The itch came in May 2019. I had just completed the Devil Dog Challenge in Fredericksburg, a 5 mile race followed immediately by a half marathon. It hit me then that I may actually like long distance running. I mean REALLY like it. Enough to sign up for my first marathon. So, I did. 

​

The consistency and focus of training allowed me to recognize the positive impact that running had on my mental health, something I knew to be true but really experienced over the months leading up to the race. I also discovered that being in a community of runners is one of the best ways for me to maintain positive mental health. Additionally, I was thrilled with family and friends’ support of CKG through donations, which only fueled my training even further.

​

The day before the Richmond marathon, Susan Lindsay of CKG shared the following message, “You have already won the race because you challenged yourself to set a hard goal, and you trained with purpose. Tomorrow is the celebration.” This became my mantra as I awoke race morning. The long months of training were over. With a joyful heart and a smile on my face, I stepped onto the course in full celebration mode. My family and friends posted up throughout the Richmond course in support, and they lovingly deemed me the “smiling runner.” 

 

I did not want to miss a thing on race day-the James River and its winding beauty, the communities of neighbors cheering from their porches, the T Rex whose costume filled with wind but who did not stop. Nor did I miss the pacer who continued to lead his group despite his foot going numb or the effort of my sister to push her daughter in a jogging stroller to get me through mile 23. 

 

It was a glorious day. A celebration unlike any other. And now that I’ve got the itch, I’m not sure it can be stopped.