Laura Henderson inspires others to run for a cause
By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
LEADER - If you’re looking for inspiration to begin to get active, be sure to contact Laura Henderson at Leader, an avid runner and cyclist. Her most recent project involves hosting a Terminator Run for youth addiction awareness on Saturday, September 25.
“I am super excited to be an ambassador for the Terminator Foundation this year,” Laura said. The Terminator Foundation is based out of Calgary. “I will be holding a 5 km run/walk for youth addiction awareness in Leader. This is an event I hold close to my heart, as I celebrated eight years of sobriety on August 1 of 2021. I believe providing awareness and conversation surrounding addiction and mental health is so important to help stop the stigma and provide support and hope for families affected.”
Laura explained that the Terminator Foundation works with addicts as they transition to better living. They participate in triathlon training four or five days a week. This will be the foundation’s seventh run, but this is the first run in Leader. “We’re really excited!” Laura said. “We’ve got lots of businesses that have come on board with swag prizes.”
Scott’s Fine Foods will be serving pancakes after the run. “The list of businesses participating is phenomenal!” Laura said. Participants can register on the Terminator Foundation website. Registration is $35, which includes a T-shirt, participation medal, swag prizes, an entry for draw prizes, and pancakes.
“It’s not a timed event; you do it at your own pace around the perimeter of town; walk or run if you want. Registrations are open right until the end,” Laura explained. “We have 35 participants registered so far, but I have faith there will be lots more. All ages and speeds are encouraged to register. It’s supporting a great cause, getting active and bringing awareness to addiction.”
Being active is an important part of Laura’s story, one which she wants to share with others. “I sobered up in 2013, and for the first couple of years, it was learning how to function. I started walking in 2015 and entered my first 5 km in 2016,” she said. “This is my therapy; no matter what happens, I can always grab my running shoes and go for a run, get active and sweat it out a bit.”
Laura is not exaggerating when she uses the term “sweat it out.” Since 2016, she has earned approximately 100 participation medals! “Showing up is the big thing about recovery; setting a goal, showing up for it and achieving your goal. Things to keep you going are important. I ran more runs last year than I ever have; it keeps me sane,” she explained.
As well as participating in the Terminator Run, Laura is registered in this year’s Great Cycle Challenge for the third consecutive year. Her goal is to cycle 1,000 kms during August. Part of that goal involved biking from Leader to Kindersley and back in one day.
This young mom of three is definitely doing her part to inspire others to stay connected by signing up for the Terminator Run on September 25!
