Inspirational running stories

You are browsing the archives of "Inspirational running stories."

The Women’s Running Boom – and how it is making moms healthier and happier Published in baystateparent magazine When Susan Smith of Westborough, MA decided to try running as an alternative to her gym workouts in the Spring of 2011, she wasn’t sure what to expect. The fitness director at her gym had been taking a group of women out for short runs to introduce them to the sport. “One day, I said, ‘What the heck, I’m just going to go ..read more

Published in baystateparent Magazine, August 2012 It was the death of Timothy Carty’s brother David that got him to ride his bike 190 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown, MA in 2009 as part of the Pan-Mass Challenge. David had been battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for ten years until he passed away at age 49 – leaving behind a wife and three young children. “David was my oldest brother [of five siblings]. We were the closest. He was the one I looked ..read more

Last Monday, the 116th Boston Marathon went down in history as one of the hottest Boston Marathons on record, with temperatures soaring into the upper 80s. The scorching sun slowed down nearly all the runners on the course. It forced some to the sidelines without finishing, and prompted others to opt out of this year’s race altogether. This was not the case for 71-year-old Dick Hoyt and his 50-year-old son Rick, whom Dick pushed for 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston ..read more

Doctor donates Disney medal to disabled boy for bravery, courage Published in baystateparent magazine When Dr. Ken Abrams, a veterinary ophthalmologist from Rhode Island, completed his first marathon in 2009 —The Disney Marathon — it was magical. He crossed the finish line in 3:34:52, qualifying for Boston, and proudly accepted the Mickey Mouse finisher’s medal that was placed around his neck. The magic didn’t end there. Ken was inspired to donate his Disney medal to Medals4Mettle, an organization that facilitates ..read more

“MAGIC Man” George Chmiel Runs Ultras to Raise Funds and Awareness of Children’s Growth Disorders Published in baystateparent magazine First-place winner: Human Interest, NENPA 2010 Awards It was a hurting wrist that got 29-year-old Boston resident George Chmiel running three years ago, trying to find a way to overcome the setback of a torn ligament from playing pickup football. But it was a hurting little girl, suffering from a rare, life-threatening growth disorder that got him ultramarathoning for a cause. Luci Horvath, (age 3) ..read more

George Chmiel Goes the Extra 155 Miles for Children’s Growth Disorders Video credit; Chris Lusher with permission from RacingThePlanet Ltd: George Chmiel’s Aussie Adventure I’ve met a lot of contagiously crazy, enthusiastically energetic, over-the-top inspirational people in my running circles, but I have to say that George Chmiel beats them all. George blows away any idea of self-imposed physical limits. “Just say no” is not a phrase in his vocabulary. His can-do mindset is mind boggling. And his compassion for ..read more