After not being able to play lacrosse for over 14 months due to injury, now former women’s lacrosse goalie Jennifer Schulze finally got her first chance to really compete in something.  This competition had nothing to do with lacrosse—it was all about walking.

While in Sneem, Ireland, Schulze participated in the JFK 50 Mile Challenge on Sat., May 26. She completed the walk in less than 18 hours with absolutely no training at all, while others in the walk had trained for months.

Schulze has been unable to play lacrosse for the Robert Morris women’s team since she sustained a concussion over a year ago.  She was only back for a week when on April 11 she sustained her second concussion in less in a month. 

She was medically disqualified in January 2012 and wasn’t medically cleared by her doctor until April 13.  Before leaving for Ireland, she was able to work out just five times and her last workout came last week when she ran by herself.

“I actually didn’t even find out about the walk until we were in the Pittsburgh airport on Tuesday,” said Schulze during the walk.  “At first I thought it had something to do with walking around the JFK airport.”

Schulze is in Sneem, Ireland completing her last three credits of her undergraduate degree on the photography study abroad program with Professor Christine Holtz.  She never expected to find herself in the position to participate in the walk.

“I said I wanted to try everything at least once, so I knew I wanted to make it as far as I could,” said Schulze.

Although it proved to be quite a challenge, she said that she would do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

 “I would without a doubt do this again.  It was such an amazing experience and I made such awesome friends along this journey,” said Schulze.  “Even if I knew how taxing it was going to be, I would do it all over again, because everything I’ve just endured was definitely worth it.”

Although the event has only taken place in Sneem for two years, Schulze became the first American to finish all 50 miles of the event.  Overall, 162 people walked in this year’s event and 118 people, including Schulze, finished.

- written by Brooke Smith, special to RMUColonials.com

(Photo Credit: Christine Holtz)