By Kathy Hechst, Inspire Contributor
"Every step I would take, it felt like daggers were puncturing my kneecap," replied Kathy Hechst. She explained that several years ago, the doctors couldn't explain why she was having pain so the only option was to quit running. "I was crushed thinking I probably wouldn't enter races anymore and, worse yet, wouldn't be able to enjoy staying fit by running. The thought of running a marathon was out of the question." Then, she heard about Family Chiropractic Center and met with Dr. Oberle. He explained how Active Release Technique (ART) could help her and possibly allow her to start running again. "I was very impressed with how my injury quickly became their task to solve! Dr. Oberle prayed for God's wisdom and he joined Dr. Lytle in a series of tests. They took me outside to run and watched my gait and hip flexion to determine if my stabilizing muscles were firing appropriately, and how I was compensating for my knee pain. All the doctors and staff teamed up with me to get me running on the road again!"
Now, with the help of treatments from Family Chiropractic, Kathy is training to run in the St. Louis Marathon, Sunday, April 9th, 2006. Having lived in St. Louis most of her life, the thought it would be memorable to run and have the support of friends and family around her. "The friends I wanted to train with had to stop for various reasons, so I ended up by myself. However, Hebrews 12 has become my inspiration, not only to keep me running physically, but is the theme for my teaching." Kathy Hechst has been teaching Physical Education at Grace Christian Academy for the past three years, where she also serves as the Athletic Director, Bible teacher, and Middle School Chapel Director. "For any birthday, my sister bought me a new running watch with ‘Hebrews 12' engraved on the face. God reminds me that He and many other believers have gone before me to extend the kingdom of God here on earth. In life, we really are not alone."
Hebrews 12:1-2 is also the theme verse Kathy Hechst picked for the GCA Middle School Chapel program this year. "We talked weekly about how to ‘Run your Race' for Christ. It's important for our youngsters to know God has a plan for their lives right now, not just when they become adults and have a job." As a Physical Education teacher, Kathy's desire is to teach students the importance of perseverance physically, mentally and spiritually. She wants them to not only succeed, but to thrive in life. "We have all had rough days, or seasons in life that are tough, but with God's help, we overcome," replied Kathy Hechst. This attitude and position in life influences every part of her teaching. She enjoys planning school-wide and cross-curricular projects for her students which encourage health and fitness. "Health and fitness is my passion in life! I've always been fascinated by the creativity and complexity in which God created us. It's my zeal for God that gives me a passion to teach others how to live healthy and take care of our bodies." Even her students as young as first grade are taught what muscles they are using during exercises. Kathy exclaimed, "It's amazing to hear students telling their parents that push-ups work their pectoralis major muscle!"
Kathy Hechst believes in modeling a healthy and active lifestyle for her students and that includes reaching beyond the school and into the community. Participating in road races not only encourages her students to be active, but has also enabled her to benefit organizations such as Our Little Haven, the Leukemia society, Kingdom House, Cystic Fibrosis and many more.
"God is the source of all my strength and gives me purpose for everyday. He's also given me wonderful supporters such as family, friends, co-workers, students, and now my sponsors: Family Chiropractic Center, McArthur's Bakery, and the Maryland Heights IGA Market. Being sponsored for the St. Louis Marathon has been such a privilege and has already helped me achieve a lifetime goal which is to create a scholarship fund. I'm very excited to serve on the board of this scholarship program," Kathy stated. All the proceeds from the t-shirts being sold will go toward funding an educational scholarship for a college freshman that is Running for Christ and is a spiritual leader in his/her community. Visit this website of familychiro@aol.com to find out more details about the scholarship and to purchase your t-shirt today!