I was at Dick Pond getting my packet for the Chicagoland Spring Half Marathon and I picked up a pamphlet from the Mercy Home table. That is where I met Jim. My son was running around the store while I was trying to pick up some fuel, and Jim asked me if he could give him some stuff to distract him while I shopped. I couldn’t believe his generosity! I went back to my car and started researching Mercy Home. Once I read about their mission, I knew I had to help. As a parent, I wanted to help give the children who are residents of Mercy Home the same opportunities that I am able to give my children.

My favorite race day memory was running past the Mercy Mile. Seeing all the kids and my family cheering for me brought me to instant tears. Why I was doing it all came together for me at that point.

I now know I am capable of anything. I found out earlier in the season that I had torn my left hip labrum and needed surgery, but I refused to give up on my goal of completing the marathon and raising awareness for Mercy Home. I struggled hard through the last four miles, and I had to dig deeper than I ever had to push through, but I finished. And I finished at 4:05 which was a PR by an hour and 30 minutes!

Honestly, it was running the Chicago Marathon for Mercy Home. Typically I just run because I love it, but this really gave me a purpose for why I was doing it. Seeing the impact I made really made me feel like a hero!

Gear: Brooks Ghost 12, Trekz Aftershokz Bone Conduction Headphones, Garmin Fenix 6
Fuel: Maurten Gels, Nuun Tablets
Pre-race meal night before: Hibachi chicken, white rice, and veggies from a local restaurant
Race morning meal: Bagel with peanut butter, cup of coffee two hours before, and a banana 30 minutes before
Post Race Meal: Chips and salsa, tacos, and margaritas!
Listening: When I am running, I listen to podcasts. My favorite is “My Favorite Murder.” If I listen to music, my favorite pump up song is “Gold Dust” by DJ Fresh.

Trust in your training and enjoy the experience. You may not feel ready on race day, but if you followed your plan, you are ready. Just run and soak in the amazing experience of running through all of the Chicago neighborhoods!

Being a hero will change your life. Take advantage of the things we do as a team. Make connections with your teammates. I made so many new friends after running with Mercy Home and we all support each other. You will need that support when you are in the thick of marathon training and want to give up. We will all be there to cheer for you and keep you going!