Lillian Wanjagi is running Boston for AKTIV Against Cancer
"Boston is the most elite marathon and it is the culmination of my journey to being my best self everyday."
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.
Name: Lillian Wanjagi
Age: 51
From: Fayetteville, N.C.
I went through an ugly divorce with a brand new baby under six months old and was working a full time, demanding job. As a single mom, it was challenging mentally and physically. There were a few tough years where I was very, very dedicated to parenting but completely neglected self care. So I gained a lot of weight. A few years went by and I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize who I had become. I decided that I must get active. I tried everything but it never stuck, until I tried running.
When I completed my first 5K I felt as though as I had competed in the Olympics. I was elated to make that goal. Then my love for the sport of running grew and it changed me over time. It changed me in every way, physically and mentally. It made me so strong to conquer myself and I needed the discipline to train for marathons and half marathons. I have run 41 half marathons and Boston will be my 15th full marathon. If you had told me I could run even one marathon I would not have believed it when I started.
Boston is the most elite marathon and it is the culmination of my journey to being my best self everyday and working to be better everyday. I am a charity runner and so honored to be making the start line in six weeks. This will also be my sixth star to complete my goal of running all six world majors. I am now on a quest to run a half marathon in every state. I have run 11 states and will run about 10 half marathons this year.
Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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