Biography
I was born asking why … which did not go over well in my strict traditional Mennonite family (almost Amish) where following the many rules (especially for a girl) was expected.
So I found a cute, progressive Mennonite boy and married him. Together we left the culture we grew up in and explored life outside the boxes of our childhoods. Making changes was freeing, but also conflicting at times. Buying a TV, jeans, jewelry and getting my hair cut were all new experiences for me.
In my mid 20s, I had three children and I soon realized I needed something to help me stay balanced. Running became the thing. Over the next decade I ran about a dozen half-marathons and one full marathon.
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Life was good until the day my world changed…
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I use my personal story of overcoming challenging odds as a catalyst to encourage others to do what they can, with what they have no matter what obstacles they face.
My story inspires audiences with…
- Courage to face obstacles
- Boldness to challenge the status quo
- Endurance to continue one step at a time
In a world filled with obstacles, personal stories of triumph are welcome and often inspiring. Mine is one that’s connecting well with audiences and I’d be honored to share it with your audience.
If you’re interested in having me speak at your event, please contact me via email - JanetOberholtzer@gmail.com or phone 484-798-7824
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Comments from others:
From a former COLLEGE PRESIDENT: ”It’s a tribute to the power of her story that when I opened Because I Can, I couldn’t put it down. I read it all the way through and then wanted to know more.”
From a BOOK CLUB PRESIDENT: “Janet’s book is amazing, but there is nothing more impressive than meeting her and hearing her speak in person.”
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Some of the media my story has received:
TV Interviews
WGAL: Janet Oberholtzer Writes Book about Experience
WGAL: Woman Nearly Killed In Crash To Run Marathon
WFMZ: Woman turns tragedy into inspiration
National Magazines
Runner’s World - July, 2012
Woman’s World - Sept 12, 2011
Fitness - October, 2011
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Interviews
On Y102 Rock Hits... with Jackie and Scott about the YES I CAN 5k.
On BlissTree: From Near-Death To Running Marathons, Because I Can
On GalTime: From Accident Victim to Marathoner: Janet Oberholtzer
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Radio
Growing Bolder: Woman Nearly Loses Leg But Not Passion for Life
Podcast
The Lancast: Running with Janet Oberholtzer: Because She Can
Walk.Blog. Run: Runner Survives Near-Fatal Car Crash
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Popular blog posts of mine
Running
…..~ I Could Run Forever
…. ~ Running Mantra—Run the Mile you are In
…. ~ Monday Myths — Does Running Hurt Your Knees?
…..~ Bob Potts Marathon Recap!
Thinking about…
…..~ Stopping the Flow of Sand—or Not
…..~ How Not to be a Jerk When Someone’s Life Changes
…..~ How Does a Religion Begin?
Hard to believe, but true!
….~ A Bug in my Ear—Literally, not Figuratively!
….~ This Little Mennonite Girl in Woman’s World?
