by

John Kozlowicz

On Saturday August 12, 2000 the Ho-Chunk youth marathon runners, "Runners Against Drunk Driving", and their coaches participated in the annual Jackson County "Great Walk for Life" raising funds for The American Cancer Society.

For two participants, Ben and Lani Blackdeer, the event had a special meaning. Lani, diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1978 is enjoying total recovery, while Ben is recovering from non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Ben and Lani assist coach Irwin Begay coaching the marathon team named in honor of their daughter, Louella, a former member of the team, killed by a drunk driver last May. Lani explained the couple’s involvement with the team enables them to focus on working toward reducing the number of alcohol related fatalities and "keeps Louella in our minds".

The team, which started off-season training in March, has grown to 15 runners, age 14-18. The runners have been participating in events throughout the year, displaying a purple and gold banner bearing Louella’s name. Lani stated that team members begin serious training in early September, preparing for a return trip to Hawaii in December, running in the 28th Annual Honolulu Marathon. Scheduled to run in Paris next April, the group decided to revisit Hawaii in memory of Louella, a participant on last year’s team, the only Native American team entered in the event.

Lani stated the youth marathon program stresses parent involvement. A parent is expected to transport and accompany each runner for the weekly Saturday morning training sessions at Fort McCoy. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., the team trains using a "ladder technique", increasing the original six -mile workout by two miles a week, before decreasing the distance upon reaching the twenty -mile maximum

While Lani often walks or runs along, Ben is busy marking the course, providing water and while riding a vehicle, tracking the runners. Unlike track, where running is done on an oval in view of all, marathon runners move in open spaces, travelling a great distance from the starting line. Ben follows the runners, helping those injured and encouraging those on the course to keep going.

Lani believes that "running changing people, it changes their outlook", making them responsible for diet and workout choices. Stating that she "wants to make a difference", Lani remembers the pride Louella and others had when they achieved their weekly goals. She added that those who "cheat on their diet or running schedule" are easily detected during the Saturday sessions and are encouraged by others to get back on track. Her reward is seeing the youth working together toward a common goal.

The program stresses "safety first" with all runners required to meet a certain standard before participating in Hawaii While all faithful members of the team will be allowed to make the trip, Lani noted that the 26 mile run does require a skill and endurance level not yet reached by all runners. She added that those not running "are still important members of our program" cheering on their teammates.

Last year the team spent five days in Hawaii. While the marathon was the focus of the trip, the runners and chaperones visited Pearl Harbor, a Pineapple factory and spent one day relaxing on the beach.