Feb 20, 2007

Tempe, AZ (Feb. 20, 2007) — On March 23, SCNM student Dianna Heath will run one of the most challenging races in the world: the Marathon des Sables, a grueling 150-mile trek through the Sahara desert over approximately a week. “It has been my dream to run the Marathon des Sables for many years and I have finally been given the opportunity,” says Dianna.

Now in her 40s, Dianna knows she does not appear to be the typical athlete but her military background as the first woman to become a full-fledged member of a search and rescue crew, commitment to training and Naturopathic education combine to create a determined runner. “I have always been physically active, I am retired U.S. Navy. In my first 14 years in the Navy I was flying helicopters as a search and rescue crewman, so jumping out of helicopters and swimming to rescue survivors of airplane accidents or other catastrophic events was a normal work day.”

She began her training in May of 2006 and has been slowly increasing all aspects to adjust her body to endure the strain of the race. Dianna runs about 75 miles per week, weighed down and often through the mountains, but will soon stop counting miles and just count hours. “As a student at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine I have incorporated natural medicine as part of my preparation. I consult with a Naturopathic physician for my diet/nutrition, mind-body medicine and of course the physical medicine aspect when the need arises.”

More than 200 participants travel from across the globe, with only about 22 of those being from the United States, and Dianna will be the sole representative from Arizona. The Marathon des Sables is dubbed “the toughest race in the world” for good reason. Runners must carry all their necessities with them, save the water and Berber tents provided nightly at checkpoints, and leave nothing behind. Daytime temperatures can range from 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and drop to a bitter 30 degrees at night. The terrain is uneven and rocky in many portions, but approximately 15 to 20 percent of the distance is run through sand dunes. “This is a testament to what a dream and determination can do,” says Dianna.

Dianna hopes to be an inspiration to others to increase their level of fitness at any time, at any age. “I am in my 40s and have a very busy schedule,” says Dianna, “I believe the population has become so concerned with their appearance and when we see models in magazines we strive to look like them. Unfortunately, when it doesn’t happen, we often stop our physical activity or forward motion to health. I want to show how a regular person with the regular problems of everyday life can overcome those perceived obstacles and make them a part of the accomplishment instead.”

But perhaps Dianna’s greatest challenge will be finding the financial support she needs to help her to Africa. With equipment and traveling costs topping $3,000, Dianna seeks sponsorship to fulfill her dream. She is optimistic, though, and believes unwaveringly in her goal. “I would like people to find whatever it is they want to do and do it. Think of your own health and get out there.”   

For interviews with Dianna Heath and donations, please contact Salina Bazurto, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at s.bazurto@scnm.edu or 480.222.9222.

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About Dianna Heath

Dianna Heath is currently a second-year medical student at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. After serving in the Navy as both a search and rescue crewman and running her own medical clinic as an Independent Duty Corpsman, Dianna is now pursuing a second career as a Naturopathic physician. She completed her undergraduate degree at Oklahoma State and once she graduates from SCNM, has hopes of opening an integrative medical clinic.

About Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

Located in Tempe, Ariz., and founded in 1993, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences is an accredited higher learning institution. It offers a four-year medical program that trains students to become primary care physicians. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to self-heal. It draws on a rich history of natural, nontoxic therapies in combination with current medical advances. The scope of practice includes all aspects of family and primary care using integrative modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, manipulation, and pharmacology. For more information, visit www.scnm.edu.