Why We Run: By Melody Tabman
Our latest "In Their Own Words" submissions were written by four members of "Team Autism Speaks", recounting their experiences with the NYC Marathon and telling why they run to promote autism awareness and fundraising.
Read more and view photos and video from the Marathon here.
Donate to "Team Autism Speaks" here.
Our latest "In Their Own Words" submissions were written by four members of "Team Autism Speaks", recounting their experiences with the NYC Marathon and telling why they run to promote autism awareness and fundraising.
Read more and view photos and video from the Marathon here.
Donate to "Team Autism Speaks" here.
Well, I did it; I completed all 26.2 hilly miles through the five boroughs of New York. It was very emotional for me because I was running for my cousin Debbie's son, Connor. Debbie's was the last voice I heard on Saturday night before I went to bed, and I replayed our phone conversation many times throughout my run. She told me how proud she was of me and that my fundraising for Autism Speaks meant so much to her and especially Connor. We discussed Connor's daily challenges, some recent incidents caused by people uneducated about autism, and we talked about Connor's progress and her hope for him and other children like him.
It was a very difficult run, but so incredibly beautiful. Thousands of spectators came out on a cold and windy day to cheer on all 40,000 runners. I had my name on the front of my Team Autism Speaks shirt so spectators were constantly calling out my name and words of encouragement
At several points in the race I had to really struggle to keep going and keep my pace. My iPod, which I've become very dependent on, died at mile 11. I couldn't believe it,but I reminded myself why I was running this race. As the top fundraiser for Team Autism Speaks I kept thinking that if these kids and families affected by autism can struggle every day of their lives, then I could for certainly run 26.2 miles, even without an iPod. And so I did. I remembered all of the wonderful friends and family that I have. Their words of wisdom, encouragement and support of Autism Speaks got me got me to the finish line.
I am so lucky to be healthy enough to run this race and even more lucky to have so much support. I thank all of the many people who each touched me in their own way.. I want to say a special thanks to my husband Stuart, who put up with me for the last five months of training and for his help with all the fundraising, including our auction that wouldn't have been possible if not for his help.
One of the best moments was at mile 24, when Stuart suddenly began running beside me with a sign that said "MELODY, RUN FOR CONNOR!!!" and the crowd shouted my name. Even with his five knee surgeries, he continued to run with me for two miles, right up to mile 26. I only had 800 yards left, the longest 800 yards of my life, but the crowds were deafening, shouting "Melody, you got it and don't you dare give up!,” as I crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon! I cut more than 20 minutes off my best marathon time, setting a personal record.
Raising money for autism while educating myself and others has been one of the most rewarding things in my life.
I will leave you with one of the many quotes that got me through the race - "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, you can achieve it.”
It was a very difficult run, but so incredibly beautiful. Thousands of spectators came out on a cold and windy day to cheer on all 40,000 runners. I had my name on the front of my Team Autism Speaks shirt so spectators were constantly calling out my name and words of encouragement
At several points in the race I had to really struggle to keep going and keep my pace. My iPod, which I've become very dependent on, died at mile 11. I couldn't believe it,but I reminded myself why I was running this race. As the top fundraiser for Team Autism Speaks I kept thinking that if these kids and families affected by autism can struggle every day of their lives, then I could for certainly run 26.2 miles, even without an iPod. And so I did. I remembered all of the wonderful friends and family that I have. Their words of wisdom, encouragement and support of Autism Speaks got me got me to the finish line.
I am so lucky to be healthy enough to run this race and even more lucky to have so much support. I thank all of the many people who each touched me in their own way.. I want to say a special thanks to my husband Stuart, who put up with me for the last five months of training and for his help with all the fundraising, including our auction that wouldn't have been possible if not for his help.
One of the best moments was at mile 24, when Stuart suddenly began running beside me with a sign that said "MELODY, RUN FOR CONNOR!!!" and the crowd shouted my name. Even with his five knee surgeries, he continued to run with me for two miles, right up to mile 26. I only had 800 yards left, the longest 800 yards of my life, but the crowds were deafening, shouting "Melody, you got it and don't you dare give up!,” as I crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon! I cut more than 20 minutes off my best marathon time, setting a personal record.
Raising money for autism while educating myself and others has been one of the most rewarding things in my life.
I will leave you with one of the many quotes that got me through the race - "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, you can achieve it.”
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