Marathon 71

Strava Marathon (Bellingham, MA)

Finish Time: 3:52
Pace: 8:53
Temp: 63
Conditions: Indoors 
Run For: Amy

Recap:

26.2 miles done today for Amy. Amy’s spirit will live in within every member of Team Challenge. I ran for Amy today, because she not only ran for herself but for others as well. We all run for someone and I know many will log some miles for Amy. Why? It’s because that’s what we do. We continue to fight and will keep fighting.. for Amy, for those who are also suffering, for those who we have lost. We will keep going continuing on the fight that Amy was just as passionate about.  

From Amy: 

Life is a challenge; it has twists and turns that we have to overcome in some way. Most people can survive the daily struggles of life. With Crohn’s, that challenge is just a bit more difficult with a never-ending battle with my own body. Having an immune system fail and fight your digestive system for no logical reason, is distressing. This is why I run. Not only for a cure for me, but for the other sufferers of these digestive disorders that are challenging and disrupting our lives.

As a coach, I’m fortunate enough to meet so many TC participants each season, during training as well as on the actual race course during event weekend. This is where I met Amy, first in Maine back in 2015 and then seeing her for the last time during the Boston event in 2019.

At the Boston race, I can distinctly recall seeing her out on the course, being able to run with her and chat during the race. Like most runners that day she was struggling because of the warm temps and the humidity. Despite the tough weather conditions, she was toughing it out and remaining pretty positive. Much later, after crossing the finish line with the last TC participant then making my way towards our TC tent I remember Amy was there. She was one of just a couple participants still hanging around despite most having already left. The picture I used with her story is from that day and that moment. She was completely whipped out, sitting around on the floor, still smiling, and soaking in the achievement of what she just accomplished. We talked quite a bit here and oddly enough; I can remember the last words we said to each other that day. She said she was proud of herself for finishing this tough race. I responded by telling her that everyone was proud of her as well. She thanked me for all the help out on the course. I told her she did great, especially in the conditions and that she absolutely crushed it out there. I congratulated her one more time and we hugged before she left, slowly hobbling away.

I’ve thought about these memories quite a bit the last couple days and they do make me smile during this sad time. Amy will be missed but her memories will live on in each of us who were lucky enough to call her a friend.

Today I ran for Amy. I covered 26.2 miles for her and it was an honor to do so. She summed up my finish today perfectly with what she said when she finished that race in Boston back in 2019.  

“So I crossed the line!!!! I had my Team Challenge family with me the whole way!”

Today I also crossed that finish line…for her. I also had my Team Challenge family with me the whole way. I always do!

Thank you Amy! You will be missed. This 26.2 was for you!