2008 Woodie Awards
Sivills runs marathon for friend
Emily Wuchner
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
Emily Wuchner
News Editor
Catherine Sivills is training for her first marathon.
But the race isn't just about staying in shape or being healthy. For Sivills, the meaning is much deeper.
Sivills, assistant vice president for Institutional Advancement and Communications, and her husband Scott attend Sunday school with Murray State volleyball coach David Schwepker and his wife Kendra. About three years ago, Kendra was diagnosed with a tumor and after surgery, doctors thought she was cured. Not long ago, however, the tumor came back, requiring a trip to MAYO?Clinic for removal. Now she must go to Nashville, Tenn., for radiation treatments.
With her Sunday school class, Sivills has helped the Schwepker family by taking them meals and collecting money. The group thought it could do more to show its support. That's when the team Training for K formed.
"It just started with a couple of us saying, 'Let's do this,' and now there's a couple people in Murray who wanted to join our team," Sivills said.
Together, the group of about 20 members will run in the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., April 26.
Sivills, who has not previously competed, will run the half marathon, which is about 13.1 miles.
"My goal is just to finish," Sivills said laughing.
She began preparing for the race in January while scouring Web sites, looking for the perfect training plan. Her first goal was to run 30 minutes straight without stopping.
"It sounds so easy, but when you go out and run, that's usually about a three-mile distance if you are jogging," Sivills said. "It's not as easy as it sounds."
Each week she adds miles to her course. Last weekend, she ran eight miles and said this weekend she plans on running 10.
Sivills prefers running outside, even though she sometimes has to fight the elements. A few months ago, a series of severe storms came through the area. Sivills was running when the rain started and she ducked into a neighbor's garage.
News Editor
Catherine Sivills is training for her first marathon.
But the race isn't just about staying in shape or being healthy. For Sivills, the meaning is much deeper.
Sivills, assistant vice president for Institutional Advancement and Communications, and her husband Scott attend Sunday school with Murray State volleyball coach David Schwepker and his wife Kendra. About three years ago, Kendra was diagnosed with a tumor and after surgery, doctors thought she was cured. Not long ago, however, the tumor came back, requiring a trip to MAYO?Clinic for removal. Now she must go to Nashville, Tenn., for radiation treatments.
With her Sunday school class, Sivills has helped the Schwepker family by taking them meals and collecting money. The group thought it could do more to show its support. That's when the team Training for K formed.
"It just started with a couple of us saying, 'Let's do this,' and now there's a couple people in Murray who wanted to join our team," Sivills said.
Together, the group of about 20 members will run in the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tenn., April 26.
Sivills, who has not previously competed, will run the half marathon, which is about 13.1 miles.
"My goal is just to finish," Sivills said laughing.
She began preparing for the race in January while scouring Web sites, looking for the perfect training plan. Her first goal was to run 30 minutes straight without stopping.
"It sounds so easy, but when you go out and run, that's usually about a three-mile distance if you are jogging," Sivills said. "It's not as easy as it sounds."
Each week she adds miles to her course. Last weekend, she ran eight miles and said this weekend she plans on running 10.
Sivills prefers running outside, even though she sometimes has to fight the elements. A few months ago, a series of severe storms came through the area. Sivills was running when the rain started and she ducked into a neighbor's garage.
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