It’s March 8th, International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements. Check out InternationalWomensDay.com and you’ll immediately see:
“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.”
Think about some of your heroes. Let me share about one of my heroes, Krista DuChene.
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to meet this incredible individual in real life you’ll know the magic she brings to life. She looks you in the eye and when she smiles, she smiles at you with her whole heart connecting with you. She makes you feel like you’re part of her inner circle.
See Krista out on the race course or working out and you’ll see a fierce competitor. Fierce competitor, she does it through a lens of empathy, you know when she cheers you on in the race, whispers words of encouragement, or blows by you as she’s working her hardest, you know she also wants the best for you too.
Krista balances many things. Running. Coaching. Being a mother. Being a dietician. She’s a writer. She’s an accomplished woman who is an excellent role model.
On March 5th, her daughter’s twelfth birthday, Krista accomplished something no other runner has accomplished. Along with completing the six-star marathons (Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and finally Tokyo), Krista’s competed in the marathon at World Championships and the Olympics. She’s nearly an eight-star finisher. (Krista explains: “My one and only DNF (Did Not Finish), in the countless races I’ve done, at the World Championships, will cost me bragging rights to say I am one of only a handful of people in the world to complete all six World Marathon Majors, the Olympic Games, and World Championships. I believe the ones who have completed all eight marathons are four women: Edna Kiplagat (Kenya), Nuta Olaru (Romania), Aly Dixon (U.K.), Deena Kastor (USA) and one man, Emmanuel Mutai (Kenya).)
Meanwhile, her run in Tokyo, at the same race where Cam broke his record, DuChene broke her own: setting the Canadian master’s record held by Catharine Watkins for 45+. Krista ran the marathon in 2:38:53.
On this International Women’s Day, celebrate the women that inspire you, celebrate the women that raise us all up to be a better version of yourself. If you’re out on a run with your friends, run a few steps in honour of all the great women that came before you—and all the great women to come.
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