27/30 5Ks done, 3 more to go, twins explain, “If you put your mind to it, & surround yourself with the right support you can do anything.”
Newsymom came across 2 amazing Mommas from Newcomerstown, Ohio who are starting their 3rd decade out with 93 miles worth of goals! Meet Tuscarawas county’s very own twins Stacy & Kacy!
Newsymom: We hear you and your twin sister are running 30 5ks to celebrate turning 30! Whose idea was this!?
- “It started as a conversation between the two of us to get active again, and just more in shape. We were closing in on our 30th birthday in January (2021) and have young kids who are active. At Christmas, Kacy had the bright idea to set a goal of 30 different 5ks in our 30th year of life. Stacy said “let’s go for it” and here we are. Just completed our 27th of 30 races today (11/5/21).”
How long have you been runners? What’s your past experience running?
- We both started running in grade school. You could say it “runs in the family” as our older brother and cousins were great cross country runners and we credit them for us getting into the sport. In High School we were a part of the 1st ever Indian Valley Girls Cross Country Team to make it to State (Fall 2006). What an experience that was!
- After High School, we continued running just as a stress relief. We both started families and had babies and got back into running the last few years. As twins we are as opposite as night and day, and anyone who knows us will agree. But, we are also the best of friends and our kids are really close as well.
- Starting this journey in January made us mindful of our time together, we have made it a point to workout and run and step away from the stress of always being “on” as a mom with full time jobs, and many other responsibilities.
You’re both Moms- how to do manage training, work, and parenting?
- Our normal training typically happened after all our kiddos were asleep. There have been many a nights we wouldn’t start running or cross training in my basement (Kacy) until close to 10pm at night. Or the husbands stepped up to allow us to do our thing. They know how important it was for us to see this through.
How old are your kiddos?
- Stacy: Rylynn (9), Gage (6), Sayer (6)
- Kacy: Remington (6), Rogan (4)
What lessons have you gleaned during this journey?
- Stacy: Perseverance. There were plenty of times when life was just busy and we honestly didn’t necessarily want to train or run. We have put a lot of miles on our vehicles AND shoes (ha), to get to where we are.
- Kacy: I think Stacy nailed it. What she didn’t say was because of her perseverance she has lost 55lbs from our first 5k in January to today. I am so very proud of her! She set a goal and crushed it.
Talk about motivation– I’m calling on my girlfriends to try this!
What does this commitment represent to you?
- I think we both are in agreement that it represents to us, if you put your mind to it, and surround yourself with the right support you can do anything.
- Support is something we both have in abundance. Our parents, Kacy’s in-laws, and other family who help watch the kiddos when we had to travel, who came to cheer us on when they could. Our husbands who are there for whatever is needed (with only a few grumbles), and our running community/Facebook support! It started out as a way to keep us held accountable to keep going, and each post continues to have more supportive comments. They don’t know how much that fuels us! As more races were attended more people kept coming up to ask us: “what number are you at today?” “How many more do you have to go?” That was/is pretty cool.
What was the easiest 5K thus far, and the most difficult?
- Kacy- Not sure if any are “easy” but we have run some beautiful courses all over Ohio (and a few other states). Each one has held a memorable moment for us in 2021. Whether it was the course, the event we were supporting or the amazing people we have met in the running community. Of course it always makes things easier to have someone to push you, or just be present. I try not to take for granted having a built-in best friend who will hold me accountable.
- Stacy- The most difficult run to date I would probably have to say was the Donut Dash LLC in Lucas, OH. We ran the contest”. Each donut you ate halfway through the race subtracted 2 minutes off your time. Kacy said we had to do [eat] at least one for the experience. The other 1.5 miles weren’t exactly pleasant after that!
What does the year 31 or 35 hold for more sister adventures?
- Our next adventure we are throwing around is a half marathon for 2022. After that, who knows what we could get into!
Any parting words of wisdom to other 5Kers, or folks turning 30!?
- Stacy: To other 5kers- best advice is just take life 1 mile at a time♥️
- Kacy: You are only as old as you feel, some might see it as daunting to head into the next decade of life, I see it as the best is yet to come and looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring!
Newsymom wishes you the best of luck with 30 5Ks and hopes other MOMMAS can find inspiration in your endurance throughout the story of this journey!
Can Twins Stacy & Kacy complete 30 5Ks before their 31st birthday?
Mrs TAZ
Reporting