gogirl! W
5
Janna Blackwell
By Ashlee Corbin is the director of Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia and had been asking Janna to complete a run as a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization, which inspires girls in grades third through eighth to be happy, healthy and confident while using a fun, experiencebased curriculum that integrates running. Janna decided that if she got the opportunity to run in the Chicago Marathon, she would do it on behalf of GOTR. However, with a total of 45,000 runners, the Chicago Marathon is one of the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world. Thousands of people entered the lottery for a chance to participate in the race. “I really did not think I stood a chance but was very excited when I was chosen … to run,” she said. “Since I was going alone, I knew I had to have the crowds to cheer me on and keep me motivated.” And then Janna began her 18-week training schedule. “The training for this one was brutal, as I trained all summer long in exceedingly hot temperatures,” she said. In order to condition herself, she stuck to her strict schedule and rarely missed any runs. In the end, due to the generosity and support of her family and friends, Janna raised more than $1,785 for GOTR. The former registered nurse is married to Tom Blackwell, an anesthesiologist at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. Together, they have four children and four grandchildren. “I am blessed to have a loving and understanding family who encourages me to go for my dreams,” she said. “My
husband could not be any more loving and supportive. He is so proud of me and tells me daily.” Her granddaughter, upon seeing a picture of Janna with the medal presented to her after completing the Chicago Marathon, thought that her grandma had “won.” In a way, Janna said, she feels she is a winner, regardless of her time of completion. It’s not about time, she said, but about finishing. “I can't wait to have my grandchildren running with me. The oldest one, at 4, should be ready soon,” she joked. This month’s Go Girl says she is grateful that she is able to continue doing something she loves, and she thanks God for her abilities, which she
doesn’t take for granted. She runs for those who cannot, and she hopes to be a role model for those who can. “I encourage everyone to move, whether it be walking, riding, swimming, yoga — it really doesn't matter, just move!” she said. “We are never too old.” In fact, Janna said, her friend’s father-in-law, who is in his 90s, didn’t start running until he was 70. He was completing marathons at a 10 minuteper-mile pace until recently, when he suffered a broken hip after falling during a walk to the mailbox. Despite this setback, she said, he is looking forward to hitting the pavement again soon. “Now that is what I call a role model!” she said.
TWO OFFICE LOCATIONS STATESBORO OFFICE
106 Briarwood Rd • Statesboro, GA (912) 871-5000
METTER OFFICE
380A Cedar Street • Metter, GA (912) 685-3992
www.candlerinternalmedicine.com
We provide a full range of primary care services for adults including preventive care and yearly physicals.
moments | November 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com
hen a friend turns 50 years old, many women plan a party to celebrate the milestone — but not Janna Blackwell. Instead, to help check off an item on the bucket list of a friend turning 50, Janna laced up her running shoes — again — at the age of 52, and along with the birthday girl and a group of their friends, she completed the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February 2013. Janna had run a little during her 30s but didn’t start again until she began training for the princess-themed 13.1-mile run. After completing that half marathon, she was once again hooked on running, she said, and the adrenaline rush she experienced as she crossed the finish line had her setting her sights on completing a full marathon. “I really haven’t stopped running after the Princess,” she said, “and (I) started increasing my mileage the summer of 2014 in order to train for the full.” She completed the 26.2-mile Walt Disney World Marathon less than a year later, in January 2014. In three years, the now 55-year-old has completed two marathons, 13 half marathons and one 25k (15.5 miles) — a total of 238.2 miles — and says she has no plans of slowing down. In fact, she has already registered for six more half marathons in the coming year. “I am definitely addicted,” she said. Most recently, Janna crossed the Chicago Marathon finish line on Oct. 11. A friend of hers in Savannah
of the month: