By Joy Hampton
April 26, 2009 — Nicole Mayes Willis is part of a family of runners. One member of the Claremore family, Clay Mayes III, whom Nicole fondly calls Mud, is the most well-known of the brood for setting speed records at local races.
Such is Mud’s reputation that one cannot mention a local race without somebody asking, “Did that Mayes boy win?”
And usually, if Mud was entered, the answer is yes.
Currently, Mud has taken his talents to Oklahoma State University.
While Nicole and the rest of her family may not be setting quite as many records, the family is know for their speed and dedication to the sport.
Dad Clay Jr. also cycles regularly with the Tuesday night Bike About group. Mom Nancy often sets the pace in her age group at local 5K races. She finished six minutes ahead of the next in her age group at the recent Will Rogers Memorial 5K.
Younger brother Cody recently came in first in his age group at the Spring Fever Triathlon held at the Claremore Expo. A senior in high school, Cody participates in track and soccer at Sequoyah and recently signed with Neosho College on a full ride soccer scholarship.
Both Nicole and Shannon’s husbands also run.
“There are six of us,” said Nicole of her running family. “Eight if you include the son-in-laws. All eight run.”
Nicole said Mud was the first to turn to running.
“It all started with my brother Mud. Well, his name’s Clay but we call him Mud,” said Nicole. “He started running 5Ks.”
Nicole, the oldest of Nancy and Clay Jr.’s children, said she was the last to take up the sport. Nicole, Mud, and Shannon are graduates of Sequoyah High School.
“Mud found his sports niche,” said Nicole. “He’s probably the most passionate person I know about running.”
Mud’s love for the sport spread through the family and Saturdays became about running 5Ks.
“I ran track in high school but nothing like I do now,” said Nicole of her level of mileage. Back then, she ran because she could go to track meets and get out of school. Now a medical student, she runs for a whole new set of reasons.
“It’s a good stress reliever,” said Nicole. “It clears your mind.”
Four members of the family recently returned from the Walt Disney Marathon.
“We all did it together,” said Nicole. “It’s the most organized race I’ve ever been to.”
Nicole signed her mother up, and Nancy was mad at first.
“She did so well, now she wants to do more,” said Nicole of her mother’s first marathon.
Now, the Mayes family is using their passion for running to support Nicole in another passion. A medical student who hopes to be a pediatrician in the future, Nicole was moved by the plight of children suffering from cystic fibrosis. When young Haley Palmer of Owasso lost her life to the disease last year, Nicole knew she had to do something.
That something was to organize the first annual Run to Breathe 5K to benefit the local Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Proceeds will support CF research and care programs.
Why would a busy medical student take time out to organize a 5K?
“One kid every day dies from CF,” said Nicole. “These are amazing kids. They change your life.”
Husband Andrew and the Mayes family are fully behind Nicole and all plan to participate in the race.
“They know how passionate I am about the cause,” she said. “They’ve been very supportive.”
Nicole learned through her participation that races are a great way to raise money and awareness.
“There aren’t any runs to benefit CF,” she said.
CF is an “orphan disease” receiving no federal funding to support the search for a cure. The 30,000 children who suffer from the disease are not enough to get federal funding, said Nicole.
Currently, Nicole has a 24-year-old friend who has endured two double lung transplants just to stay alive.
Nicole expects to graduate medical school in May. She said running has gotten her through the ordeal and allowed her to have the time and energy to plan the race.
“My first year (of med school) I was stressed,” she said. “When I realized I needed to exercise and run, my grades went up.”
She said running helps her keep balance in her life.
“It’s my time alone,” she said. “I always feel better after I run.”
She advises patience for beginners.
“Start with short distances and don’t give up,” said Nicole.
For Nicole, family support and involvement have been key.
“My goal was to beat my mom. She’s good!” said Nicole, laughing. Both have gotten faster over time. “She is so competitive. I’m proud of her. It’s cool to say my parents ran a marathon.”
Cody agrees family involvement was key.
“The family started running because of Mud,” said Cody. “I just ran a 5K one day.”
“It’s addicting,” said Nicole. “And each time you want to beat your last time. You compete with yourself and you want to do better.”
“It feels good after you get done,” said Cody. “You feel better about yourself.”
The Mayes family plans to keep running as long as their legs and lungs will carry them. On May 2 they hope folks in the area will come run with them in Owasso at the Run to Breathe 5K to support those whose lungs don’t function nearly as well.
“You can feel good that your donation will be well spent,” said Nicole. “Nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised by the CF Foundation is available to invest in CF research, care and education programs.”
“I couldn’t direct this race without the help of my husband,” said Nicole. “My dad’s company, CPCO, is the premier sponsor of the race and has graciously helped with the startup costs that it takes for a new race to be successful. My ultimate goal is to make a difference. If I can do that for one kiddo who has cystic fibrosis then I will consider my race a success.”
