Hi! My name is Barbara Nance of Bolingbrook, IL. I am a busy mom with two boys and a wonderful husband. I am so grateful and humbled to be the winner of the “Last Official Finisher” of the 2008 Chicago Marathon. I did my training for last year’s marathon with the Elijah Running Club in Villa Park, IL. This was a great experience and I made life long friends through the Club. During my training for the marathon I experienced a few injuries, specifically a serious knee injury. My sister also became very ill and was diagnosed with brain cancer. Unfortunately, training became second in my life in-between visits to my sister in the hospital. I wasn’t getting the time I needed to train correctly, but I decided to still run. October 11, 2008 was one of the most challenging days for me. The marathon didn’t go as well as I expected. After reading this far, I bet you’re wondering what “Last Official Finisher” means now? Well, I came in dead last at the 2008 Chicago Marathon with a time of 8 hours and 6 minutes.
After 8+ hours of running I was exhausted and just glad to see the finish line on the horizon. To my surprise, I was greeted by Daphne Mazarakis and Brian Sambor from Better Whey of Life™. After regaining my composure after my day-long run I took a few minutes to listen to what they had to say. As the “Last Official Finisher”, I was offered the opportunity for a re-run. Better Whey of Life™ has given me a marathon trainer, Janet Leet from Sub5 Track Club, a free year supply of Better Whey of Life™ yogurt and a free entry into the 2009 Chicago Marathon. At first, I wasn’t exactly “excited” about the thought of running this marathon all over again.
So, after the marathon, I took some time for myself to think about the opportunity and the challenge that lied ahead for me. And then, my life changed in an instant. My sister passed away last November, just one month after I completed the marathon.
I never thought I would run a marathon again. After thinking long and hard about whether or not to run again, I decided to do it. I wanted to find a way to become at peace with my sister’s death. So this year, at age 47, I am running for her. Before my sister passed, she went blind. This year, I will be her eyes, legs, arms and body through this run.
I may have been the last official finisher but I have become first with this awesome opportunity. Last year was such a challenge for me so thank you Better Whey of Life™; you were the answer to my prayers. Never give up on your dreams!
I welcome you to come along with me on my journey as I enter into a very tough next few months of training! I hope I have the ability to inspire you to set your heart out and take on a challenge the way my sister has inspired me.
