Running Through Life

Kathlynn Stone has been running since the sixth grade.

Whether competitively or not, she runs to relax, to relieve stress, and for the exercise.  She lives for the moments before a race, when nerves are high.  Stone said her proudest moment came from running during her senior year of high school.  At the regional track meet, she found herself anchoring the 4x200 meter relay.  Following a slow start, the team found itself nearly in last place before her time to run. 

            As the runner of the third leg rounded the final turn, years of training went into effect.  Taking the handoff, Stone went on a tear down the track.  Before crossing the finish line, she made up enough time to cross in second place.  “That was probably the fastest I have ever run,” Stone says.

            Now a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University, Stone has maintained her running habit.  A member of Phi Mu Sorority, she initially became drawn to the organization following a run with an alumnus from her high school, who happened to be a member.  Through the sorority, Stone has become actively involved on the VCU campus, as a role model for those around her.

A broadcast journalism major, she chose VCU as a change of pace and scenery from her hometown of Bluefield, VA.

            Stone continues studying in her major at VCU, and hopes to one day become an anchor.  She admires Anderson Cooper for his work, wanting to have his job sometime in the future.  She wishes to use such influence to raise money to travel the world, making trips to developing countries while making the world aware of the serious issues present in these countries.

            Stone’s drive to succeed comes from the many influential people in her life, who have supported her and pushed her to excel.  Her biggest influence is her grandfather, whom she says has worked hard his entire life in order to give back to his family.  He has constantly been a mentor to her, offering guidance on a day-to-day basis, while pushing her to accomplish everything she sets out for in her life.

            Above all else, she has learned to try and live her life without regrets, as she says, “your past shapes your present and future.”  From her grandfather, she has learned the true meaning of respect, and that to earn it; you must be willing to give it in return.

            If being a broadcaster doesn’t pan out, Stone said she would love to spend the day outside helping to train others, sharing her love of running.  The principles instilled in her by her family have laid a strong foundation for such work, and years of running have provided invaluable experience.