Strava Marathon (Brockton, MA)
Finish Time: 4:13
Pace: 9:41
Temp: 56 degrees
Conditions: Cool and Dry
Run For: Megan
Recap:
I need to point out a few things about this particular marathon that made it a little different from the others that I’ve run to this point. This whole idea to run a combination of organized marathons as well as some marathons on my own, using the Strava app, gave me the option to run a marathon anywhere and everywhere. This marathon was extra special because of a couple of reasons, besides running it for Megan, which I will talk about shortly. I decided to pair the beginning part of this marathon with the Group Training for our New England team. They are training to run and walk the Key West half marathon in Janurary while doing their own fundraising for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Running with them is always fun and I draw so much inspiration and motivation from each of them. I was able to run some of the early miles of this marathon with them, talking about all things running as well as hearing about their struggles/battles with IBD.
With this being a Strava marathon I was able to just choose where I wanted to run letting the app just track my progress, just stopping once I hit 26.2 miles. For this marathon I decided to run it entirely in D.W. Field Park in Brockton, my hometown, where I grew up and where I first started running. This park has a paved road that circles around a few man-made lakes and was created in 1925, almost 100 years ago. 19 years ago D.W. Field Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it is really is a perfect place to go for a run. Since I started running, I have done more loops the ponds in this park than I can count. I know these roads and this terrain like the back of my hand and could probably run this course blindfolded. I can honestly say I never get tired of running here and no matter how many times I run in the park it just feels like home. Of all the times I’ve run here I’ve never done a full 26.2 miles entirely in the park itself. Knowing yesterday that I was going to run this marathon and do it all within the park made this one a special run for me. I’m surprised it took until marathon #33 for me to do this one, but I’m beyond happy to be able to have done one here at a place where I’ve run so many times.
Not only did I get to run in this beautiful park, but I got to do it in mid-October. There is nothing I like better than fall running in New England. The temperature is usually perfect for running and the leaves turning color everywhere just makes the scenery so pretty. Yesterday didn’t disappoint as the air was crisp, the breeze was calm and the colors were amazing. Running in a place that has so much meaning to my running, with some TC people doing some amazing things on a beautiful fall day and running in honor of my friend Megan, made this marathon memorable for a lot of reasons.
Running and sharing stories of those who have Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis is important to me and being able to share the stories of friends like Megan mean a lot. For those who know Megan you know what she means to the IBD community and the voice she has when it comes to raising awareness for these diseases. Megan with share her experiences and thoughts about what she has gone through and the feelings she has about anything IBD related.
When I asked Megan to share her story I wanted to share an article that was posted from her about the struggles of being in remission but also feeling guilty about it. Having heard so many stories over the years, I knew what Megan addressed was something that needed to be shared. So many who fight these diseases can relate to this feelings and Megan has a great way of writing about and articulating this topic.
Megan has run marathons, half marathons and a number of other race distances but she also cycles. I was fortunate enough to ride with her when she joined the Team Challenge cycle team last year in Palm Desert where she rode 100 miles while raising money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. I was able to see firsthand, her toughness and determination on the bike, as well as her compassion and leadership with the teammates riding with her. She emphasized that day that we are a team, in this fight together, until we get cures. She showed that when we feel alone and are starting to hurt, we have a teammate, a friend right there to help pick us up and keep us moving forward.
Megan has been involved with the TC family and IBD community for many years and she really is an asset to those that know her. Thank you Megan for all that you do and for the support and positive attitude you bring to this group of amazing people. The one thing that shines through from all those who have IBD is their overall positive outlook. I see this time and time again from all those I meet and Megan is no different. Out of all the struggles and uncertainty that Megan as faced throughout the years with her UC she recently told me “I have a good life.”
Megan, you are a hero and are so inspiring to so many besides me. It was my honor to share your story and to run a marathon for you. Marathon #33 was special and it is done. We are 26.2 miles closer to a cure thanks to Megan and to all of you.
This story was a made combining two online articles by Megan so to read more about her and to see these articles in their original form please visit:
Article 1 – Click Here
Article 2 – Click Here
This 26.2 was for you Megan! 26.2 For You!
26.2 FOR YOU 