Running for Victory

 

Last August, Ruth Anne declared that she was going to run a Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs with a fundraising goal of $10,000. Tom and I were a bit startled at first since she had just raised $8000 by running the 2022 Providence Half Marathon but I knew deep in my soul this was something that was important to her. You can read more of the back story in a recent article by Boston College by following this link. It also shares how our running journeys intertwined 17 years ago when I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome.

The initial plan was to run the Newburyport Half Marathon in October, either the Hyannis or New Bedford Half in March and finish with the Providence Half in May.

Newburyport brought Ruth Anne a new Half Marathon PR. Tom wasn't able to run because he was still recovering from Providence in May. The Hyannis Half was on the weekend of our 45th Wedding Anniversary. They were trained, poised and ready to run New Bedford when we discovered there was a strict 3 hour time limit. Fortunately the race director reimbursed our registration fee. Tom and Ruth Anne registered for the Bay State Half in October.

It was an odd training cycle for Providence. They had a great base for running the Half and we had to balance maintaining pace and endurance with the extended time of training for Providence. About a month ago, while on one of their last long training runs, Tom tripped and fell bruising his ribs! 

We went back and forth with what to do. We initially settled on going to Providence with Tom and I cheering on Ruth Anne. Two weeks ago, I could sense Ruth Anne was unsettled about Providence. She didn't want to run the race without Tom but knew that driving, packing and unpacking while his ribs were still healing would not be a good idea. We both were inspired to have them change to the Virtual Race.

Tom was still hurting and struggling with his runs. He increased his stretching and had several more visits with his Sports Acupuncturist, George Leung. We went back and forth with whether or not Tom would do a 5K with me and we'd be support crew for Ruth Anne, we'd all do a 5K together and then Ruth Anne would run her race or Tom and Ruth Anne would run together with me doing a 5K and being support crew.  Tom is also passionate about supporting the individuals running their marathons of healing and recovery, had been trained until his little fall and loves running side by side, stride by stride with Ruth Anne.

We got up at 6:15am, meditated, had breakfast and set an intention for happy, healthy and safe running! We decided that Tom and Ruth Anne would do their 5 minute warm up with me and then get into their race pace mode. Since it was virtual there was no time pressure (which Tom felt last year at the in person race and how he started cramping at mile 11.) Rather than wait until Tom's body said "I need to walk," they used the Galloway Method of walking and running. There was a wonderful breeze off of the Reservoir along with stretches of shade. Our friends running in Providence posted about the record breaking heat. There were hills and little shade. I am always in awe of how things turn out for the best.

As I did my 5K, I took photos and cheered them on.

 

 

Ruth Anne and Tom texted me with updates of how well they were doing. They had rest rooms available and places to refill their water bottles. I made sure they had adequate fuel in their fuel belts and reminded them to take their nutrition at regular intervals.

Ruth Anne took photos to capture the beauty of the day as well as how strong Tom looked and felt on the 13.1 journey.

I met them back at the Reservoir to take a video of them coming into the 'finish line':

THEY DID IT!

Tom and Ruth Anne felt amazing after their epic accomplishment. It was Ruth Anne's 3rd Half Marathon in a year. She has raised almost $15,000 to support Victory Programs life saving work. They have one more Half Marathon to go in October and would LOVE to see that tote board climb to over $10,000. Follow this link to make a donation.

They ran with a sense of determination and purpose today overcoming obstacles along the way; running for those running their marathons of healing and recovery with the compassionate and caring staff of Victory Programs.

Two down and one to go! Running for Victory!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

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