According to SmokeFree.gov, when a person smokes, damage is caused to nearly every organ of the body including the lungs, muscles, and heart. Smokers also have an increased risk of illnesses such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as a reportedly higher incidence of shortness of breath and cough.
Caren Bond knows the severe damage that cigarette smoking can cause, personally. Her #IndyMini story is about overcoming an addiction to cigarettes. The willpower and perseverance it took to quit, and how she’s now living a longer, happier, and healthier life!
Around the time her father-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago, Caren decided to quit smoking and make changes to get healthy. Being a two pack a day smoker, this was not an easy undertaking for her. But, she wholeheartedly wanted to get healthy, so she quit smoking and started exercising.
Her goal to get healthy led to a desire to start running, and with the support of her father-in-law combined with encouragement from her sisters, she did just that. She began running a mile at a time and before long she was adding more and more distance. In very little time, she was ready to run the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon.
After kicking a powerful addiction and sticking to her goal of improving her health, Caren felt that a celebration was in order. She got a group of friends together to run with her in the #IndyMini in a triumphant fashion.
“We wear fun outfits for the Mini. We celebrate us, our city, and we celebrate the Mini!” Bond said.
She regards her decision to get healthy and start running as a dramatic life changing journey. Since her first Indy Mini experience, Caren has run several half marathons and multiple full marathons. In addition to running the Indy Mini, Caren plans to run the Boston Marathon this year too!
When you see Caren Bond running the Mini Marathon this year, make sure to celebrate her successes with her and don’t forget to congratulate her for the strides that she has taken to be healthier.
