Impact Story June 2019

Running for Fitness: A Mile a Day

Four to five times a week, Laurie Horn walks a mile from Aultercare to come visit the Towpath Trail YMCA. Laurie has been a member of the YMCA since she was just a young girl, participating in swimming, gymnastics, ballet, running, and, eventually, working for the North Canton YMCA in nearly every department. Her love for athletics led her towards competition, running nearly 21 marathons and even qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Despite these great achievements, Laurie’s life hasn’t been easy.  In fact, things have been a series of battles, struggling with both bipolar disorder and anorexia, finding solace though her running. 
Laurie states that her periods of depression are less severe when she makes time for running and that, when she comes to the Y to use the elliptical machines, it is often the highlight of a bad day. Athletics has always kept her disciplined and the Towpath Trail YMCA, Laurie describes, has exactly what she needs to continue to push herself to stay healthy. Although Laurie enjoys the fitness center, more importantly, she loves the community that can be found at the Y.  “The Y is full of great people. Val (Welcome Center) has given me a ride home when it’s cold outside, I don’t drive, and they watch me and make sure I’m doing okay when I’m on the elliptical machines or treadmills.” 
Despite the fact that Laurie is cutting back on her physical activity as she gets older, she always finds her way back to running.

Psalm 60:12
“With God’s help, we will do mighty things.”

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estefanick@weststarky.org