Hi everyone from Western NC! ✨ · First Marathon Buddy Program

Hi everyone from Western NC! ✨

I’m so excited to be apart of this community and cheer you on in the journey to 26.2!

My running story starts from me growing up playing soccer competitively. In high school, I ran indoor track one year in high school, to train for soccer naturally. Running was often used and viewed as punishment for me until this point.

During college and after, I became drawn to running for my mental health and to get outside when life was stressful. After a few half races, I had the idea of running 26.2 at 26 years old and decided on running the Chicago Marathon for charity in 2024. I was convinced I was one and done and immediately finished and said (through tears, pain) “when can I do that again”?

The journey to the marathon truly is something magical, filled with many ups and downs. Runs with friends, tips and tricks learned, fundraising for my charity bib, and so much more taught me more about myself and the need for community in the process. I’ve since run Richmond in 2025, numerous local races, and began leading East Boone Run Club in Western NC (come hang if you’re nearby)!

I can’t wait to see you all grow and learn through this time of training. Trust your training, find joy in the journey, have fun, and remember community is essential! 🥳

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