Running for Lisa
miles, marathons and memories
" You have to keep going, and finish the work that Lisa left behind."
Those simple words, given to me in a time of great need, would alter the course of my life forever.
I took those words to heart, and sought a way to continue Lisa's work; her examples of love, kindness, generosity and courage. I found that way a short time later after reading about regular people who run marathons for charity.
I was never a runner before, but I took on the goal of one day running a marathon in memory of Lisa. It was a lofty goal, it even seemed impossible, but I set my mind to it and I taught myself to run.
I have now run 6 marathons in memory of my beautiful sister. Running for Lisa has given me so many amazing gifts - confidence in myself, courage to follow my dreams, and friends who I love dearly. With Lisa as my inspiration, and all those miles as proof that anything is possible, I took a leap of faith and pursued a new career as a pediatric cancer nurse. I now devote every single day to finishing the work that Lisa left behind, and I know that she would be so proud. Although no number of marathons will bring Lisa back, my purpose remains strong for the children I care for each day.
Lisa's name and photo are always center stage on the front of my race jersey so that she is with me every step of each marathon. Join me on May 2nd, 2010 in Long Branch New Jersey for marathon #7 - and cheer Lisa's name for all the world to hear!!!
My first long distance running event was the Virginia Beach Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon on Labor Day of 2003, which I ran with Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I crossed the finish line of that race a different person than when I began my journey. On the final stretch along the boardwalk, a man cheering on the sidelines yelled out to me "Lisa would be proud of you!". I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life!
Finish Time: 2:45:00
2004
After running my first half marathon, I set my sights on a full. In April of 2004, I found myself at the starting line of one of the greatest marathons in the world - the London Marathon! It poured with rain from start to finish, but I ran through it and crossed the finish line proclaiming "I will never do this again!".
I ran this race to benefit the Association for International Cancer Research. The whole way, people cheered the name on the front of my AICR jersey - Lisa.
For one day, one of the biggest cities in the world cheered her name, and kept her spirit alive! I had a wonderful crew of spectators, in particular my sister Sara whose cheering kept my legs moving long after they wanted to give up.
Finish Time: 5:46:47
2005
My goal for this marathon was to be sure that the entire city of I remember reaching mile 5 and thinking ‘It’s going by so quickly!. Perhaps I thought too soon…
At mile 6 of the New York Marathon, my right foot broke. I fractured the 4th metatarsal, right down the middle!
I continued on slowly, and with the amazing support of my family and friends who jumped into the race to run me from point to point, finished the marathon.
I ran this marathon as a member of Fred's Team, to raise money for the
Finish Time: 6:02:26
2006
I ran the Chicago Marathon once again to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a member of Team in Training. Little did I know when I began training with my team, that I would make amazing friends who I cherish and love. As the starting gun went off and we started the slow shuffle towards the actual start line, we sang along to Born to Run and Sweet Home Chicago.
It was a great moment full of laughter and excitement!
I ran a great race, despite bitterly cold temperatures, and finished with my best marathon time!
Finish Time: 4:53:34
2007 Spirit of
A marathon on my home turf, the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon was full of familiar sights, familiar faces, and lots of hills! After spending the long winter months training with my dear friend Amy, we set foot at the start line with thousands of other...half marathon runners!
After splitting off from the half marathon runners at mile 10, the course got a bit lonelier, and there was lots of time for thinking. I thought about how much my legs ached, I thought about how nice it would be to see the Arch at the finish line, but most of all I thought about Lisa and how even though there weren't many people out cheering, she was with me till the end.
My support crew was marvelous that day - Mom & Papi, Dave, Kate & Zac, and Kim & Dawn all came out to cheer me through to the finish!
The weather was beautiful - a perfect spring day to enjoy the sights of the city! I ran this race to benefit AICR, and had a great time bbq'ing with my cheering squad after the race!
Finish Time: 4:59:55
2007 Nike Women's
This was the most difficult marathon course I've run so far, with hill upon hill upon hill....upon hill!
But it was also the most beautiful, with views of the
I had to stop a few times just to take it all in, as it really did take my breath away to be running in such an amazing setting. I wish I could run there every day!!!
I ran this race to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a member of Team in Training.
The race consisted of thousands of women, all running to raise money for cancer research. It was the most amazing atmosphere, and the camaradarie was great. We were all warriors in the fight against cancer!
Along the course, my marvelous family cheered me on. Mom & Papi, Dave, and Cathy & Avi were all there to make sure I made it up each hill, around every bend, and to that wonderful line that says Finish
At the finish line, dozens of San Francisco fire fighters were lined up in tuxedos to present each finisher with their medal - a Tiffany necklace! Lisa loved Little Blue Boxes, and this one was 26.2 times more special than any one I could ever imagine!
Finish Time: 5:20:00