Hello, my name is Michelle, and I am 51 years young. Let me tell you about my love of running and unicorns. I am born and raised in Louisville but never liked running as an overweight child I did not want the negative attention and was not active. However, I did attend summer youth programs at the University of Louisville that taught us track, football and swimming. Even with access to many parks in the metro area such as Central, Chickasaw and Shawnee running did not interest me.

After becoming a mother, I often worried that my kids were ashamed of me for being overweight, but I still did not become active. Then in my mid 40’s I did my first 5k and was ashamed that I could barely walk the course. I made a mental note to myself I would change it. Initially, I stopped and started walking routines several times. That all changed when I became an empty nester in my late 40’s. With both of my children gone I told them I would take control of my health. However, I suffered a mild heart attack and vowed to my sons I would stop saying “tomorrow”. I now run 3-4 times a week in different parks, my neighborhood or the gym.