The Inspirations to my Aspirations
For my first marathon, I’m attempting to fill some pretty big shoes. I grew up watching my Mom put in grueling hours to stay committed to her love of running between raising, working, and caring for her family of six kids. It consisted of 4AM mornings on the lakefront trail in order to be back for 6:15 school runs, pulling from every ounce of willpower to work through both injury and Chicago winters (if you know, you know), and peeling crying kids off her sweat-soaked body to get in those final few miles. Starting from the age of three, I had the privilege to watch her dedication pay off in the form of dominating not one, but four World Marathon Majors, all here in Chicago.
You wouldn’t be surprised to find her spirit came from a man just as stubborn. Known to most as Mike, my papa was a man of conviction and lived his life as such. A psychologist and pilot, he was well acquainted with conquering fear and dedicated his life to championing others. At the age of 70 in 2015, he was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease. In his mind, there wasn’t any other option but to reclaim his health and life. He quit drinking and smoking cold turkey, started weightlifting, and made it a mission to run a mile everyday. A man of science and belief systems, he did everything the literature and doctors told him to— including two open heart surgeries and 18 stents. It was through the incredible research and advancements in cardiac health that afforded us nine more full years before we lost him to a heart attack in December of 2023. Even then, it felt like he got to go on his own terms: fighting and strong.
Here’s me attempting to continue his legacy in the best way I know how. While he spent that time humbling his grandchildren in more ways besides out-squatting them, he also became the embodiment of “You can do hard things.” He fought for more than just himself; he fought for more time with the people he loved to make more memories, to continue his life mission of helping others see their own potential, and to conquer heart disease for anyone willing to try.
Running my first Marathon with the American Heart Association feels like the perfect way to honor two of my favorite people. Join me in supporting research to end heart disease and to run for all the people we love.
Some fun fundraising opportunities with incentives!
"Buy a Sweetheart" $100: Send me the name of a loved one to write inside a heart! These hearts will be attached to my running singlet on race day. I would be honored to also run for your favorite person by carrying the name of a loved one with me throughout the race.
"Keep me on Track" $25: Add to my marathon playlist to keep me going on race day! For 25$, send me a song to add to my running playlist. Scope it out here!:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ET0yaQSJyOFabzOXkZCVT?si=d9e34136cc2d46ba
(pinky promise no skipping!)
***After donating, send me an email at arerdman4@gmail.com titled "Marathon" with your chosen option, and either the name of your loved one or song choice!
