Run for Those Who Can’t

Chattanooga Ambassador Kacie Kisielewski’s Story

I'm sure that most runners often hear the question, "Why do you run?" For the longest time, I really didn't know the answer.

Running is downright challenging, both physically and mentally, and my asthma adds another challenging element to the mix. Three years ago, however, while training for my first half marathon, I discovered the answer to the aforementioned question: I run because I can, and I should never take that for granted. There are so many people who do not have the opportunity to lace up and go for a run, so my personal mental mantra has become "Run for those who can't." As I run, I try to focus on being thankful for the blessings of my life and praying for those who are suffering.

My personal mantra often propels me into new adventures, so I decided to sign up for the 2016 Chattanooga Half Marathon. Despite a winter filled with sickness and my first doses of allergy shots, I found myself smiling at the starting line on March 6th. I had blisters from walking around the city the day before, and I was still on antibiotics from a terrible sinus infection, so conditions were not ideal. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but feel great. The city went quiet as the sun peaked during the national anthem, and it was impossible not to swell with pride as I observed the sea of nervous and determined athletes all around me.

There were many times during the race that I wanted to quit, but something always happened that made me continue. For several hard miles, I kept pace by keeping an American flag in sight. When I finally reached the flag, I realized a gentleman was carrying it in honor of soldiers who had given their lives for our freedom. He had their pictures on the back of his shirt, and it was one of the most humbling and inspiring things I've ever seen. Seeing this kept me going for several miles, but the dreaded mile 7 was approaching. My wonderful husband and parents, however, had spent the morning making their way over to the mile 7 checkpoint. Seeing and hearing them cheer was the ultimate energy boost that propelled me on for the next couple of miles.

Around mile 9 or 10, we faced what can only be described as a possum crime scene. As we dodged the blood and guts, a nearby runner and I joked about the irony of the situation. My laughter had subsided by mile 11, however, because my entire mouth was numb. I had been sick several times throughout the race, but this was a new sensation. I honestly didn’t know if I would make it to the finish line, but the encouragement from the people of Chattanooga kept me going. Police officers high-fived all of us and ensured that we could safely cross any road, and neighborhoods cheered us on as we approached the finish line.

When I finally heard my name announced, I felt a mixture of disbelief, pride and gratitude. I have honestly never felt more support as a runner than I did in Chattanooga, so returning to run the 2018 Chattanooga Half Marathon is one of the easiest decisions I have made in a while.

Join Kacie and sign up today!