Almost 14 years ago, weighing an all-time high of 217 pounds, drowning in debt, struggling with depression, having suicidal thoughts and self-medicating with alcohol and tobacco, Kathy McHugh made one choice that would change the course of her life. She called a friend and painfully confessed the truth of her life. The friend encouraged her to leave her ill-fated marriage to a man who was also an alcoholic and as sick as she was. She moved back to her hometown of Indianapolis and began to pick up the pieces of her life day by day.


Within a year, she had discovered the beauty of a sober life, flourishing professionally and personally. She shed 80 pounds from regular workouts and fitness walking. She met an angel, John Threewits who would later become her husband. He would show her the beauty of the fun hangover where you would be wiped out the next morning from simply enjoying life. She began to lead workshops sharing her story and teaching the techniques that had helped her rebuild her life.

A couple of years later, she decided to quit smoking so she took up running because she knew running would give her the reality check she needed to actually see what she was doing to her body. Now, she runs for the sheer delight and especially loves solo long runs early in the mornings where she prays, reflects, takes in the views and gives thanks for this magnificent mystery called life.

Kathy was asked to share her love of running a few years ago when a friend invited her to speak to his running group. This was a perfect marriage because she loves talking as much as running! She now speaks to several groups throughout the city of Indianapolis who are preparing for the Indianapolis Mini-marathon.

She is a first time author who stepped back from the helm of the business she and her husband own after a series of events turned her life upside down and showed her that dreams must be realized now not later. Sharing the journey with her brother who was diagnosed with cancer until he passed away, she told him in a tender moment that she felt called to write a book. He smiled, squeezed her hands and urged her, “Don’t wait!” Caring for her elderly mother who tried to beat her brother to the other side and who has wanted to follow him ever since his passing, she has learned that laughter is the best medicine and tears are equally as essential. Nursing her husband back to health after quintuple bypass surgery, she understood more clearly than ever before that love truly heals all.

Fear no longer rules her life, as she has come to know that all roads lead us back to more of ourselves if we allow hope to lift us above life circumstances and show us all that is possible if we keep the faith.