"Who or what has inspired you to run the TCS New York City Marathon? If you have overcome a challenge or are raising awareness for an organization or cause, please include the details. (500 characters or less)"
I'm thinking about submitting my story, but first I want to get your feedback on what I have so far:
My inspiration to run has come from different places over
the years. In the beginning, my dad inspired me to run kid fun runs and 5ks.
Not only did I run because I wanted to be like my dad, I also ran because getting
matching Turkey Trot t-shirts excited my six year old self. In first grade, I always ran hard to be at the
front of the pack while we ran around the track during P.E. In high school, I was inspired to run to stay
in shape for basketball season. Eventually, after high school, my dad inspired
me to run my first marathon in 2008. We got matching t-shirts for the marathon,
too! Because my dad inspired me to
become a runner, he also inadvertently inspired me to run the TCS New York City
Marathon.
My struggle with Crohn’s disease has also inspired me to
run the TCS New York City Marathon. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel
disease. It causes chronic inflammation in my gastrointestinal tract, which can
lead to diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, stomach pain, and weight loss among
other symptoms. Crohn’s can be extremely
painful and debilitating. Even though there is not a known cure for Crohn’s disease,
there are drugs available that can help reduce the symptoms.
While struggling through symptoms at the beginning of the
year, I entered the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon lottery because I needed
motivation to start running again. I needed a bucket list race to train for to
inspire me to get back on the roads. During the thirteen years I’ve struggled
with Crohn’s disease, running has become a symbol of strength and perseverance
for me. There have been days when I was
in too much pain or was too fatigued to get out of the door. There have also been days
I ran through the pain and the fatigue to prove to myself that I can still be
strong, I can still persevere.
Since winning the TCS NYC Marathon lottery, I’ve had minor
surgery and I’ve started different medication to treat my condition in an
attempt to limit my symptoms. In the months
following my surgery and medication change, I have felt better than I’ve felt
in a decade. I refuse to let Crohn’s permanently take running away from me.
Every time Crohn’s disease knocks me down, I will get back up and fight. I will
get back up and run. I will be running the TCS NYC Marathon to prove to myself
that Crohn’s disease will not beat me in the long run.
