As a high school runner, I didn't know of the prestige and history of the Boston Marathon. I remember buying a Boston Marathon racing kit at the Adidas outlet not knowing the struggle it takes to qualify to even get to the start line. Since then, I've read and heard numerous stories of runners just barely making the cut, traveling around the country to find another marathon to try again when 1,2, or 3 attempts to qualify have failed.
Running a marathon hasn't really been on my radar throughout my running/endurance career. In the last couple of years of training, I have started to see why others do it. The hard work you have to put in, the sacrifice to friends and family, and the healthy choices you need to make so you are healthy at the start line is a lot. I've been trying to make all that part of my life since COVID, slowly getting my endurance back, eating better, and challenging myself to harder and harder events.
When KPF called and said there was a spot for Boston, I knew I was in, and I knew all the training and sacrifice would be ahead. This will be my first marathon!!!
My starting line challenge is not about running 3:20, it's raising $10K for The Kyle Pease Foundation. This organization brings the glory of making it to the starting line a reality for chaired athletes and their families so everyone can be included in sport. Please help me reach my goal so their mission can continue throughout the year and beyond.
