Have fun while supporting a great cause
In hopes of running my first (read: possibly only) marathon, I was miraculously accepted into the 2024 NYC Marathon off of the lottery on my first try. Some would say I am really lucky, while others know I have an angel looking out for me who might have done me a solid. Early on in my training plan, I often found myself thinking about my mother-in-law, Gretchen Piscotty, and how she would have been my biggest fan and cheerleader. I quickly decided I wanted to run this marathon for something bigger than myself and in honor of one of the strongest humans I was lucky to call family. Gretchen was the most fun-loving, genuine, humble, and caring friend and mother. If you ask me, she is also who gave the Piscotty boys most of their athleticism (sorry Mike!). I am forever grateful for the 5 years I spent with Mama Piscotty. From bootcamp classes and breakfast together, to exploring Albuquerque and San Diego, and of course often chit-chatting through a full nine innings, we always had the best time. Gretchen was diagnosed with ALS when my now husband, Austin, and I were in our junior year of college. She passed away less than a year later, in 2018. The strength, patience, and resilience she embodied throughout her battle with ALS will always inspire me. As I enter my final stage of training and head to NYC to run 26.2 miles, I hope to raise money for ALS research in Gretchen’s honor and legacy.Mama Piscotty, I know you are always watching over us and smiling so big. I will always try to do you proud! And thanks for keeping me going on my long training runs. I love you big time
