The Runner Spotlight for April is on Diane King, who decided to pursue running after being “diagnosed with COPD” as a way “to keep [her] on the healthy side.”
Only one month after Diane started running in February 2022, she took on the challenging (technical and hilly) 1781 Brewery course as her first Bishop’s event, despite noting that her favorite courses to run are those “with the least hills.” Fortunately, that first run didn’t scare Diane off, and she “averaged 60 runs a year for the past 3 years,” a combination of both virtual and in-person events. She has now hit her 200 lifetime events mark, earning her a permanent bib number: 322.
In addition to Bishop’s Events races, Diane is “working on running all 50 states.” She says, “I have 11 now and have 5 planned for this year so far.” On her “bucket list” is a “Disney race.”
All of the running has “helped a lot with [Diane’s] breathing issues.” Not only has her health improved, but so has her confidence. About running races, she says: “I love crossing the finish line and receiving my award. It shows me that with hard work and dedication you can do anything you put your mind to.” She might be a bit “shy and quiet and nervous at the beginning of each race,” but “the excitement of the run and the support of all the runners” keeps her coming back again and again.
Come say hello to Diane at a future event near you!