Sedgebrook Staff Member Completes 100 Mile Ultramarathon
At Sedgebrook, the staff doesn't just talk the talk about fitness…they literally walk the walk or in this case, run the run, and in a very big way. Daria Podejko is an environmental services supervisor for the Lincolnshire-based retirement community. Last month, the petite 45-year old, completed the Hennepin 100 Ultramarathon, a one-hundred-mile race from Sterling to Colona, Illinois.
"I don't really have an inspiring story behind this. I just like challenges," said Podejko. "I worked my way up, and my last big event was a 50-mile race. I and wanted to strive for more, so I looked into the Hennepin 100."
Podejko, who has been running for 14 years, suffers from allergies and asthma, and initially wasn't sure that racing would be a good sport for her. "But I woke up one day and decided to give it a try. I started at one mile, then two, then more. I entered a half marathon, and then completed some marathons, and got bored so kept pushing on to longer races," she said.
Training for the 100-mile event was very demanding. "I am on my feet all day at work so sometimes it was hard to go and run afterwards. I live seven miles away so for a while I ran to and from work but the traffic was pretty heavy and I stopped doing that," she said. "I wasn't completely confident that I could finish 100 miles. You must have a lot of strength, must be able to manage sleep deficiency, and must have the ability to be on your feet for a long period of time. There are a lot of different factors that come into play."
Podejko said that her only goal for the Hennepin 100, was to complete the race within the 30 allotted hours. Finishing at 29 hours, she reported, "My average speed was about 14-16 miles per hour, with some walking. There were people behind me and people ahead of me. Basically, I was by myself. I was really surprised that I handled the distance as well as I did. It was gorgeous out and peaceful and I felt great," she said.
Podejko, who loves working in the senior living community, said that she is inspired by the high energy and dedication to fitness and wellness of the residents. Now, with the Hennepin 100 successfully behind her, she is looking forward to a 200-mile race in California next year. "It's the next step for me. It's my next challenge," she concluded.
SEDGEBROOK
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3329.