Sabrina started Women in Motion for two reasons.  First, she wanted to encourage other women to become involved in the sport that she enjoyed.  Second, she wanted to train with other women.

Sabrina was a strong woman.  She truly believed that other women could tap into their potential by discovering strength through running.  She recruited others who ran, used to run, or never had run.  Mothers were especially important runners.  Sabrina often trained with our daughter, Hannah Caitlin, by pushing Hannah in the jogging stroller.  Many local people recognized my wife as the smiling lady who was always running and pushing the jogging stroller.  Sabrina would state, “I am teaching my daughter how powerful women can be and that anything is possible if you want it and put forth the hard work to get it.”  I was always proud of her especially when she said this.

Running gave my wife balance to her life.  It kept her physically fit, gave her self-discipline, and provided goals.  This was the life style she wanted to introduce to others.   She was a natural coach.  She was sincerely interested in others' progress and took great joy when others improved and achieved their goals.  Again, she was interested in women of all abilities.  She taught that running was an individual sport and that success was measured by your own progress towards your own goals. Winning is accomplished by having the courage to start and the perseverance to continue.

Having other women to train with was her second goal.  She found great friends by spending hours and miles running together.  As a runner, I am aware of the bonds which are formed through sharing the sweat, the pain, and the joy associated with running.  I believe that the greatest testament to this bond is this website and the women who are continuing this dream without my wife’s daily presence.

Who was Sabrina Willis?  She was so many wonderful gifts – a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a friend, a Christian, a runner, a coach, a designer, a dreamer.  I read recently a question that asked “What did you do with the gifts and talents that God granted you?”  I can try and answer for Sabrina.  She used all of her gifts and all of her talents.  Everyone who came into contact with her knew that she had a great capacity to love beyond herself.  She was a rare person who tried to see the good in every situation and in every person.  She was quick to include others and slow to judge or label. I always admired how she could come up with the right gift or the right words of encouragement.  She was always planning, always dreaming, and always doing. This is another point to her character – she acted upon her dreams.

As a runner, Sabrina was not naturally gifted.  She earned her results through hard work.  She won many races and won many prizes.  Perhaps I can explain her thoughts on winning races by letting everyone know that all of her plaques, trophies, and medals are in boxes. She never displayed any of her personal accomplishments. It wasn’t important to her and it wasn’t why she ran and raced. 

My wife was a beautiful person.  She had a positive outlook and a positive spirit.  She made me a better person.  I loved her and she loved me.  We loved our daughter. Hannah and I miss her so very much. 

The 2002 Women in Motion "Dream Team" at the Virginia 10-Miler
They won first place female team.
Sabrina, Kelly, Hollie and Kindra


Sabrina finishing the 10-miler as first place female, age 30-34