Marathon Running April 21st and November 5th of 2017 are two important days for a couple local (current and past) residents, Jackie Freeman and Melissa McKinnon. Jackie Freeman, who currently resides in Bloomfield, NE, will run the Boston Marathon on April 21st. Melissa McKinnon, who graduated from Bon Homme High in 1995 and now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, will run the New York City Marathon on November 5th. Though the pair are both competing in a marathon next year, their stories and marathons vary greatly. Jackie Freeman who lives in Bloomfield with her husband and two children is running in the Boston Marathon for the first time in April. Nineteen months ago, after running her fifth half marathon, Jackie was looking for more of a challenge. Jackie and a friend decided to run the Sioux Falls Marathon together as their first marathon. The goal was just to finish the marathon but it led Jackie to becoming hooked on running longer distances. As she kept training she started to look forward to her longer runs and found that her pace was becoming a little faster. This is when the thought to try qualifying for the Boston Marathon took root. Qualifying for the Boston Marathon was the next goal for Jackie. Qualifying times are based on age and gender but you must also run on a certified course. Jackie had just turned 35 in 2016 which put her in the next Jackie Freeman. Courtesy of Good Life Halfsy. Melissa McKinnon. Courtesy of Big Revel Cotton Wood. Chase away the winter chill... Warm up and feel renewed with a relaxing soak in a hot tub from Leisure World LEISURE WORLD, INC. Spas • Swimming Pools • Saunas www.leisureworldsd.com 10vHERVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 1900 Broadway Ave., Yankton, SD 605-665-1240 2500 S. 13th St., Norfolk, NE 402-371-8425 Get Cozy With Our Best Winter Accessories s, CC Beanie Scarves & Gloves For ! ids Adults & K Rita’s Yankton Mall 260-8362 Purse–o–Nalities