Camille is my cousin. We're pretty close in age. We enjoy laughing, making fun of things, drinking beer, and well, more recently, running.
Though our first three shared passions can be done just about anywhere (a family gathering in a backyard, a bar or even a parking lot), running brings us to new, unexplored places.
In the last few years, Camille has moved from the occasional jogger to an endurance runner. Last spring, she completed her first 10 mile run at the Soldier Field 10. In the fall, she completed her first half marathon. This spring, she ran the Soldier Field 10 again, smashing her previous time.
What I didn't mention in Camille's list of accomplishments is something she did in early February. She registered for the Chicago Marathon.
Anyone can register for the marathon, but it takes a special kind of person to fully commit to training for a marathon. It takes a lot of time, determination and dedication.
Each week, I read updates on Camille's training. She shares funny running stories. She squeezes in a weekday run while her kids are at sports practice. She's putting in her time on the road.
In less than four months, Camille will complete her first marathon. I get chills just thinking of her going through this experience for the first time. But even more than that, I'm happy to have witnessed her transformation into who she is today. Someone who has fought through the challenges and in turn become a stronger runner - with each run, through each month and year.
It is truly amazing what we can accomplish when we won't take no for an answer.
1 comment:
Always like reading these uplifting stories. Helps up when you are in a mental lul about your running or feel you aren't doing well because you were a few seconds off your goal.
run run run Camille!
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