Run a marathon every day for 5 straight days and finish it off on day 6 with a 1/2 marathon? There's no way I can do that. But.. I really have no choice. My decision to do the MS Run the Relay across the U.S. was a direct order from God (or a sign that our phones really are listening)! During the summer of 2025, my brother-in-law and nephew participated in a MS bike ride across the U.S. I told them I would rather run across the country than bike across it. Miraculously, the next time I looked at Facebook, there's a post about the MS Run the US Ultra Relay! Had it been another relay for another charity, I may have kept scrolling; but, my family has been severely impacted by Multiple Sclerosis and the timing to participate in the event is perfect.
I was fortunate to retire at the end of March 2025 at a "young" age. Also, our daughter graduated high school in May and moved away to college in August. Two of my initial goals in retirement were to improve my fitness and become involved in a charity. Run the Relay is a unique opportunity to combine the two goals. I'm honored to be part of a 21-person team running from California to New York. In July 2026, the baton will be handed to me in Columbus Grove, OH. After running 146 miles in 6 days, I'll pass the baton to the next runner in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Training from now to July will definitely fulfill the fitness goal. Being an ambassador for the MS Society and raising $10,000 to fight a disease that has affected millions is the perfect opportunity for the second goal. My husband does the Georgia MS bike ride every year. I also participated in it until a few years ago so this run will be a great way to renew my involvement.
Multiple Sclerosis has directly impacted my family. My Mom battled the disease for 40 years. That's a lot of years of pain and not knowing what the day will bring. My cousin (only a year older than me) passed away from MS at an early age. I also had an aunt with MS. Training and running the relay will be a mental and physical challenge but will pale in comparison to the daily battles faced by these three women for many years. An added twist is that I was diagnosed 30 years ago with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy). It's a neurological disorder and lesser known relative to MS. CIDP has targeted by eyes causing double and limited vision. I also have numbness and tingling in my hands and feet. On the bright side, maybe I won't feel the pain in my feet from running 146 miles!
Now you know why I applied to be on the relay team and why I'm honored to be participating. You can help. Your donations will fund research and will also provide grants and resources to improve the lives of MS patients.
For local friends... want someone to run or walk with you? Give me a call!!
Cinda
