Jay spent years playing soccer and dabbled in other sports, but running itself was never her thing until she signed up for a local 5K in her off season as another way to move. That race quickly turned into a half marathon in DC, and crossing that finish line left her with one very unexpected thought: she could probably go further. So she set her sights on the New York City Marathon, and started to poke around charities that she could apply for and along the way found an organization that would allow her to run for her uncle. He had always been active, and Jay saw a shot at running in his honor when she applied for a charity bib with ALS United's Greater New York chapter.

Training through a brutal, humid summer tested her in ways she didn't expect, and she leaned on a running buddy, a rewards system built around her favorite snacks, and a mantra she repeated when the miles got long. But nothing quite prepared her for what race day itself would throw at her. Between the nerves, the heat, and a curveball she never saw coming, Jay had to find a completely different way to get to that finish line than the one she'd trained for.

Follow along with Jay Wood: @fit.w.jayy

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