The June 8 Irish Stampede marked the 5th 5K that Dr. Haley Banks competed in the past year. Running is normal to the family practice doctor, but she’s making adjustments to her routine since she is six months pregnant.
“I’ve adjusted how I approach running,” she said. “If I wasn’t pregnant, I ‘d be training for a marathon. God had other plans and of course, I’m excited about this too. There’ll be time later in life to run more marathons.”
Banks place as third place female runner in her age bracket and 22nd overall.
Banks said part of her inspiration in keeping with the Stephenville Running Club is sending a message to herself and her patients.
“I really believe in practicing what I preach and staying active for a variety of reasons- heart health, mental health, and just maintaining overall health,” she added.
“This is mostly to prove to myself that I can,” she said of running in the Irish Stampede. The question of completing it was never in doubt ash she placed 10th out 40 women runners in the Stephenville Moo-ve It 5K at the end of May.
Dr. Banks take a prevention approach as she helps take care of patients from the ‘moment they’re born to end of life care’ so finding a physical activity they enjoy is beneficial.
“Not everybody’s a runner and that’s okay,” she said. “I tell people the best exercise they can do is the one they’ll stick with.”
For her, running is a fun way to stay healthy. “It’s how I clear my mind,” She said.
Dr. Banks practices family medicine at Stephenville Medical and Surgical Clinic.