I can hardly believe it—I’m about to run my 20th marathon! Reflecting on how I got here feels surreal. It all started back in 2015 when a friend invited us to the Soldier Field 10 race in Chicago. Even though plans shifted and one friend dropped out, I was determined to participate. While my friends walked at a leisurely pace, I ended up running with a young woman I met in the corral.

Crossing that finish line was euphoric. I was overwhelmed with a rush of accomplishment and realized I craved more of this exhilarating feeling. I connected with some women from the race who introduced me to The Southeast Side Steppers of Women Run the World, marking the true beginning of my running journey. I quickly progressed from 5Ks to 10Ks, and soon, I was tackling half marathons. Before I knew it, I was hooked!

By 2017, I ran my first full marathon—the iconic Chicago Marathon. Under the guidance of my coach, Mario Wiggins from Team FLS, I trained diligently. It was a formidable challenge, yet my determination propelled me forward. Eventually, I found myself running 3 to 4 marathons a year, including the Boston Marathon four times (one was a virtual run during the pandemic).

Running has taken me around the world—from Berlin to London to Tokyo. Each race brings its unique magic, but Chicago will always have a special place in my heart as my hometown favorite. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about running the California International Marathon in Sacramento, the Paris Marathon (because, well, it’s Paris!), and aiming for another Boston. I’m also excited to add Indianapolis to my list since it’s practically in my backyard!

Here are my key takeaways from this incredible marathon journey:

1. Running Connects Us: Running is a powerful connector, bridging differences. You might find yourself running alongside someone with divergent views, but during those miles, you share a common goal—to finish the race.

2. The Real Heroes: It’s easy to spotlight the fast runners who finish in 3 hours or less, but let’s also celebrate those who are on the course for 6 hours or more. Their endurance is like completing a full workday on the run. Their resilience and perseverance are truly inspiring.

3. The Business of Running: The running industry is vast, encompassing everything from footwear to gear to race entries. Running might be free on your own, but those latest gadgets and marathon fees can certainly add up. It’s no wonder that companies can charge a premium for top-tier running shoes and marathon entries.

So here’s to my 20th marathon in Chicago, and to the many more adventures that lie ahead. There’s no stopping me now! Let’s lace up and keep moving forward!