FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ;
CAROL HANEY
NICHOLE SELLERS
SHARON RIGGS
CHRISTIE NORTON

BY MARLA BALLARD
REPORTER

DEKALB COUNTY, ALA - It was the second week of November in Vienna, Illinois
and the temperature at 7:00 a.m. was 27 degrees, plus it was snowing when
four local women took their position in a 50-mile race.

Their story began ten years ago. Three women; Nichole Sellers, Christie
Norton, and Carol Haney were taking a fitness class from Fitness Instructor,
Sharon Riggs who said to the group one day, "Hey, let's run together." Riggs
thought it would be good for her students to mix up their fitness routine.
"I've always loved running; however, I did not set out to run in a 50-mile
race," said Riggs.

Seller's Story - Since 2012 Seller's has run in five 50-mile races, she had
never been a runner prior to 2012. The race in Illinois was her most recent
where she achieved her best time ever, 11 hours and 32 minutes. "Running is
a mental sport more than a physical one," said Sellers. "There are times
when I have to pick myself up, dust off, and adjust my pony tail and just
keep going. I have the goal of one day entering a 100-mile run."

"I fell in love with running immediately," said Sellers. "I think I'm truly
addicted to it." Sellers said it's a gradual process. She started out
running 5k's, then 10k's, Half-Marathons, then Full-Marathons. She likes
engaging in a mix of various types including trail runs and obstacle races.
"Running is a stress reliever for me," said Seller. "Another attraction to
the sport is the encouragement and comradery of all the runners. Especially,
the four of us, we are like family."

Norton's Story - The Tunnel Hill run in November was Norton's third 50-mile
run. "I was so excited to beat my time by two hours this time," said Norton.
"I finished the run in 14 hours and 55 minutes." Norton said the Tunnel
Hill Race is one of her favorites in comparison to others she has run due to
the terrain.

The goal Norton has set for herself is to improve her pace and time on the
50-mile run. She has entered other races including a triathlon, but said
each race has its own challenges, whether it's the weather or the terrain.
"You have to not listen to your mind when it tells you to quit," said
Norton. Even though the race can be tough she finds it rewarding and a
stress reliver. "I work in a pharmacy, which can be stressful, and find
running helps me to unwind," said Norton.

Haney's Story - "I laugh when I hear people say, 'I would only run if
something was chasing me,'" said Haney. "Running gives me a feeling of
accomplishment, especially when I improve my running time. I also find that
I eat better to keep up my strength so I can run." Haney also improved her
time at the last race by an hour.

Haney said some people might be surprised by her training method. "I never
run a 50 miles before the race," said Haney. "We run about 30 miles prior to
the race and as it draws closer we actually decrease our miles and rest
right before the run to prepare our bodies for the event."

All four ladies said a pair of tennis shoes lasts them about 400 miles.
While they all agree that a good pair of running shoes is key, they all
select a brand that they find fits their personal needs.

Riggs, who got the group together to run also did her best time ever on the
run. "People say, 'If everyone else jumped off a cliff, would you?' and I
say, 'If there was a medal involved, 'I might,'" said Riggs. "Running is my
happy place."