Strava Marathon (Franklin, MA)
Finish Time: 3:40
Pace: 8:25
Temp: 53 degrees
Conditions: Overcast and Some Wind
Run For: Catie
Recap:
What a difference a day makes. Saturday it was 90 degrees and really hot, Sunday was 55 and overcast, perfect for running. It took a few miles for my body and more specifically my legs to warm up for this one, but once I found my comfort zone it actually felt nice and easy. It didn’t rain, but stayed cool with a little wind and it just made running very comfortable the whole time. I finished this marathon feeling really good considering this was number 10 since January and only a week since the last one. My body is definitely getting used to running 26.2 miles and as long as I continue know my limits and not run them too fast, I’ll be cruising into the fall feeling great!
Marathon number 10 was run for Catie. When I first met Catie she was training for The New Orleans Rock N Roll Half Marathon in 2017. Catie had been sick and was not feeling or doing that great. With the race being just 3 weeks away Catie underwent major surgery. It was an obstacle and really put her thoughts of running in doubt, but that didn’t stop her from running the race and even more inspiring crossing that finish line. She went from losing over 30 lbs., 103 degree fevers, being unable to eat, walk or even leave her house, to being an athlete finishing another half marathon. Crohn’s disease is a part of her, but she is 100% correct that this disease doesn’t define her. Knowing what she went through and how hard it was for her to just find the strength to move never mind run 13.1 miles was so inspiring. I couldn’t have been more proud of her that season, and honestly I was just in awe of her. It is this toughness that she has, like many or her TC family that I draw strength from. To see and hear what they have to go through and deal with, yet not let it control them or define them, inspires me more than I can explain. I also wanted to share Catie’s story because of her involvement with Camp Oasis.
Camp Oasis is a co-ed residential summer camp for children with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. This program provides children with a safe and supportive camp community. It is a life changing experience for those that attend camp. Since all of the campers (and many of the adult staff) at Camp Oasis are living with IBD this supportive community allows them to see that they are not alone. They can try all sorts of new sports and activities. It’s a place where they can create friendships with people who truly understand them and what they are going through. Camp Oasis allows them to gain confidence and independence and even more important it allows them to put aside their troubles, and just be a kid! The outstanding medical staff there works to ensure all campers follow the regimen prescribed by their doctors back home and are available 24-hours. Camp Oasis really is a life changing opportunity for those kids living with IBD and Catie is a perfect example of this. Catie met lifelong friends from her time at camp and still goes to camp each year, now as a counselor, like the ones she has and looked up to as a kid.
Catie, you are so incredibly strong and your determination is amazing. I am honored to know you and call you a friend. You inspire me to do all I can for those who suffer and battle against IBD. You control your life and this disease does not define you. Keep doing what you are doing and being a role model for all those who look up to you. Thank you for allowing me to share your incredible story and I can’t wait to run next to you again as we get closer and closer to a cure.
Marathon #10 is complete! This 26.2 was for you Catie! 26.2 For You!
26.2 FOR YOU 