Strava Marathon (Bellingham, MA)
Finish Time: 3:42
Pace: 8:30
Temp: 64
Conditions: Inside
Run For: Kayla
Recap:
Hey Running – Because of you I have set, and accomplished goals I never thought were possible; goals that appeared crazy and well beyond my reach. You’ve made me feel emotions I didn’t think I had, and you’ve made me push my limits beyond anything I could have imagined. You’ve also brought some amazing people into my life and for that I am forever grateful. I know it can be a love/hate relationship at times, but you have been showing me a lot of love lately and the other day was no different. I have noticed! I appreciate you for everything and I know to take the good days with the bad, but man, those good days, they are really nice. AND I know, I’ve had my share of bad days over the years, there is no need to relive them now, you know, you were there. The tough days definitely make the good days feel that much sweeter. I do appreciate you and never take you for granted. I’m a much wiser runner now and it took a lot of hard lessons coming from you, teaching me what I needed to know, things I had to learn. I’m still learning, you are always teaching, but when you and I are on the same page, oh it feels so good. This marathon felt good, really good and I just want to let you know I’m thankful. So, thank you running, thank you for all of it. Until we do it again – Marc
Running has taught me many lessons over the years, but none more meaningful than the appreciation after a good race/run. Not just any good run, but one that just feels great at that very first step and continues right through to the last one. This marathon was it; it was one of those days. Nothing hurt, nothing felt off, nothing went wrong… It was just smooth, comfortable and felt great the entire time. This doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, I notice and it just makes me love running even more. I’ll admit my mood could have possibly been enhanced due to the ridiculous levels of endorphins that were pumping through my veins. No matter the reason, I just love it and appreciate runs like the one I had.
Running a marathon is crazy and running multiple marathons in a short amount of time is flat out insane, but I’ve been traveling down this road of marathon insanity for a while now so I guess it’s best not to fight it. I have given in and I do realize that this isn’t normal, but I do have an excuse, well maybe more of a reason.
That reason – people like Kayla, friends like her, they are the reason. If I only knew one person battling and suffering from IBD I’d have been done with this challenge sixty-six marathons ago. However, I know way more than one person and one of the ways I feel like I can help is by doing something like this. 26.2 For You is the journey and the reason to keep pushing forward, to keep running, to keep sharing these incredible stories. There are too many people with stories that really do need to be share, here… there… and everywhere.
Speaking of these stories, Kayla’s story is one that almost sounds like it’s been made up and embellished for dramatic effect. It’s not, it’s real, she is real and she has been through more than a lot of people I know. It’s an incredible story and it’s heartbreaking to hear what she has been through. She has had her share of ups and downs, maybe more downs than ups, but there was one sentence she wrote that resonated with me. After describing some horrific stuff she has been through she said “Despite all of this, I will keep on fighting. For my kids. For my team. For people not yet ready to share their story. For a cure.”
I am 100% with you to keep on fighting; I don’t know any other way. I’m in this for you, with you, for those I love and for that cure!
The marathon is a challenge filled with multiple reasons to stop and give up. Your resolve, grit, determination, and positive disposition during all of it inspires me to no end. It is the fighters and warriors like you that keep me going marathon after marathon. Having your name associated with the marathon is one of the strongest pieces of motivation I have. That push it gives me during the race is real. You are in a fight that’s lasted a lot longer than 26.2 miles but you have one heck of a push behind you that I know you feel as well. I am honored to be one of so many that are behind you giving you that extra push when you do need it. Like you said, it’s magic!
This community, these people I’ve met through Team Challenge are some of the strongest, most inspiring friends I have. Running has brought you all into my life and allowed me to go on this 26.2 For You journey with each and every one of you. It’s all part of that magic. Kayla, you are beyond strong and you inspire more than just me. You said “IBD is tough, but so am I.” You are correct, you are one of the toughest I know.
Thank you for being so open and honest in telling your story. Thank you for allowing me to share it here while running a marathon for you. It was the very least I could do. This 26.2 was for you!
26.2 FOR YOU 