Kim’s Vision of Life and Love

My name is Kim Hawkins. I am competing in the Redman Half Ironman on Sept. 20th, 2008 in honor of my Uncle Jerry.  He was an amazing man who left this earth on June 29th 2008, at the young age of 66, due to complications of his progressed Alzheimer’s disease. He lived the last couple years of his life in the Claremore Veterans Center, Alzheimer’s unit. Here he received the best care from the most loving people. In Jerry’s honor, we want to raise money to help enhance the Alzheimer’s unit at Claremore (located just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma). The center is a functioning memorial to wartime veterans, and due to the high demand for specialized care of veterans with dementia, a special needs unit for Alzheimer’s/dementia care opened in December 2002. Uncle Jerry received gentle and loving care at the center, where they have a plethora of activities, including special events focusing on the family and always honoring the residents as United Stated Veterans.
The money raised through this campaign will be presented to the Claremore Center, by the Pivarnik family. The donation will be intended to continue the tradition of honoring the veterans who stay in the Alzheimer’s unit, enhancing the quality of life for the residents and for the families. It is the wish of Jerry’s family to uphold the highest traditions of the US military, taking the utmost care of their own. The Center already cares for their residents as family; this donation will be to enhance the quality of resources available to continue giving stellar care to those in the Alzheimer’s unit.
www.runnersvision.com

I have been a runner all my life.  I remember when I was in the 7th grade I was running slow so I could stay with my friends.  A coach came up to me and told me I had talent and I should run as fast as I could;  that I should not let my friends get in the way of my running!
I went on to run track in high school.  I ran the 400, 4×400, 200 and I either long jumped or triple jumped. 
I have run my adult life for exercise and clarity.  I enjoy going out and getting lost in the woods!
 I ran my first marathon on April 14th 2007.  This was the Muir Woods trail marathon.  I finished in 4 hours and 19 minutes, I was 2nd in my age group and 29th over all.  I was very proud of my 1st marathon.
When I decided to run my second marathon, I wanted to run in support of Children.  I found the Children’s Tumor Foundation and immediately knew this was my cause.  I was very excited to be a part of improving the quality of life of these children. I ran that marathon in 3 hours and 37 minutes, not only qualifying for Boston, but placing as the 1st military female and 499 over all!  My 3rd marathon was for me!  I ran this one in Vienna, Austria with my friend, Donna.  I finished in 4 hours and 23 minutes and took 180 pictures. It was an amazing way to see the city!
I’ve created this blog so as a supporter, you can follow me and support me through my races!
My future plans are fun filled!  I will compete in the Redman half Ironman, in Oklahoma in honor of my Uncle Jerry, run the Marine Corp Marathon, with friends including Mark, Teress and Rebecca’s brother, JP;  Then in April I plan to run the Boston Marathon (again with Mark)!!  From there …. I can only imagine!!

So, follow me however you can….. I will enjoy your company!
Kim