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.