THE TAKEAWAY

Ann Kahl

Remembering a True Inspiration

We dedicate this Takeaway to the memory of Ann Kahl who passed away in January at the age of 92. Ann touched our hearts from the first time we met. She was difficult not to notice, darting by at 5K runs across central Florida with a sign on her back that said, “You’ve just been passed by a 90-year-old!” What an attitude and what an inspiration!

Ann truly was an ordinary person who lived an extraordinary life. It started when she turned 50 when the death of her father, sister and husband shocked her into taking responsibility for her health. She started running — well, walking mostly, but she stayed with it. She entered her first 5K run and felt so much support and encouragement she vowed to participate as often as she could. Fitness transformed her physically, mentally and socially.

With each year that went by she felt more empowered, energetic and determined to inspire others. “You cannot sit in a chair and expect to be healthy,” she said. “I don’t take any medications, not any, because the only medicine I need is on my feet — my running shoes.”

She felt that if she could continue to run, even into her 90s, any of us could. “Do some kind of exercise every day,” she implored. “I find it brings me happiness, health and strength, and it will do that for you, too.”

When the end came for Ann, she did not suffer. She died at home with family and friends by her bedside, just the way she had hoped. She was an inspiration even in death, and by sharing her story we hope she continues to inspire for years to come. She would like that.

“I have had the most wonderful life, full of challenges, but a fantastic life,” she told us just last year. “And I'm probably the happiest I've ever been because I have my freedom, my independence, and my health. What more could you ask?”