This story has been archived from the Sunday, August 21, 2005

Running is therapy after trio of deaths in womans family

Bauermeister directs medical crew one day, runs Marathon next

By GEOFFREY ROPER
THE GAZETTE

Colorado Springs resident Judy Bauermeister has had one tough year. In just a fourmonth span, Bauermeister, the medical director for the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, lost her husband, brother and mother.

Today, Bauermeister — who is also an emergency room nurse at Memorial Hospital — will run in the Pikes Peak Marathon. Participating will help the healing process, she said.

“It has made me realize how important family is,” Bauermeister said. “I refuse to let depression take me over and force me to lose that.”

She has been medical director for the races for the past three years and has run the Marathon for the past six.

“I could have easily decided not to participate in any fashion this time because it’s been such an emotionally and physically draining year,” she said Saturday. “But my mom has been at the finish line for both me and my sister every year. She was such a positive person so I know she would have been disappointed if I didn’t do it.”

Bauermeister also had to contend with the rigors needed in preparing for today’s race.

“I knew if I didn’t participate it may cause me to linger in sad thoughts and I wouldn’t move forward in my life,” she said.

Bauermeister said her strength has come from family, friends and running. She has two children — son Ryan, 25, and daughter Amanda, 21.

Running has been some of the best therapy, and she recommended it to anyone going through a tough time.

“It’s a beautiful solitude that gives you time to be alone with your thoughts and come to an understanding and acceptance of what life brings you,” she said.

Bauermeister usually runs Barr Trail and said it relieves stress, helping her emotionally and physically. Depending on her work schedule, she said she runs 6 to 20 miles in a day.

Moving forward seems to be Bauermeister’s best advice for those struggling with adversity. She said every day brings a new challenge.

“Most importantly,” she said, “we’re all here for each other and thankfully, it’s brought us all much closer together.”

Her sister, Vicki Martin, is running with her today. As far as Bauermeister is concerned, so are her husband, brother and mother.

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Copyright 2005, The Gazette, a division of Freedom Colorado Information. All rights reserved. Used with permission.