Sherry Arnold ~ Mother Runner Lost

This is a post that was very difficult to write, but I am writing it in the hopes that it will help other mother runners. Some of you may have seen the news story that unfolded last week and over the weekend about Sherry Arnold, a 43 year old teacher who disappeared during an early morning run.

Sherry Arnold was a beloved math teacher and mother runner of 5 who lived in the small town of Sidney, Montana. Arnold left for a pre-dawn jog on January 7 and never returned home. Her husband called the authorities when she failed to arrive back at the house.

There has been an extensive investigation into the suspected kidnapping/murder and two suspects are currently in custody. Authorities have not released many details, so as not to jeopardize the prosecution’s case against the two suspects. They are simply trying to locate Sherry’s body so that she can be returned home to her family.

My heart breaks for her husband, children, family, and community. I cannot even imagine what it would feel like to be in their situation. As mother runners, I think what we can do to honor Sherry’s memory is to continue to run and do so in the safest manner we can.

Please make sure you:

• Always carry or wear identification when you run or workout.
• If possible, avoid exercising alone in the dark early morning hours or in the evening.
• Make sure you always tell someone your running route and when you expect to return.
• Above all else, if a situation doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and get out of the situation as soon as possible.