My running journey started in middle school when I would compete in the fitness testing and would break all the records for my age. Seeing that I had a natural talent, I began running on my own and thought about high school cross country and track and field. I even joined a middle school running club to enjoy running and spending time with my friends.
“What are you going to do – stop? No way.” That is what my teammate said to our relay squad right before the gun went off for the 4x800 at the New England Division 3 Indoor Championships. We stood huddled in our group overflowing with nerves and excitement while the rest of our team lined the track waiting to cheer us on. But with my teammate’s words, I was instantly brought back to one of my first runs ever. My dad had taken me to run the “Barn Loop” – a wooded trail that the entire Hereford cross country and track teams know by heart. As we ran, my eight-year-old self kept thinking, “I’m not going to stop, I’m not going to stop.”
I arrived at the first training session, shaking in my shoes, just so sure I was going to stick out like a sore thumb. I was definitely the largest person there, but no one laughed. We gave introductions and our running background. Many others were already runners and were just getting back into running. I stated that I had never run before in my life. No one laughed. All were encouraging.
“I am sorry Teena.” These were the words spoken to me by my doctor after no longer seeing a heartbeat on the ultrasound screen. I did not know what to feel at that moment; however, the next day when the diagnosis was confirmed by radiology, I laid there numb. The ultrasound technician printed and gave me the last two pictures I would ever receive of my baby. I was emotionless.
Eleven months ago, we were in a meeting with our New Balance partners and as it was closing, they made an offer. If anyone on our team wanted to run New York City in 2022 to let them know. I was in the midst of thanking them, when Will Murdoch who heads up Charm City Run Events said, “We are all doing it.” At least this is the way I remember it.
When the word came through that some of us at Charm City Run would have the opportunity to run the New York Marathon, thanks to a generous offer from New Balance, I was beyond excited. For a few years, I have applied for entry (and even entered a few giveaways) with no luck. The opportunity to run with 50,000 people from all over the world is something that I can barely wrap my brain around. And now here we are - less than one week away from race day. The nerves are starting to build, but I just keep repeating to myself that I should “trust the training”.
I can't tell you how excited I was when I found out I'd have the opportunity to run the New York City Marathon this year. As a seasoned veteran of the marathon (read: one attempt), I couldn't resist the allure of one of the world's largest endurance events and the chance to challenge myself again. My first (and only) marathon in 2019 was a combination of very lofty goals and questionably short training which culminated in a spectacular crash-and-burn that I refer to as the walk-jog marathon. Like many people, I was inspired watching Boston in the spring and told myself I had to give it a chance. It hurt, I didn't come close to qualifying, and the lessons I learned changed my perspective on proper training, the marathon distance in general, and the amazing athletes that push their bodies to do incredible things over such a grueling distance.
When I was presented with the opportunity to run the New York City Marathon, a bucket list dream that I thought would never come true, it was no question of whether or not I would do it. After years of struggling with my running journey, this is the greatest surprise I could have ever hoped for. And I am honored to be able to do it with the people who helped me become the runner I am now. And after years of being told I couldn’t run, and then running for all the wrong reasons, I am so excited to cross that finish line in New York for all the right ones.
