Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Crystal McFadden works as the office associate for the graduate nursing programs; in fact, she is the first ever office associate for the graduate nursing programs, a position she was hired to create. She did such a good job in implementing that task that she was honored with the University of Wyoming coveted Staff Incentive Award in 2013. The criteria for that award was that she show initiative and excellence in planning and implementing projects; she should display exemplary incentive toward problems/projects/duties; she must work well with others to provide high quality results related to common goals; and she should provide quality customer service to students, faculty, staff, visitors, and vendors. She did and does all the above and with enthusiasm.
The same enthusiasm she uses in her job is also focused on her personal life and fairly
new venture: running. “I started running in early 2011 to lose weight,” says McFadden.
“The time I set aside for running quickly turned into my happy place and my therapy
– to de-stress from work, family, and basically all things related to being an adult.
While I lost the weight that I wanted to lose, I found that I gained in so many areas.
I gained self-confidence. I gained a greater passion for living life to the fullest.
I gained a love for running. I love the thought of lacing up my shoes and having time
to myself.”
McFadden didn’t stop with just lunch-time jogging. She started preparing for competitions.
“I ran my first half marathon in January 2012, and since then I have completed five
half marathons, two 25K’s, one Ragnar Relay (200 miles with 12 people), numerous 5K’s
and 10K’s, and one triathlon.”
McFadden's new pursuit has an added benefit in its effect on her three young boys.
"My kids get to watch me do something I love, and I hope that inspires them to pursue
their dreams, no matter the age," says McFadden. "They have watched me finish six
different races. What better way to be a role model for your kids than to SHOW them
that you can do anything you can put your mind to! It's not always going to be easy,
but it's always worth it."
McFadden says her life has completely changed because of running, “I’m healthier,
happier and a better person. I assume one day my body won’t let me run anymore. But
until then, I’ve got lots more miles to go!”
