It doesn’t matter your pace or your distance – just that you keep going

Posted on Aug 13, 2024, by

It doesn’t matter your pace or the distance you go, just that you get out there and get moving.

I am by no means an elite running athlete. In fact, I’ve never run a distance further than a 10K and I don’t know that I will ever want to. So when the Community First Fox Cities Marathon Presented by Miron Construction approached me saying they wanted to feature my story, I was hesitant. My story isn’t special, I don’t run fast or long distances, I just get out and get moving. But it’s people like me, everyday walkers and runners, who make up the marathon, so they talked me into it.

You will see me out on the Ascension 5K Run/Walk course on Saturday, Sept. 21 with my favorite running partner – my eight-year-old-son Nolan. Nolan has been my biggest inspiration and support in staying active and being a part of the race.

I started running when I was a young child in track and field, but I stopped running for a while and recently picked it back up in 2019. I signed up to do my first 5K in 2020, but because of the pandemic, the race was canceled, and I ran it virtually by myself in my neighborhood with my husband and son cheering me on from our driveway. While it was an exciting accomplishment to complete a 5K, I knew I had missed out on the thrill of running in person with an entire community behind me.

So in 2021, I was back! Experiencing the adrenaline and fun of an in-person run/walk event at the Ascension 5K Run/Walk, I was hooked. The community support, the support from the other runners and just the overall excitement on the course was unlike anything I had experienced, and I wanted more. I signed up for more 5K races and eventually I did a 10K last fall in the Fox Valley.

While I have greatly enjoyed all the other races I have been a part of, there is something special about the Fox Cities Marathon events. The excitement around the event in the community, the neighbors coming out of their homes to cheer you on while you’re out on the course, it is just unlike any other event that I’ve been a part of.

This year, I excitedly signed back up for the Ascension 5K and was pleasantly surprised when Nolan asked to run it with me. I knew he had been cheering me on, watching me run over the last few years but it was this moment that I realized how much of an impression it had truly made on him.

Nolan is a pretty active boy naturally playing several different sports and participating in a kid’s obstacle course race for the past few years. I’m proud to lead by example and show him how physical activity can keep us all happy and healthy.

While I normally enjoy my 5 a.m. runs, before anyone else is up and before I have to clock in for the day as mom, wife and employee – training with Nolan has been a great time to enjoy together. While training is a little tougher than he thought it would be, I know he will be proud to finish the race.

Running for me has always been about taking one small step at a time, I’ve also come to realize that’s the key to most things in life. Just keep moving, one step at a time. Small changes lead to bigger changes. And more importantly, you never know when the positive changes you make are making a huge ripple effect on those around you.

Nolan and I look forward to seeing you all at the start line in Riverside Park in September!

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