Marathon Training Gives Coworker New Sense of Self

September 24, 2025

Kelly Jones, a therapist working at Mercy Home, would have never imagined that she would lace up running shoes and compete in a grueling 26.2 marathon. But with a little friendly pressure from her coworkers who are also running the Bank of America Chicago marathon this year, Jones decided to join the team of 500 Mercy Home Heroes who will hit the streets this October on behalf of our young people.

Jones has never considered herself an athlete. But since training for the marathon, she’s pushed beyond what she had believed were her limitations. Jones celebrated her 33rd birthday by running 20 miles, her longest ever. It was more than just a milestone. It was an epiphany. 

“I didn’t grow up doing any sports,” Jones said. “I labeled myself as unathletic. [Now I’ve discovered] that I’m capable [of running a marathon]. It’s been cool to have a new sense of self.” 

Jones has channeled her newfound confidence in running and applied it to her work with our youth.  

“A big part of my inspiration for working with [our] youth is understanding our self-concept,” Jones said. “It’s something that is given to us by others, and at some point, we have the agency to redefine that.”   

Training for the marathon has also helped her realize the importance of making her health a top priority.  

“I’ve always cared about [my] health, but now it’s forced me to make it a priority and not make excuses for myself,” Jones said. “You can’t skip [on] rest, slack on training, or you’re going to injure yourself.”   

Running has not only put her physical health into focus, but her mental health as well. Jones cherishes the solitude that running alone provides, and it has become a meditative experience, allowing her to come back to the center and be present in the moment.  

On each training run through her neighborhood, Jones pushes herself to go a mile further than her target goal, closing in on the 26.2-mile mark step by step.   

Jones is now confident she’ll reach the finish line on October 12th. But before she gets to Grant Park, she’ll run past Mercy Home at Mile 17. There, she’ll get the external encouragement from coworkers, our young people, and hundreds of spectators that can help propel her to a new personal best.