A MESSAGE FROM Evan's Fundraising Page
My journey into running began on a middle school track team in Durham, North Carolina. The idea of being on a team while setting individual goals was intriguing to me. I continued running through high school as a long distance runner. To be honest, I really wasn't that talented! In fact, I began to become slower and slower as the years went on. It was tough, being one that never qualified for States or Champs, but it didn't matter. Even at an early age, I was goal oriented and chipped away at small victories.
Then one day my track coach suggested that I get my blood tested for iron deficiency. Fast forward several months, I had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I spent my senior year battling diet changes and in and out of doctor's appointments. Through it all, I continued running and gaining a huge love for the sport.
I completed my first half marathon after graduating college. It was a liberating feeling. I remember being focused on my training plan and eager to achieve something that I had only dreamed of doing.
Over the next nine years I took some time to establish my career as a teacher, wife, and mother. Running became a thing that I did every once in a while, taking a major back seat. In 2022, I felt a huge void in my life. I had just had a baby the year prior, I was stable with my life as a teacher, but I was missing something that made me, me.
In June of 2022, I took a leap of faith and signed up for my first half marathon in almost a decade. Since that day, my life has never felt more complete. I have a stronger mental health, physical, and work ethic because of my dedication to running. Most importantly, I've been able to show up as the best version of myself for my family.
I am not shy about setting and pursuing new goals. Participating in the NYC Marathon would be a significant milestone in my journey...but I believe I'm ready! Running across the finish line representing RIDC would allow me a sense of belonging in the running community.
Thank you for your support!
Learn more about the RIDC at runningdiversity.com
