Chasing Dreams: How Liz Qualified for the Boston Marathon with Help from the YMCA
From mom to marathoner: Liz’s journey to Boston begins at the Y.
Chasing Dreams: How Liz Qualified for the Boston Marathon with Help from the YMCA
Liz, a mom of four, put her love for racing on hold for over a decade. With the support of the YMCA and personal trainer Sawyer, she reignited her passion for running, embraced strength training, and qualified for the Boston Marathon - all while inspiring her family and community.
For over a decade, Liz, a mother of four, put her love for competitive running on the back burner, focusing instead on raising her family. But as her children grew, Liz found herself yearning to rediscover the sport that had always brought her joy. With a renewed sense of purpose, she laced up her running shoes and began chasing her goals—not just for herself, but to inspire her children to see what hard work and dedication can achieve.
After completing several races in 2024, Liz set an ambitious goal: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Achieving this milestone required not only grit but also careful planning to avoid injury and improve her performance. That’s when Liz turned to the YMCA and began working with personal trainer Sawyer.
“Strength training has been one of the keys to my success,” Liz shared. “Training at the YMCA has helped me run faster, stay healthy, and push past what I thought were my limits.” With Sawyer’s guidance, Liz incorporated a strength-training regimen that complemented her running schedule, improving both her endurance and resilience.
The results? Liz ran a sub-three-hour marathon, earning her spot in the Boston Marathon. But she didn’t stop there. Her training led to even more incredible achievements, including first-place finishes and setting a personal best in a half marathon.
Sawyer, her trainer, describes Liz’s journey as nothing short of remarkable. “Liz’s work ethic is undeniable. She inspires everyone around her. She’s proof that competitive athletes can thrive at any stage of life, and I hope others see the Y as a place to achieve their own goals.”
Liz’s journey has strengthened her as an athlete and as a role model. “I want my kids to see that anything is possible with hard work and determination,” she said. “The YMCA has been such a big part of this process, and I’m excited to keep training and see how far I can go!”
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete like Liz or just starting your fitness journey, the YMCA is here to help you reach your goals. Let us help you take the next step in your story.
