If you have known me long enough, then you know this is one of the most important days of my life. Feb 2 2025 is going to be My Comeback Story to the Donna Marathon. You see, I am a 18 year Donna Streaker. I have run this race every year, even with a broken ankle. (Well, there was a racing chair involved but we all know that.) I started as a walker, never a runner. But i had walked 60 miles in a weekend the year before, so i suddenly just 'knew' i could make the leap to run/walk 26.2 in a day. And i did. Then there was the first set back year a couple years later where I downgraded myself from marathon to half marathon, which then turned into a 7 year 7 month training journey (or punishment) of running a half marathon a month while checking off the 50 states as well. Then that dreaded day came where i broke my ankle at the most beautiful spot ever. But with the amazing support and love i was surrounded by, i was given the opportunity to train in a racing chair in less than 2 months and i had the most exhilarating race day of them all! Just several months later, i made my half marathon comeback. And then i finally finished those last 9 states. I am a 50 state half marathon runner! And the next 4 years i held on to half marathon status. But the full marathon still called me deep within. So when 2 friends promised they would train as well, i shook pinkies with them, but mostly myself, determined 2025 was mymarathon comeback year. This past year was the longest i had ever trained for the marathon. I literally started the day after the Donna half marathon race day knowing there was much work to do. I really went into it unsure on how my ankle would hold up to the distance, but it has been amazing. Every step, every month, i have felt myself getting back to "me." The life stressors these past 5 years really transformed my entire life, mentally and physically, and i have felt nothing but lost. Going thru this training has brought the focus back on me, my health, my mentality, and proving once again i can do anything i put my mind to. This is it. This is My Comeback Story. Please consider a donation to help those going thru breast cancer treatments. The Donna Foundation helps those in financial need receive the care that they may not otherwise afford. The support and love provided by the Donna Foundation gives patients hope for a better tomorrow and their own comeback story.
