Rachelle Setsodi - iCan Athlete Spotlight – 8/31/12

My daughter sent me an email on May 29^th, 2012 regarding “The iCan Project” and said “Apply for this! I did!” I read through the materials and linked to the iCan Application on the web.  On a whim I immediately applied, answering the simple questions of Name, E-mail, Phone and Why should you be chosen?  I don’t even remember how exactly I answered that last question.

I know that I talked about myself being a “helper”.  I have always helped others by giving of my time, talent or treasures – just like the application materials mentioned.  I was intrigued by the mentioned book “Go-Giver” because as a helper, that is what I do – I give.  I find enjoyment in helping my family, friends, co-workers, strangers and students through my Assistant Director of Admission Position at Drake University. I am constantly giving because I need to and because I want to.  At points though, I help so much, it is a detriment to myself.

As part of my application, I remember saying it is time to help myself.  I need to take the time to invest in my own health, fitness and complete an amazing goal because I can do it!  So many projects, issues, or goals seem so large and looming – like the idea of a marathon – that it is easy to fearfully say I can’t.  But if you break it down, plan for it, take one step (or mile) at a time, train for it with your support network, “I can’t” will become “I can”.

On June 13, 2012, I received the email notification that I was among those selected to be part of “The iCan Marathon Team”. I was shocked, excited, numb, honored, scared and wondered why was I selected?  In a matter of minutes, I was like, “I am going to run a marathon!”  How do you turn down this opportunity – you don’t!

Thus, on June 24^th, I met Coach Loran, the other team members and our families.  And on June 25^th, I officially started training for a marathon.  I decided to log a daily photo and notes in a Facebook album to capture my journey.  In honor of my father’s journaling including weather and wildlife, I log the temperature and the number of deer I saw that day along with other notes.  It has been a joy to look back and see how far I have come in what is now almost 10 weeks!

I had tears in my eyes when I completed my first half-marathon.  Who would have thought I could run 13.1 miles in just 55 days!  There are days when I haven’t felt like doing my training for the day or to run up that hill, but I push myself.  I repeat “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) There also have been exhilarating days – runner’s high!  I feel strong, powerful and accomplished.  I am working toward my goal and I am determined.

Tomorrow is a 15 mile run and I know that I can do it one step at a time.   Coach Loran inspired me too when he said I can eat and drink whatever I want at the tailgate party and still be negative caloric intake!  That, of course, has never happened before.  I am excited, that in 6 more weeks, I will be part of the less than 1% of the population – a marathon finisher – going from “I can’t” to “I can” to “I did”!  Yes!

Rachelle after completing her first 1/2 marathon!