Jones a true inspiration

I read with huge interest the May 5 story you wrote about a longtime friend of mine, Kim Jones. Very, very good article. Twenty-five years ago, Kim was my running coach and under her mentoring I ran about 20 marathons as a large man. It was a great thrill reading your article and remembering that not only is she a great runner, but also a great person.

She was Spokane’s “hometown” girl in our hometown race. I am so happy that you mentioned her book, “A Dandelion Growing Wild.” I had lost touch with Kim many years ago as she moved up in her career and did not know about her recently published book.

Of course, I would find all the details of her racing career of great interest. I knew her during that time. What the book really did was show that when a person is dedicated and persistent, they can move mountains. Kim is not only a hero to us because of her running, but because of all the heartache she endured to reach her goals, things many great athletes did not endure.

I encourage anyone who possibly can to get this book, and read Kim’s story and really read how one woman triumphed against seemingly insurmountable odds. Kim is a very sweet and unassuming person who will move your heart.

Michael R. Etten

Spokane