New Girl in Town

Active in NWI GraphicWe have a newcomer writing this week. Her name is Michelle McCaskey and she moved to NWI only a few years ago. Only a few years to fall for the region? That's not unusual when the people here eat awesome for breakfast topped with awesome sauce.

So please direct your attention to the story below and find out how Michelle McCaskey is Active in NWI.

Written by Michelle McCaskey of Valparaiso, IN.

My first thought was, “these folks look just like me.”

And that is how it started. I was in Arizona watching my dad run the Rock & Roll Marathon. We were standing at mile 20 waiting for him to pass, and as folks passed by me, I thought, “Heck – I can do this too.”

michelle-mccaskeyThat was in January 2008. I was just over a year from having major surgery and needed to somehow get back into shape. Now I knew that getting back into shape like I was in HS/College was a stretch, but something needed to change. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in spring of 2006, and one of the key things the doctor told him to do was stay active. Of course, he took this challenge head on and started to run. At first I thought he was crazy. Then somehow I caught the “running bug” and decided that I too was going to give a shot.

So after returning from AZ, I started to train and prepare for the North Carolina Half Marathon. Why start with a 5k? I completed the half in May 2008 and was happy to be done. I thought “one and done.”

I took some time off because I was burned out and it was summer in the Carolinas…no thanks! Later that year, my dad challenged me to get back to running and do the half in Arizona that February. Despite being a little behind with training, I picked up where I could and started training. From this point on…I have not stopped running. I have done 5k, 8k, 10k, 10 mile, half marathon and one lone marathon.

Fast forward to December2011 and a move to Valparaiso. I was heartbroken to leave that amazing lake front trail, and head to a place that I did not know and wasn’t sure what it really had in store for me. One of my work colleagues that lived in Michigan City suggested I go to the Striders Facebook page. I made a post and started connecting to some local runners. One of my goals for 2012 was to do the Chicago Marathon…you know, the bucket list item before 40?!?! I headed back to Facebook to look at local training groups for the Marathon, and John Borman’s post about Opportunity Enterprises Marathon call-outs had my interest peaked. I did a little research and decided that this was the way to go for the marathon! The marathon and OE’s organization and support was awesome. I met some of the craziest and funny people! We made our own little group – the “Tailgate Crew”. After our last group run with OE, we did our own little tailgate party in OE’s parking lot. We had so much fun and kept each other motivated…especially on the hills along Burlington Beach Road! I look forward to doing it again this year!

I have met some of the nicest and motivating people here in NWI in the short time living here, and am grateful for such a welcoming group! The Duneland Trail and Sunset Hill have quickly become two of my favorite places to run, and I am sure that the Dunes will be my next adventure. The addition of Extra Mile and their Fun Runs have been a great addition and opportunity to meet all levels of runners and participate in a group setting. Even if you walk, ride, or run – it is a great area to be active in!

As Peyton Grizzard likes to say, “Stride on!”

Click here to read last week's Active in NWI story by Becky Kreiger!

Are you active in NWI? Then we want to know about it! Send your story along with a few photos to {valpo}share@valpolife.com{/valpo}{portage}share@portagelife.com{/portage}{laporte}share@laportecountylife.com{/laporte}{nwindiana}share@nwindianalife.com{/nwindiana}!