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Meet Crystal McFadden

UW Nursing Staff Spotlight

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!”

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Son Eythan and Mom Crystal

Eythan and mom, Crystal McFadden
McFadden's son Eythan, as a result of watching mom, finished the BigHorn Canyon Triathlon in July 2013 when he was 13 years old.

Son Hunter and Mom

Amber Wright
7-year-old Hunter completed the Laramie Rainbow 5K Run on July 4, 2015.

Mom and son Evan

Crystal and Evan
And Evan - "He hasn't caught the running bug yet," says McFadden, "but loves to be outside and hike."
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