Welcome to From the Heart

Jennifer was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on September 9, 2021.  Jen has taken a medical leave from her teaching position with the Owatonna Public Schools to focus on her treatment.  She will endure chemotherapy, surgery and radiation as part of her treatment plan.

Jennifer is an Owatonna native who has found a passion in giving to others throughout her life.  While enduring difficult times which has included the loss of loved ones to this disease, Jen has never lost sight of the good in the world and how she can add to it.

Her determination is shining through now more than ever and she is an inspiration to all.

Jen has served on the From The Heart committee for the past 12 years supporting others on their journey with cancer and it is now time for us to support her.  Jen’s sister, Lisa Hilstad, was the first From The Heart recipient in 2009 as she battled breast cancer herself.

Shelly has been diagnosed with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and is undergoing treatment.  Shelly is a native of Owatonna and has been employed at Climate by Designs International since 2001.

Shelly is in the infancy stages of her treatment with several months of treatment ahead of her.

Her son, Kenneth, is an OHS hockey alum and her son, Patrick, currently plays for OHS.  Shelly has volunteered for several years on various committees in Owatonna and is currently an OYHA board member and concession manager.

Training From the Heart: Starting Where You Are

Every runner at From the Heart has a different story. Some people are lacing up for their very first 5K, others have been racing for years, and many are walking in honor of someone they love. Training does not have to look perfect to count. It can be a short loop around the block after work, a weekend walk with a friend, or ten quiet minutes on the treadmill before the rest of the house wakes up.

When you search online for training plans, you will find good advice and a lot of noise. One page explains intervals, the next promises “quick wins,” and sometimes a completely unrelated link appears – even something like udenlandske casino – which has nothing to do with your health, your heart, or your goals. It is okay to close those tabs and come back to what really matters: moving your body in ways that feel safe, steady, and sustainable for you.

A simple way to begin is to pick three days this week when you will walk or run, no matter the pace. Mark them on a calendar, tell a friend, or join someone from your community so you are not doing it alone. As race day approaches, these small sessions add up. They build confidence, strengthen your body, and remind you that From the Heart is about more than finish times – it is about showing up for yourself and for the families this event supports.

If you are restarting after illness or a long break, be gentle with yourself. Short, easy efforts and regular rest days are still progress. When you do have a little extra energy for non-training fun, some adults choose light online entertainment such as Spinbit Casino, but your first priority in this season is listening to your body and protecting your health. Listen to your body, talk with your healthcare team when you need to, and remember that every mile and every donation helps carry someone else through a hard season.

As you build up your miles, it can help to think of training as a season rather than a single day. Some weeks will feel smooth, others will be messy, and that is completely normal. Instead of chasing perfection, keep returning to a few simple questions: Did I move today? Did I listen to my body? Did I show kindness to myself and the people around me? Those answers matter more than the exact pace on your watch or what anyone else is posting on social media.

The internet is full of tools that can support your goals, from training logs to route planners and stretching videos. There are also distractions that have nothing to do with your health, including comparison and review sites such as Online Casinon utan svensk licens. Just as you choose which events to sign up for, you can choose which links deserve your time and which ones you simply scroll past. Protecting your focus in this way is another form of training from the heart.

Wherever you are starting from today, you are welcome here. Maybe you are walking a single block, jogging between mailboxes, or preparing for your first half marathon. Each small effort is a way of saying “yes” to your future self and to the neighbors this event supports. Step by step, breath by breath, you are part of a community that believes progress is measured not only in finish times, but in the courage it takes to begin.

Want to share information about possible recipients?

For additional information contact Beth Svenby at (507) 456-8909 or Margo McKay at (507) 475-2191.

Additional entry information can be found at Raceberry Jam and Anderson Race Management .