Linda Bedwell
First Marathon: LA Marathon, 2001

I watched the 2000 Los Angeles Marathon and marveled at the runners trudging through heavy rain. The next day I made up my mind that I would be there, running, rain or sun in 2001.

I had never jogged more than a mile, and that was on a treadmill at the gym. I was 46 years old. I joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and trained for 6 months with the Team In Training. During that time I raised $3,000 for charity. I felt great, I loved running with the group on Sunday mornings and meeting every couple of weeks for information on shoes, stretching, hydration etc. I ran almost every day early in the morning at 5.30 am and did spinning classes 4 times a week at the gym.

The day of the marathon was the most amazing day of my life – I was filled with amazement, happiness, anticipation, joy – it was truly a life changing experience. If you really want to do something – just go for it, it’s possible! I was ecstatic to finish in 4 hrs 7 mins. and actually be able to walk, slowly, the next day. Yes it was hard – but it was SO worth it. Since then I have continued to run and will be making it 4 in a row at this years L.A. Marathon. I have run 5 marathons and 4 half marathons, some 10K’s and 5k’s and still run most mornings and always do a longer run at the weekends.

Watching the marathon in 2001 literally changed my life – it was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

Linda Bedwell
San Dimas California.