Anyone up for running twenty-six miles? No? How about thirteen? No again? Three teachers at Powell High School disagree. In the last month, Mrs. O’Neill, Mrs. Hildebrand and Mrs. McArthur each chose to run either a marathon or a half marathon.

Billings, Montana supplied the weather conditions for the September 20th runs. Mrs. O’Neill, who opted for the half marathon, and Mrs. Hildebrand, who chose to tackle the full, had fifty-degree weather with a slight rain, perfect weather for them to run a great race with awesome times. Why in Billings? It is close and they have gone there for the last seven years for a girls’ running weekend. In Pocatello, Idaho, Mrs. McArthur ran her first half marathon in seventy-degree weather with a lovely tail wind, which fitted her ideal weather for running. It may sound a bit excessive to drive seven hours to run thirteen miles, but for Mrs. McArthur, the drive was worth it to spend a weekend with dear old friends.

One of the favorite things on the runs was the aid stations which gave out everything imaginable: gummy bears, gel packs, bananas, gum, water, band-aids and all sorts of other things.
Training for half marathons varies with each runner; all three run all year, but each woman actually trained exclusively for her race anywhere from seven to sixteen weeks beforehand.
Finally, the number one reason why these teachers have chosen to run a total of eleven half marathons and three full marathons accumulative in their lives is that running is a great way to relieve stress. Runners can track their progress and see improvement. It helps them be healthy and active. Their minds can wander and it gives them time to think or talk with running buddies. Plus, for Mrs. Hildebrand and Mrs. McArthur, it allows them to run with the kids they coach in Cross Country and in Track.

Some people may question why these women run, but really, when it comes down to it, it is a matter of love, a love of the discipline and passion it takes to keep going. “There were a ton of people along the (Portland Marathon) course cheering and they had gummy bears at mile eight which made me very happy,” said Mrs. Hildebrand on her first marathon. Congratulations to all!