Everybody has different reasons for working out. For some, it’s
losing weight, while others are looking to reduce stress or get a
little
”
me
”
time. The motivation for local woman Cathy Kiles to walk roughly
20 miles each week is entirely different
– Kiles is walking to save lives.
Everybody has different reasons for working out. For some, it’s losing weight, while others are looking to reduce stress or get a little “me” time. The motivation for local woman Cathy Kiles to walk roughly 20 miles each week is entirely different – Kiles is walking to save lives.
“If this is the least I can do, and it makes a difference, then I’ve done my job,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.
Kiles is participating in the Susan G. Koman Three-Day Breast Cancer Walk in San Diego in November, a 60-mile trek designed to promote awareness of and raise funds for breast cancer research. Kiles, an 11-year breast cancer survivor, found out about the event through her extensive work with the local Relay for Life event and decided to try her hand at long-distance walking.
“I turned 60 years old this year, and it’s a 60-mile event,” she said. “I want to walk a mile for every year I’ve been alive.”
While Kiles described herself as “moderately” active before deciding to participate in the walk, she knew she had a lot of training to do before she could tackle 60 miles in just three days. For months, she’s been walking around five miles every other weekday morning, and cross training at home on off days. On weekends, she walks up to 10 miles and will be increasing the distance to 15 and 18 miles as the event draws nearer.
“Luckily, I haven’t had one blister so far, because I went out and bought the right shoes,” she said. “I will never buy a pair of cheap tennis shoes again.”
At her side, mile for mile, is her best friend and coach Phyllis Swallow.
“Cathy and I have been friends for years,” Swallow said. “So when she told me about this I wanted to help her.”
The two walk together every time, but Swallow isn’t even participating in the event – her son is getting married the same weekend.
“I don’t know how many people can say they have such a good friend,” Kiles said. “She’s been amazing.”
Kiles’ other partner is Jessie Jane, her rat terrier, who Kiles says has taken an enthusiastic shine to her early morning walks.
“When she hears me get up she’s at my feet, and when she sees me in my workout clothes she’s at the door ready to go,” she said. “It makes me so sad that I can’t take her with me (to the event), but can you imagine if everybody brought their pets? You’d probably have more animals than people.”
To participate in the event, Kiles pledged to raise $2,200 for cancer research. She said the amount seemed daunting at first, but she has since raised $2,885 and is shooting for $3,500. Kiles will be wearing a shirt with the names of everybody who contributed to her efforts during the walk, as well as the names of any cancer survivors or those who lost their battle with cancer that somebody requests she add.
“I have daughters and granddaughters, and I’m walking for them, and I have friends and family and co-workers – everybody is affected by this terrible disease at one point or another,” she said. “I’ve been through the pain and the surgeries; you don’t wish this on your worst enemy. We all have to do something to fight this.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to Kiles’ efforts can reach her at 637-1691 or make a donation directly by finding her name at www.3Day.org.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or
ds****@fr***********.com
