A Marathon for One Love
This week, fresh off the New York City Marathon, we hear from Whit Willocks, Assistant Director of College Advising and Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach, about the deeper meaning behind the race, and how to bring it home to KUA.
Here’s Whit:
On Sunday, November 4, I was lucky enough to run the New York City Marathon. It was an incredible honor and humbling experience, not only due to the 26.2 miles that my body endured, but for the deeper meaning behind the race. I ran the marathon for the One Love Foundation, an organization very near and dear to my heart. It was founded in 2010 in memory of my close friend and University of Virginia Lacrosse teammate, Yeardley Love, who lost her life at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. Out of this tragedy, One Love was created to ensure everyone understands the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.
The marathon certainly was not easy, but the pain my body felt in those last 6 miles and the long days spent training were all worth it because together, Team One Love raised over $15,000 for the Foundation. Many members of the KUA community contributed and for that I cannot thank them enough. Since finishing the race, I have said many times, that what was even better than crossing that finish line was the enormous amount of love and support I felt from those lining the streets of NYC and everyone at home cheering us on. I felt it all, every step of the course; I felt it and I thank you.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Yeardley and feel her presence around me. She was the most thoughtful, kind and genuinely happy person. Because her love for life and those around her was contagious and sincere, I have made it a personal goal to do everything in my power to support and advance the work of the One Love Foundation. A few weeks ago, in early October, the One Love Foundation came to Kimball Union to speak to the community about healthy relationships, warning signs, and the resources available to help us all #LoveBetter.
Throughout the remainder of the school year, One Love will return to Campus on a few different occasions, both to connect on a personal level with our students and faculty, and for the entire school to participate in the Escalation Workshop this spring. The movement to end relationship violence is going strong and One Love is at the forefront.
Thank you, Ms. Willocks, for sharing your story and stay tuned for more news from The Hilltop.
Back
On Sunday, November 4, I was lucky enough to run the New York City Marathon. It was an incredible honor and humbling experience, not only due to the 26.2 miles that my body endured, but for the deeper meaning behind the race. I ran the marathon for the One Love Foundation, an organization very near and dear to my heart. It was founded in 2010 in memory of my close friend and University of Virginia Lacrosse teammate, Yeardley Love, who lost her life at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. Out of this tragedy, One Love was created to ensure everyone understands the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.
The marathon certainly was not easy, but the pain my body felt in those last 6 miles and the long days spent training were all worth it because together, Team One Love raised over $15,000 for the Foundation. Many members of the KUA community contributed and for that I cannot thank them enough. Since finishing the race, I have said many times, that what was even better than crossing that finish line was the enormous amount of love and support I felt from those lining the streets of NYC and everyone at home cheering us on. I felt it all, every step of the course; I felt it and I thank you.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Yeardley and feel her presence around me. She was the most thoughtful, kind and genuinely happy person. Because her love for life and those around her was contagious and sincere, I have made it a personal goal to do everything in my power to support and advance the work of the One Love Foundation. A few weeks ago, in early October, the One Love Foundation came to Kimball Union to speak to the community about healthy relationships, warning signs, and the resources available to help us all #LoveBetter.
Throughout the remainder of the school year, One Love will return to Campus on a few different occasions, both to connect on a personal level with our students and faculty, and for the entire school to participate in the Escalation Workshop this spring. The movement to end relationship violence is going strong and One Love is at the forefront.
Thank you, Ms. Willocks, for sharing your story and stay tuned for more news from The Hilltop.
