
I wasn't out of bed for the first week.
What a smile she has!
Thank you.
Two thumbs up.
Indeed. As a person who suffered a traumatic brain injury, I greatly admire this woman as I am aware of many of the problems she has faced. She has done well with guts and determination.
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