OSU employee overcomes challenges to run first half-marathon

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

After two years of emotionally and physically exhausting life challenges, OSU employee Tammie Hunsucker found strength in exercising to regain her motivation for wellness and excitement for life. 

At the age of 51, Hunsucker is training for her first half-marathon (more than 13 miles) and also plans to participate in the Remember the Ten Run 10K (over 6 miles) on April 21. She originally planned to only train for a 10K before deciding to push herself toward a half-marathon. 

Unfortunately, Hunsucker had a rough start before deciding to train for her new goal. She endured a sequence of unexpected events that made it difficult to focus on her wellness and nutrition, which is something she has to watch closely due to Type 1 diabetes. 

Those events seemed to begin unfolding with her father’s passing, about two and a half years ago, which was soon followed by the death of the father of her 26-year old son. 

The day after her own father died, Hunsucker went on a run to release her negative energy and clear her head. She has always loved running, especially as a method to improve her mental health as well as her physical ability. However, in the middle of her training she had to take a break when a 7-year-old neck injury returned.  

“I had to stop running because I could barely get off the couch or even walk,” Hunsucker said. 

After months of physical therapy, she decided to have surgery in August 2016. She quickly recovered and began running again after three short weeks. 

 A month after the surgery and two days after her birthday, Hunsucker’s mother passed away, and a week later her dog of 17 years died.  

“I was in a really bad spot mentally,” Hunsucker said. “I’m a diabetic, and I didn’t want to eat right or get off the couch. I didn’t want to do anything. My whole life was suffering. So, I decided it was time I pick myself up and start all over again.”

Her decision sparked just enough motivation that Hunsucker began looking for options at the Seretean Wellness Center. She discovered Cowboy Challenge, which offered her a path to regain control of her overall health and happiness.  

Cowboy Challenge is a 16-week program that includes three teams of 10 individuals who participate in pre- and post-program health and fitness assessments, group workouts with a personal trainer and nutritional guidance.  

“I’m back to the me I used to be,” Hunsucker said. “This program really brought back the importance of life, taking care of yourself, staying on your feet and getting exercise.”  

Eric Conchola was Hunsucker’s coach throughout the program. In addition to helping the team train, he brought a lot of support and encouragement including motivational emails. Conchola also told her about the A2A Arbuckles to Ardmore Race for Mercy half-marathon, which she plans to run on March 25. 

“I’ve always wanted to run a marathon, and I choose not to do a full one because it is hard for me with diabetes,” Hunsucker said. “For me to be able to say I ran a half-marathon is a goal I’ve always had.” 

Her husband, Scott Hunsucker, has been at her side throughout the training. He helps keep her blood sugars level and offers any support she needs.  

“Having diabetes for 32 years, my doctors were amazed I didn’t have problems or issues with my nerves or anything else,” Hunsucker said. “I didn’t want to start having problems because of my past two years.”  

Cowboy Challenge helped Hunsucker focus on nutrition and develop better eating habits. During the program, the teams keep food journals that a dietician reviews to provide helpful feedback, including replacement options and healthier recipes.

At the end of the program, Hunsucker was pleased with her health screening results. Not only did she lose weight, but her cholesterol and blood sugar levels significantly improved. She was also able to stop taking her joint medication. 

Hunsucker hopes to register for more half-marathons to in the future. She has enjoyed running since the fifth grade and plans to continue as long as she can.  

“Cowboy Challenge lifted me out of my hard times,” Hunsucker said. “It helped me prove to myself that I can do this. I can continue on with life even when challenges are thrown my way. You can come out of anything if you try. I’m living proof of it.” 

Story by Michaela Gleason