News

But I Kept Going

Chattanooga Ambassador Christy Snyder’s Story

I ran the Chattanooga Marathon this past March (2017), and it was quite an experience for me.

But I didn't get there on my own.

I had been invited to run with a Run for God group and started training for a 5K about two years ago. I wanted to run the Chattanooga Half Marathon as my first half, so I started training with a group of friends who were training for the full distance. We trained all winter, which was great for me since I have asthma and my lungs don't do well in the heat. During training, I would end up running longer than 13 miles, so my friends asked me why I wasn't doing the full distance.

After some encouragement and convincing, I was signed up for my first full marathon! Anxiety had me thinking, I signed up for what?! It was very overwhelming to think about running for 26.2 miles, but I had trained for it. I was ready. I had the support of my friends and family and knew they would be there for me on race day.

And I'm so glad they were: By mile 18, I was feeling it. My legs were giving up, my feet hurt, and I still had a long way to go. I slowed down. I walked. I cried even! But I kept going.

When I was almost to the end, a friend jumped in and ran the last quarter-mile with me, and I crossed that finish line where my mom was cheering. Hallelujah, I was done! My time was terrible, but I didn't care. Never again, I told myself. That was brutal.

The marathon taught me that no matter what struggle life puts in front of me, I know I have the mental and physical strength and discipline to conquer it. I could not have done it without the support, encouragement and coaching from my friends and family who believed in me – and all those amazing volunteers and neighborhood block party people who cheered us on.

The funny part is, a year later, I'm ready to do it again.

Join Christy and sign up today!