Strava Marathon (Bellingham, MA)
Finish Time: 3:45
Pace: 8:35
Temp: 63
Conditions: Indoors
Run For: Cam
Recap:
The marathon this weekend was exciting to run because I knew going into it, I was going to do this one while watching the US Olympic Marathon Trials, both the men’s and women’s races.
Both races were amazing and as a runner, and a marathoner, I love nothing better than watching the coverage of important races like this, with the drama unfolding right before your eyes.
I have followed the men’s situation leading up to the trails and knew the stakes going in with two spots on the team “unlocked.” Conner Mantz and Clayton Young are the two who ended up finishing first and second during the trials which secured them a trip to Paris representing the US in the marathon. Leonard Korir finished third and has a chance to be the other marathoner heading to Paris but things need to happen soon at another race to unlock his spot. All three ran an amazing race and it was such a great event to watch while running myself.
Running and following along with the race is one of the best ways to cruise through some miles on the treadmill feeling pumped up and energized the entire time. Even though he faded some down the stretch, Zach Panning was hammering the pace early in the race not only leading out Mantz and Young, but myself as well. He was setting the tone early and I found myself pushing right there with the excitement.
It’s safe to say that my finish time of today’s marathon I ran would have easily secured a last place finish if I was out there on the trials course in Florida. However, for this marathon I did try to visualize myself out there running in the field. I believe visualization does help and I feel that this mental trick helped get me through some of the early miles with this one.
I was able to watch the women’s race as well and did my best to channel my inner Fiona O’Keeffe, who crushed the previous trials record in what was her very first marathon. I also tried to picture myself picking up the pace late in the marathon just like Dakotah Lindwurm, who was mostly around tenth place the entire race, until it mattered most at the end when she crossed that finish line in third place securing the last spot on the woman’s side.
I was really excited to run today’s marathon knowing I was getting to do it the same weekend as the US Olympic Trials. With that, I also had the honor of running today for Cam, who is one heck of an athlete herself. So, between the trials and Cam this marathon was overflowing with all the inspiration I needed.
Being able to pair this marathon with Cam’s story was also fitting because Cam and her family live in Florida, not that far from where the Trial’s Marathons took place this year in Orlando.
Speaking of Florida, this is where I met Cam and her mom, Dana, a little over a year ago when Dana ran her very first half marathon with Team Challenge in Clearwater. It’s always sad to hear about people who have recently been diagnosed with IBD and it’s especially upsetting to hear when it’s a child.
Dana’s own words:
Crohn’s has personally affected our family with the diagnosis of my daughter in July 2022, when she was 13 years old. With the help of our amazing doctors and medical team (plus some kick ass biologics), Cam has been able to get her Crohn’s under control and in remission. We are so proud of how she has taken control of her health, learned to give herself her own injections, asks questions, and stays active. It’s still a battle to keep it under control and hopefully there will be better treatment options and a cure in the near future!!
Cam is doing great right now and she is thriving as an athlete, more specifically at school where she is on the varsity wrestling team. She is winning matches and placing at events and she is only a freshman. Crohn’s is no match for someone like her and she is putting IBD into submission on and off the wrestling mat.
Dana ran for Cam last year and it was amazing to see her accomplish something so meaningful for her daughter. Cam and the rest of her family were there to cheer on their mom which made the weekend even more special for everyone. They were easily the best cheerleaders out there on the course that day.
Dana’s words post half marathon last year:
What an incredible day!! My first half-marathon in the books! It was a gorgeous day to run in Clearwater. Congratulations to all the athletes out there today!!!
I could not have done this without so much support from my family, friends, bootcamp babes, and of course my Team! Team Challenge is doing incredible things to raise money to support people with Crohn’s and Colitis, to find a CURE!
We met so many people with stories similar to ours, to Cam’s. It was so awesome to meet everyone in person and not feel alone in this. I could not have finished without the support of my teammates, Coaches Marc and Ken, and our fearless leader Amanda!
Thank you all!
Also, huge shoutout to my personal cheer squad, who dragged their butts out of bed at 4am to cheer me on and push me further!! I love you guys so much!
Thank you, Dana, for being a part of the Team Challenge family. You not only helped your daughter but the countless others who suffer from IBD. Cam, thank you for allowing me to run for you and share your story. I’m so glad to see how well you are doing and it’s fun to follow your athletic journey, cheering you on from afar and being in your corner. Crohn’s Disease is no match for you! This 26.2 was for you.
26.2 FOR YOU 