Oct

29

63 marathons in 63 days

Filed Under Washington DC 

At the beginning of September, I read a story in USA Today about Tim Borland, a fellow ultra-endurance athlete, who is running 63 marathons in 63 days. Notice I did not say “attempting to run 63 marathons” or “planning to run 63 marathons” or “hoping to run 63 marathons.” Tim is running 63 marathons.

I was so touched by the story that I had to contact him and I had to meet him.

Tim and his support crew were in Washington, DC yesterday for marathon number 56 — the Marine Corps Marathon. I joined a crowd of 20 other supporters to greet Tim as he finished.

Tim is not doing this to set any records. He is running for a higher cause. He is running to raise awareness and money for research that will benefit children with Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T). A-T is a rare genetic disease that is incurable. It affects one in 40,000 babies born, causes loss of muscle control due to brain cell death. There are only 500 kids in the United States who currently have the disease.

His wife, Michelle, their kids Kailey and Colton and a college buddy Mike Durant are all along for the ride providing support.

I was lucky enough to be able to grab Tim for a few minutes after the race to talk about his journey. And there was a connection between us that I cannot explain. It was a feeling that I knew what he was going through — and he knew what I had gone through.

  • I knew how nice it must have been to have a crowd of people there supporting him when he came in.

  • I knew that even without a crowd around, he would still be out there pounding the pavement.

  • I knew how excited he got as he spoke to People Magazine.

  • I knew how thankful he was for a family that is as supportive as his is.

  • And I knew how powerful it is to have a passion that will keep you going mile after mile, marathon after marathon.

I wish Tim and his team all the best. Including:

  • Wind at his back.

  • 60 degree days.

  • Cheering crowds.

  • National Media Coverage.

  • Fast, comfortable running.

  • Checks and donations pouring in.

If you more information about Tim and his journey, take a look at his website.
If you are as touched by his story as I was, you can make a donation online. I can tell you from experience that every little bit helps.

 

 

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