Rimbey ladies compete in half marathon

The longest journey begins with a single step, and sometimes taking that first step requires as much mental discipline as it does physical skill.

Danielle Corkle, Tresa Lowe and Brenda Kowk all faced their own personal emotional and physical challenges when they decided to begin training for the Rock ’N Roll Las Vegas half-marathon.

However, on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. when they stood at the starting line to begin running in the 13.1 mile marathon down the Las Vegas strip, they had all pushed their bodies hard, tested their physical limits and felt they were ready for the challenge.

It hadn’t been easy.

For Corkle, preparing for, and finally running in the race, was part of the grieving process after the loss of her teenage daughter.

The death of 13-year-old Mercedes last July left Corkle in a state of deep depression. The numbing pain caused by the loss of her child was almost more than she could bear.

But, with the help and support of friends and family, she was able to not only survive the loss, but also push herself to limits she would not otherwise have attained.

She and her cousin had talked about competing in the Rock ’N Roll Las Vegas half-marathon prior to her daughter’s death, but when the tragedy occurred, the idea was dropped.

However, later, in an effort to help her deal with the painful loss, her cousin encouraged her to begin training.

Her friend Tresa Lowe offered to train with her.

“We were able to inspire and encourage each other,” Corkle said.

“I was so depressed and upset and I had no structure. It was good to be focused. I really needed it.”

The friends began training and later Brenda Kowk, who sometimes worked out with Lowe at the gym at the community centre, agreed to join them.

The women trained hard to achieve their own personal best, but, no doubt, the help, support and encouragement they gave each other, helped them achieve their final goal.

The trio travelled to Las Vegas and on Dec. 4 they completed the 13.1-mile run down the Las Vegas strip.

Completing the race left the three women exhilarated, confident and proud and it was an experience they will never forget.

“It was great, it was amazing, running on the strip, people were high fiving you; it was awesome,” said Lowe.

“I still can’t believe we did it. It was almost spiritual. It definitely was an emotional journey. Very rewarding,” added Corkle.”

Kowk, who is a firm believer in the benefits of being active, ran from Bentley to Rimbey the week before the race.

The grandmother of six encourages everyone to get in shape and be active.

“Just do it. Get moving,” she said.

“I truly believe you can,” added Lowe. “It’s just one step at a time.”