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Share thisJanice Ash ’86 (Nursing) – Running As a Spiritual Devotion
Janice Looney Ash ’86 (Nursing) is a Registered Nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital. However, it seems like just yesterday that she was a nursing major at Roberts running Cross-County, Track & Field, and involved in the music program. She was inspired by the TV show Emergency to become a nurse and to help people in need. As a fairly new Christian, she heard about Roberts and it ended up being a great fit.
After graduating from Roberts she moved to Boston where she worked at the Boston Medical Center in the Medicine and Emergency Department. She had the opportunity to volunteer in the medical tent at the Boston Marathon when her brother ran in the event. She spent some time in Pawtucket, Rhode Island working in a medical intensive care unit and cardiac ICU, and then moved back to Rochester to raise a family and be closer to relatives. She currently works in the Ambulatory Cardiology Clinic at Strong, specializing in electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, and the heart transplant program.
Running has been, and continues to be, an important part of Janice’s life. “Running is in my blood. I was born with a competitive spirit. I even compete against myself. Running is my double-edged sword constantly motivating me to improve and frustrating me when I don’t. But it has made me a better person and brings me closer to God. Although I have run for many years, I did not take up marathoning until the age of 44. A former RWC teammate and dear friend Angela McGinnis ‘83 encouraged me. After much advice from my oldest brother Mark (a 2-time winner of the Buffalo Marathon) I began competing at that new distance. I had my own trials with training and learned much from others’ experiences, eventually qualifying and running in the Boston Marathon.”
Running and faith go hand-in-hand for Janice. While at a Christian bookstore, she ran across a running guide, but was disappointed to see that it didn’t connect faith and the discipline of running. “In an instant, a small voice said that I had more to offer. Out of that revelation the idea to write a running book was birthed; not just another marathon guide, but one that addresses mind, body and spirit. I saw a need for a book which shows people how to approach running as a way to draw near to God and to help fulfill one of the greatest yearnings of our hearts: to know Him in a way that brings fulfillment.”
With help from a Roberts classmate, Carl Ogden ‘86, she wrote and published 26.2 – Marathon Training Guide and Daily Inspiration. Part 1 contains the “nuts and bolts” of running a marathon with a choice of 3 different 18-week running plans (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced). Part 2 contains 126 daily segments. Each day contains work out details and a daily theme; including a scripture reference and a devotion, personal story, or running advice. (See comments from Ron Ziegler '86 below.)
Sometimes life comes full circle. Janice’s daughter, Kelly, graduated from Roberts in 2012. Kelly ran Cross-Country for Coach Merl McGinnis, just like Janice. Janice has another daughter, Alyssa, who is currently a senior Nursing major at Roberts.
Janice is married to Steve and they have four adult children. She is active at Joy Community Church in Rochester, NY and is involved in the Gerhardt Neighborhood Outreach Center, ReachOut 5K Annual Race, and the Joy Community Church worship team.
“Janice Ash and unnamed co-author, Carl Ogden, are both fellow classmates and friends from the class of '86. Her book 26.2 is a very practical guide for running a marathon written from a spiritual perspective. It is filled with personal stories of faith, challenge, and victory that will inspire any runner. It will also provide the necessary training information to help an aspiring marathoner get to the finish line. The book is divided into 2 sections, the first being a very comprehensive training guide, which was carefully researched and supported by her many years of running experience. Part 2 contains 18 weeks of training plans for every level (novice to advanced) and a devotional for each day. I was so encouraged and motivated by the daily devotions that applied scripture to my running. It is so evident that Janice believes running enriches our lives and draws us closer to our Savior.” – Ron Ziegler ’86
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