A Run for Sherry

Do you know Sherry Arnold? Personally speaking, I do not either. In the running world continuum, she is one of us.

On January 7^th, Sherry (a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a runner) left her home in Sidney, Montana for her Saturday morning run. Sherry never made it home that day and as of this date, it saddens me to report that her body has yet to be found. Two men are currently in custody and one has confessed to killing Sherry. She left her home that morning at 6:30 a.m. and according to the men in custody, she was abducted a mere 10 minutes later. (This information was taken from www.shutupandrun.net/2012/01/virtual-run-for-sherry-arnold-february.html).

Think about that for just a minute please? 10 minutes. When you leave for your morning run, just how far from your home are you in 10 minutes? For me, I could run for 10 minutes in every direction in my small little town and only one would take me outside of city limits.

It can be a scary world, especially for female athletes that tend to find themselves out on the roads alone. This happened in Montana. A state (not unlike my own) known for wide open spaces, rural communities and a certain safety that we tend to take for granted. I am in no way trying to scare anyone; I just want us all to be aware. I believe that with awareness, comes power.

My little, safe, secure state of North Dakota is changing very quickly amidst an “oil boom”. And news of what happened to Sherry Arnold has rocked the community of active women across the state. I am no different. I now think twice before heading out after dark to do a run. The mom in me is kicking in here: Please be aware and stay safe.

The family of Sherry Arnold is reeling from the tragedy that has struck them. This traumatic event has sparked something in runners all across the country and I am asking all of you in the GOTRIbal family to take the time and dedicate a run to the memory of Sherry. There will be a virtual run for Sherry on Saturday, February 11^th at 9 a.m. MST. All the family is asking is for you to take that time to do a walk, run or bike ride and keep the memory of Sherry on your hearts and in your minds. Click here for more information on the run. The website has a link for you to print a race bib to wear during your run. The family is encouraging you to take pictures and email them so they can include them on their blog. A Facebook page has also been set up, you can find it here. If you feel so inclined, you can also donate to Sherry’s family via the website linked above.

I plan to run on the 11^th for Sherry. I have invited many friends and family; runners, walkers, bikers, etc. to join me. And I encourage you all to do the same. I will post pictures of our group to share with you and please feel free to share back.