Lisa Evans received a hero's type welcome when she arrived at the CBI Health Centre Thursday afternoon. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Personal achievements

Prince Albert physiotherapist completes year-long run challenge

Apr 2, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Carrying a handful of balloons and slightly out-of-breath, Prince Albert’s Lisa Evans crossed the finish line Thursday to signify the end of a personal challenge that started one year ago.

On April 2, 2020, and every day following, Evans has run a mile. Evans told paNOW the idea initially started as a result of the pandemic when she and other staff at the CBI Health Centre were suddenly forced to close the doors and stop working.

“It was just a shock to be sent home and not have to work, and I was just really missing that work and not being here to help patients,” she said.

In addition to her work as a physiotherapist, Evans was also forced to cancel the annual Summit Run, as well as her Learn-to-Run Class. Faced with a number of different and difficult changes, Evans explained she focused on trying to find something positive she could control, that could also help maintain her mental health.

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The initial goal was then to go until she could return to work, but when that came up, Evans decided, because she was already so close to 100 days, to push herself a bit further.

“When I got to that point was when my son said, ‘mom it would be really cool if you were able to say you did a year,” Evans said.

After a couple days of mulling it over, Evans agreed it was a good idea, completing 365 miles in 365 days. Reflecting back on her personal achievement, Evans acknowledged there were a lot of factors that played into her success, not the least of which being the support from family, co-workers and friends.

“Some days were really easy and some days were a little hard to motivate myself. I found that throughout this though, I had a sense of purpose,” she said.

Evans celebates her crowning achievemeht. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Evans celebrates with her co-workers at CBI Health Centre. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

When asked what possible message she hopes others can take away from her journey, Evans said she hopes she can inspire people to set goals and go after them, adding it’s the best way to navigate the craziness and the changes that have been so difficult for many people during the pandemic.

“I think that’s what I’m hoping people will be able to hopefully smile about,” she said.

Inspiring others

Prince Albert’s Kari Ann Waldner has embarked on her own running challenge and credits Evans as her inspiration.

Since starting the 1,000-km Great Canadian Running Challenge on Jan. 1, Waldner has so far covered 400 km. Waldner met Evans 14 years ago, when she registered for a learn to run class.

“I was very hesitant at first, but I was looking for a way to become healthier both mentally and physically. I had just had a baby and was looking for a way to shed some baby weight. As it turns out, running was the ticket and I suddenly found my love of running,” she said.

Waldner explained running has provided her with an outlet emotionally and physically. And despite some early hesitations she even has a few half marathons and marathons under her belt.

“COVID has created an entirely new level of stress and tension to our lives and running has helped alleviate that stress. I am able to concentrate better and keep a calming sense of mind. Running has also helped me sleep better which has helped with stress management,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell