By Cheryl D. Hart
How do we teach the life lesson of the power of positive thinking and the progressive realization of worthy goals? More importantly, how do we teach kids dealing with tough situations how to look through the obstacles in life and see that persistence and dedication to a predetermined “success” are more important than their circumstances?
These are precisely the questions that Jeff Ellison, the mastermind behind the program “Run! Louisville Run!” asked himself before committing to help local high-risk teens.
In a partnership with the YMCA of Louisville, seven members of a 2006-2007 Leadership Louisville program called “Ignite Louisville” accepted the challenge of making a difference in our community -- specifically in the lives of 12 teens by putting fire in their bellies and under their feet. The participants were identified by sources such as the YMCA Safe Places Program, The Boys and Girls Club, The Village of Louisville Track Team, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and many others.
I firmly believe in the ancient African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” and applaud the people in Kentucky and Indiana for adopting this attitude in showing these teens that they are important and that someone believes in them and is willing to dedicate time to helping them realize their full potential. And that requires a worthy goal.
Run! Louisville Run! has challenged these teens to train for and complete the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) on April 28. Each participant received a complete training calendar, a team T-shirt, and free membership to the YMCA during the training period. Group training sessions are held each week, with an extensive network of support, peer accountability and most importantly the opportunity to set personal goals and realize the pride and self-esteem that comes from having achieved a worthwhile goal.
“This program is much more than a health and wellness initiative,” says Ellison, of Faulkner Real Estate. “It is an intervention program passionate about keeping kids engaged after school in communities where the temptations are around every corner. It is a program that benefits the mentor as much as the student.”
Ellison designed the Louisville program after one he read about in Runners World Magazine called “Students Run L.A.,” which originated in 1973 when a high school teacher challenged a group of students to train for the L.A. Marathon with him. He took a group of young people “whom many had written off as underachievers and helped them accomplish something extraordinary.” Today 300 teachers and more than 2200 students from more than 150 schools participate.
The results speak for themselves: 97 percent complete the marathon, and more than 90 percent graduate from high school. The board of education became a sponsor the first year, recognizing the program as an effective and innovative way to deter dropout and enhance life skills.
The mission in L.A. and in Louisville is “to challenge at-risk secondary students to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved health by providing them with a truly life-changing experience.”
Training for a marathon or half-marathon teaches life lessons in goal-setting and discipline. Not giving up is the first step toward a better life and a healthier self-esteem,
The morning I met the group to run at the park, it was so cold that I couldn't feel my fingers or toes. Those dedicated teens and their mentors were there — smiling and ready to run. I was there to share some words of motivation, but as it turned out – they inspired me. Sabrina and I shared the miles and conversation, winding our way along the creek, lifting our faces up to capture the warmth of the sun. Though she was still recovering from abdominal surgery, she didn't give up, and even marveled at the beauty of a cardinal against the snow. I marveled at her fortitude.
When a teen discovers the inner-strength and discipline to run a half-marathon, they will be prompted to ask themselves what else they might be capable of doing and answer with confidence, “Anything I set my mind to do!”
“We all immediately shared Jeff's passion for bringing this concept to life in Louisville.” says Corky Beatty, vice president of Fifth Third Branch in Indiana and member of the team project. “After coaching 7 th and 8 th grade basketball for 10 years, I get a lot of satisfaction seeing young people achieve goals in life. It is a life-changing experience for the child and adult.”
The kick-off event, was the YMCA “Run to the Sun 4-Miler” on Feb. 24. Students who completed the race received running shoes, sweatpants, a sweatshirt, gloves, entry into the Triple Crown of Running events and a session with 2 nd Wind Motivation. Texas Road House donated $1,500 toward running shoes, supported by Fleet Feet's generous discount. Stockyard Bank and others have also pledged support.
“I felt wonderful and never stopped,” grinned Shay-wanna Page after her first race. “A few of us even sang; we called it motivational singing.”
Twelve-year-olds Laronte Ivory and Anthony Williams ran side by side without stopping, checking on one another the whole way. Their favorite part was the finish in Fourth Street Live.
Mentor Ashley Ricketts, who has been impressed with the kid's determination, says, “One of the best things has been to see the amazement and pride in their eyes when they finish a distance they have not and did not think they could have done before. I feel that running has taught me many different life lessons such as spirit, drive, self-confidence and a feeling of accomplishment. All of these lessons and more can be brought to the kid's attention at a young age and that is encouraging to see.”
Beatty adds, “I think as leaders we can truly make a difference by showing kids that we care. It is my hope and belief that this program will be the foundation for many kids to benefit in the future and I think that can happen because we have had so much support in such a short time from so many wonderful people.”
In addition to Beatty and Ellison, the other Theseus Project team members include Marina Ajanovic (representing the Commonwealth Attorney's Office), Spencer Blue (Freedom Metals, Inc.), Michelle Morian (Doe Anderson), Cullen Reed (Humana Inc.), and Jarrett Stull (Kosair Charities).
After the “Run to the Sun” race, John Thomas, 17, concluded that if he puts his mind to do something, he knows he can do it. And that is exactly what “Run! Louisville Run!” is all about.
