I laced up my running shoes and took my first tentative steps into long-distance running in 2017. It was the beginning of a journey that would take me far beyond the physical miles I’d run, teaching me profound lessons about resilience, mental fortitude, and the power of determination.
Back then, my sights were set shorter races, then my focus shifted on to half marathons—a formidable challenge but one I felt was within reach. Little did I know, these initial races were laying the foundation for something much greater. By 2020, I had the ambitious goal of running my first full marathon.
The pandemic had other plans, transforming both the Shamrock and Marine Corps marathons into virtual events. Despite the solitude of those races, they were pivotal. Running alone, with only my thoughts and the sound of my footsteps for company, I discovered an inner strength I hadn’t known existed.
In 2021, I finally experienced the exhilaration of a live marathon at the Richmond Marathon. The energy of the crowd, the camaraderie of fellow runners, and the palpable excitement of race day ignited a new passion in me. There’s something indescribably motivating about sharing the road with thousands of others, each on their own journey yet united by a common goal.
2022 brought another milestone as I returned to the Shamrock Marathon, this time in person. But the true highlight of that year was pacing my daughter in the NYC Marathon. Running alongside her through the streets of New York was more than a race; it was a bonding experience, a celebration of our shared love for running, and a memory I’ll cherish forever. We conquered the course together, proving that the marathon distance is as much about the heart as it is about the legs.
Inspired by my previous experience, I ran the NYC Marathon again in 2023. Each marathon teaches me something new, and this one was no different. I learned that no matter how many times you’ve done it, the marathon never gets easier. But with each race, my confidence grows, and my understanding of my own capabilities deepens.
Now, in 2024, I stand on the cusp of another new adventure: The Chicago Marathon. As I prepare for this race, I reflect on the lessons these six marathons have taught me. The most significant is resilience. Every marathon, from the solitary virtual races to the bustling streets of NYC, has tested my limits. There have been moments of doubt, of pain, of sheer exhaustion. But each time, I’ve pushed through, finding reserves of strength and determination I didn’t know I had.
Marathons have also taught me mental fortitude. The physical training is grueling, but the mental preparation is equally demanding. It’s about convincing yourself that you can keep going when every part of your body is screaming to stop. It’s about setting a goal and sticking to it, no matter the obstacles.
Running has shown me that I can do hard things. It has taught me patience, as progress is often slow and incremental. It has taught me perseverance, as the path to success is rarely straightforward. And it has taught me to appreciate the journey, not just the destination.
As I embark on my seventh marathon, I carry these lessons with me. The distance has become more than a race; it’s a teacher, a guide, a companion. It has shaped who I am, pushing me to be stronger, braver, and more resilient. I look forward to what the Chicago Marathon will teach me and to the new heights I will reach.
To all my fellow runners and those contemplating their own marathon journey, I say this: Embrace the challenge. The marathon is a powerful teacher. It will test you, push you, and ultimately, transform you. You are capable of more than you know. Keep running, keep striving, and remember—you can do hard things.
