Abigail Vanderkooi: Season 2, Episode 29

Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

GVSU runner Abby Vanderkooi is back for another episode of the pod and has a great perspective to share. If you haven’t heard her first interview, I highly encourage you to take a listen, as she details her incredibly inspiring story of recovering from disordered eating.  Abby was a cross country state champion for Muskegon Western Christian High School all four years of high school, with a 5K best of 16:48, and on the track had bests of 10:29 in the 3200, 4:57 in 1600, and placed third in the nation at the 2018 Foot Locker National XC Meet.  However, despite her amazing successes, Abby struggled through some very dark years as she battled an eating disorder and the recurrent injuries that plagued her throughout the majority of her collegiate career.  She firmly believes the most important thing in life isn’t JUST running - it’s being a healthy, balanced person with running as a part of her life.  She is an outspoken advocate for transparency surrounding the stigma of eating disorders and recovery for people struggling with the same issues, particularly through her Instagram account, Running on Ice Cream.  You can take a listen to her story on Season 1, Episode 20.

After working hard at staying mentally and physically healthy, Abby has had her best year yet: she recently wrapped up her collegiate cross country career at the Division 2 National meet in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on November 22, where she placed sixth in 20:25 for the 6K distance, earning All-American honors and leading the Lakers to a D2 team title, edging out Colorado School of Mines by four points. She just opened her indoor track season at the GVSU Holiday Open, where she ran a 16:28 to take fifth, also a PR.  

We will catch up with Abby, hear her perspective on her latest accomplishments, and discuss what goals she has in mind for the future.  She will also remind you to stay consistent and healthy, keep your love for the sport, don’t compare yourself to others, and believe that you are strong and capable, no matter where you are in your sports journey.

IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU CARE ABOUT IS STRUGGLING WITH AN EATING DISORDER, PLEASE REACH OUT AND GET THE HELP YOU NEED.  Talk to a trusted friend, teammate, coach, doctor, or anyone who can point you in the right direction to begin your journey back to physical AND mental health.  You can also find resources through the National Eating Disorders Association website.  https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/.  You deserve to be the best version of yourself you can be, for now and in the future.

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