Abigail Owens Overcomes Weight of Health Struggles to Cross Finish Line

More than a decade ago, Abigail Owens would have never dreamed she’d be running, let alone entering – and finishing – several distance events. She says, “Honestly, if you looked at me in 2018 and said, ‘I bet you a million dollars you’re going to be running 5Ks and providing personal training for some amazing people,’ I’d have taken that bet.  

“I hated P.E. when I was growing up and was terrible at it. I never ran and was always the last one picked for every team. I never played sports because I was just no good at it.”  

Her back story is filled with personal health difficulties that led to an about face that was challenging, and she says, “I’ve always struggled with my weight to a greater or lesser degree. Sedentary desk jobs and not doing any real physical workouts did not help my situation.  

“After the birth of my second boy, I became a stay-at-home mom and my binge eating and weight gain compounded horribly. I have great respect for women who are stay-at-home moms. I know some and they’re amazing. But for me, it was not good. I love my boys, but I felt like I had no identity of my own.”  

Things got worse before they got better, and Abigail says, “By 2017, my youngest son, Thomas, was diagnosed as autistic. I knew he was going to be home with me as long as possible, so I began a dieting cycle that caused some weight loss, but I was mostly feeling defeated.  

“I hated everything about the way I looked. I never felt good and hated wearing my C-Pap machine but believed that was just how it would be. In December (2018), I had an acquaintance of mine go through a sugar detox for a month and I wondered if I could do it, too.”  

Abigail came up with a plan. “On Jan. 1, 2019, I began logging what I ate and seeing if could make it a month (without sugar). I had to bake special treats if I wanted to have any sweets and limit how much bread and carbs I consumed.  

“I have no illusions about the fact that I’m a sugar/carb addict. Most people think that sounds like ridiculousness and I used to think so as well, but every day I crave it and every day I fight to say no.”  

The fight is a little less difficult with plenty of encouragement from those around her.

“Thankfully, I have an amazing husband, a good friend (AJ VanCamp) that cheers and supports me, and Dr Bradford Gardner, who listens and guides me, as well as a God that helps keep me strong and fighting.  

“Because of them, one month turned into two months of walking around the house and then going outdoors. As the months went by, I added yoga, aerobics and weightlifting, and eventually running.”  

Moving around more helped tremendously, and Abigail says, “It made a huge difference. Little by little, I was getting more energy, feeling more confident and feeling better about who I was in the mirror.  

“I worry less about the future. As my weight was going down and I felt a little stronger and more capable, I added different things to my workout, like more aerobics and longer distances walking with less pauses, as well as more weightlifting.”  

While things were looking up, running a distance event still seemed out of the question. Abigail says, “My brother and his family were visiting (for Thanksgiving) in 2019 and they were joining my sister for the Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk in Springfield, Missouri.  

“My sister suggested I join them, too. I believe my thoughts were, ‘There is no possible way I can run that. Walk it, yes, but if Belinda stays with me, then I’ll be holding her back.’”  

Abigail decided to give it a go and says, “My sister insisted and my oldest boy, who has been running since his feet first touched the ground, really wanted to do it. I also knew this would probably be the only time our three families would be together to do this.”  

It wasn’t easy. “At the time, three miles seemed daunting since I’d not ever attempted that distance before. I had only just started to incorporate a bit of jogging on my walks, so I had very little endurance. I probably used my rescue inhaler a dozen times.  

“My body was getting tired fast, and more than once, I swore the finish line was non-existent. Thankfully, my sister kept pushing me and we made a game out of it while making sure we passed anyone in costumes. I’m sure plenty of them beat us, but it gave me something silly to focus on while I was running.”  

Abigail has been running ever since, and she says, “I walk and jog weekly. I live in a neighborhood that is a loop, so I use it to run laps. There used to be a running club in Aurora that I participated in as well, but it died out over time.  

“My husband got me a special needs jogging stroller so, if need be, my autistic son could join me in a race. At this point, I regularly participate in four events and I’m proud that I organize and host two 5K events (The Never Lose Heart 5K in June and the Turkey Waddle in November) for the Monett, MO Area YMCA.”  

Abigail has incentive for staying the course and says, “I need to stay healthy and be here to support my Thomas as long as I can. He and my oldest son are the most important things in my life.  

“I don’t ever want to feel the way I did before either. While I still fight a bit with my weight, I wake up each day so much happier and healthier.”  

If Abigail can inspire others, that is what gives her the greatest satisfaction. “What makes me most happy is sharing my story and encouraging others. They don’t have to give up because it’s not impossible.  

“I don’t care if you’re the last person to cross the finish line; to me, you won the race because you probably didn’t think you’d ever get there. It sounds cliché but it’s oh, so true.”  

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Abigail Owens Why I Run Fast Facts

Age: 48 years old  

Husband: Justin Owens, married for 22 years  

Children: John and Thomas  

Hometown: Born in California but primarily raised in Springfield, Missouri  

Current Hometown: Aurora, Missouri  

High School Alma Mater/Year Graduated: Springfield Hillcrest High School/1995  

Continuing Education: Achieved personal training certification through the National Association of Sports Medicine/NASM, as well as specialties in yoga, weight loss, indoor cycling, active aging, corrective exercise and nutrition counseling.  

Career: Held many jobs over the years but have been a personal trainer for the longest timeframe while working for herself and with the Monett, MO Area YMCA.    

Hobbies: Writing, working out, teaching kids at church and volunteering at her church.  

Number of Races: 27    

Awards: 2021: Running of the Squirrels 5K/Bronze, Mercy Run to Care/Bronze; 2022: Mercy Run to Care/Gold, Nami Neon Night Run/Silver, Mountaineer Turkey Strut/Bronze; 2023: Mercy Run to Care/Gold; 2024: Never Lose Heart 5K, Fun Run/Gold, Mercy Run to Care/Gold, Nami Neon Night Run/Bronze  

Quotable: As a personal trainer, it’s the personal connections Abigail enjoys. “I love what I do for a living and would do it for free. I get to meet the most amazing people, cheer for them and let them know that someone understands their daily struggles as well as give them a push when they need it.”    

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