Strava Marathon (Bellingham, MA)
Finish Time: 4:07
Pace: 9:27
Temp: 15 degrees
Conditions: Very Cold and Windy
Run For: Michael
Recap:
Yes, it was cold, yes it was windy, yes I still ran 26.2 miles outside on Thanksgiving all for Michael. This morning I check the outside temperature and it said 12. After seeing that I put on, what felt like every piece of running clothing I owned and made my way out the door ready to run for hours outside. It was so cold and it was windy, it chilled me to my core, but I knew I couldn’t run 26 miles on the treadmill. There was no way, so running outside it was. I tried to avoid the wind as much as I could, but it seemed to be a head wind no matter which direction I turned. This was a Strava marathon which meant I could run any way or anywhere I wanted from the house so I choose shorter 5 mile segments. I could keep my Tailwind inside (so it wouldn’t freeze) and also change gloves because yes, my hands ended up sweating so a dry pair every 5 miles was fantastic.
The first 5 mile segment was cold, but after about two miles I started to adjust and it wasn’t the worst feeling in the world. As the day went on the winds picked up and I seriously thought the temperature was dropping. I was shocked to see the thermometer read 18 when I finished, it really felt colder the longer I was out there. Wind chill is a real thing, my face wanted to fall off! Sharon even braved the cold to run the last 5.2 miles with me as she was getting in her Team Challenge Turkey Trot miles. It was great to have the company for the very end and I know she was proud to run for Michael and Leslie too!
Everyone keeps asking me how I feel and how my body is holding up with all the marathons. I still honestly feel great and am running the best I’ve ever run, even with all the miles. My legs feel really good and nothing hurts or is sore, other than from general fatigue post run. The hardest part today was mentally preparing myself to just step outside and start. Running 26.2 mile in such cold temperatures was not something I really wanted to do, believe me. This was the only day I could really fit in the run so I was doing it, no matter what. Michael and all those who fight against these diseases don’t have a say when they don’t feel well so I am going to quit until we change that.
Today’s marathon was for Michael, who is Leslie’s son. I signed up to run the virtual Team Challenge Turkey Trot and I know how special this was to Leslie a few years ago. I wanted to run for them today because in 2015 Leslie and Michael signed up and ran this virtual race together. Leslie has completed 11 half marathons, all with Team Challenge while raising money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. She runs for her son because he doesn’t remember a life without Crohn’s Disease. Leslie’s dedication and passion to help find a cure is unmatched and something I greatly admire with her. Leslie is also one of my favorite people in the whole wide world! I don’t know anyone else like her and on a holiday like today I’m so thankful to have her in my life. When I say I’m running 26.2 for Michael, I’m running for him with Leslie! She will never stop fighting for him and seeing that makes me want to fight alongside her every single day. The phrase TC family is such a strong and powerful phrase and Leslie is a huge part of MY Team Challenge family! Running for Michael and knowing I have Leslie supporting all I do means the absolute world to me. Leslie will tell you that Michael is here source of inspiration and I can tell you that both of them are what drive me to keep going. I will not stop running until we get that cure and Michael will finally know what life is like without Crohn’s disease.
It’s going to take more than a little cold weather and some wind to stop me. Marathon #24 is done and Thanksgiving dinner never tasted so good! This 26.2 was for you Michael and with you Leslie! 26.2 For You!
I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve been getting from day one of this challenge. I’m also so thankful for the 24 IBD hero’s that have allowed me to run for them, sharing their stories! I’m beyond thankful for my TC Family and hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! 26.2 For You, Thanksgiving version!
26.2 FOR YOU 