finding my "unthinkable"

Nobody said running marathons was easy or pretty. After you poop your pants during your fastest (not fast, but fastest) marathon in a cold February rain, you tell people, "Yeah, I'm all done with marathons" and you don't go into all of the details why. Well, usually you don't. Sometimes you have to play that card. I have gotten a lot of mileage out of that story with my kids. When they start complaining about something being difficult or we need a light moment, I sometimes pull out the "Oh yeah? Well I pooped my pants in a marathon" card ;) Here is a picture of me after finishing that marathon with my Mexican cupcake pacer, Stephanie, who paced me for the last half of my last marathon. Thanks for that, Stephanie!

Hyannis Marathon | Hyannis, MA | February 2009

I've been saying that I'm done with marathons ever since that marathon. Until now. An accumulation of small events and discussions over the last two years led to my decision to try this distance again. I saw Scott Rigsby compete in the 2011 Ironman 70.3 Timberman, I volunteered with Jim at the BAA 5K and Invitational Mile a day before this year's Boston Marathon, I finally met Scott on the Boston Marathon course and then the bombings happened.

In August 2011, Tina and I were kayak volunteers on the swim course for the Ironman 70.3 Timberman. I was there to support my new friend, Courtney, as she rocked her first Ironman 70.3! For those unfamiliar with this race, it consists of a 1.2 mile open water swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run. During the hours as a volunteer and spectator, I noticed a man competing with two prosthetic legs. I was in awe! I took a few pictures and later found out that I had been watching Scott Rigsby. This is Scott Rigsby on the run portion of the Ironman 70.3 Timberman.

Ironman 70.3 Timberman | Gilford, NH | August 2011

In 2007, Scott Rigsby became the first double-amputee on prosthetics to finish an Ironman distance triathlon at the 140.6 World Championship in Hawaii. That is a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run! Scott did the "unthinkable!" He continues to challenge himself, to serve those with loss of mobility and/or limb and to inspire many. You can read more of his story here. I'll return to Scott later.

On April 14, 2013, I volunteered with Tina at the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) 5K and Invitational Mile at the suggestion of my friend, Jim. He said we'd get cool jackets. And we did. That jacket would take on much more significance as I repeatedly watched news footage of volunteers in those same yellow and blue jackets rush to people's aid immediately after the bombings at the finish line the next day. After the 5K and Invitational Mile races, Tina and I went to have lunch with Jim. Jim and I have done numerous races together so he has a bit of an idea of what I'm capable of. Fairly soon into our lunch and first beer, Jim started talking about his love for ultramarathons. By the end of lunch (and two beers later), he had me convinced that trail ultramarathons are much easier and more fun than traditional road marathons. Tina was probably rolling her eyes and saying to herself, "Oh no, here she goes again." The next morning Jim had me signed up for the Trail Animals Running Club (TARC), which hosts several trail races throughout the year.

On April 15, 2013, I finally met Scott Rigsby on the Boston Marathon course just past the 10 mile mark in Natick. It was a beautiful day. I was happy to be wearing my new B.A.A. jacket and to be cheering for the runners, which I've done every year since I ran it in 2002. Scott was just three minutes from the finish line when the bombings happened and, like thousands, was unable to finish. He is resolved to offer hope to the victims of the bombings through his foundation and special fund called "Aid for Boston." Here is a video of him discussing his mission with Anderson Cooper.

This is the series of events, people and discussions that have inspired me to find my new "unthinkable," to discover a new way to challenge myself, to express my gratitude for what I have and to help others! Last month I joined Scott Rigsby's Team Unthinkables, the official endurance sports team of his foundation where members race in a series of events to raise awareness and to advocate for individuals with loss of limb or mobility. As a team requirement, I will participate in four endurance events this year. I've chosen the Cohasset Sprint Triathlon, the Wild Fish 2 Mile Swim, the Providence Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, and the TARC Fall Classic 50K. I have different goals for each of these events.

I will try to beat my best time of 1:27:45 at the Cohasset Sprint Triathlon on June 30th with the help of my run pacer, Helen! I apologize in advance if I yell at you, Helen; please know how much I appreciate your generous offer :) You will get all the credit for bringing me in under last year's time! The Wild Fish 2 Mile Swim will only be my second long distance, open water swim. I completed my first 1.2 mile swim last year. I am very nervous about this swim because, in addition to the fact that I've never done this distance before, I know that I might be one of the last swimmers to finish. Again, I'd appreciate anyone who'd like to keep me company for 90 minutes in Salem Harbor on August 4th! My challenge for the Providence Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on September 29th will be to run SLOW, thereby saving my legs for the 50K three weeks later, and to have fun with my friend, Teri. The TARC Fall Classic 50K will be a daunting, 31 mile trail run on October 19th. Jim can either be blamed or given credit for the decision to do this race! I've already done enough trail runs to know that, of the four events, this will require the most time, focus, determination, food and... pit stops!

I have my work cut out for me. As I do these events over the next five months, I will also be working to raise awareness and money for the Scott Rigsby Foundation and Aid for Boston. Your support of me and my goals for these events, for my fundraising efforts and the Scott Rigsby Foundation will be greatly appreciated. To make a donation to my Unthinkable Campaign, click here. I will keep writing about my training, the events and the work of the Scott Rigsby Foundation.

Be inspired! Do the unthinkable!