Running is a fad becoming increasingly popular these days, but putting one foot in front of the other has turned into much more than just a form of exercise. For a group of seven mothers in southern Utah, running is a way to escape, grow closer, and express themselves.
“It’s like our Prozac!” Trudi Stilson, one of the Marathon Mommas said, “we stick together, we run and its therapy physically and emotionally for all of us.”
The Marathon Mommas, a St. George running group, has run 22 marathons together as a group. While the majority have been in Utah, they have spanned their stride across the country, including marathons in Boston and Disney World.
“On our way to Boston we decided to get matching outfits for the race and all stick together.” Jill McDonald said, “We got so much attention and had so much fun that we decided to keep doing it.”
Since that race, they always match and when they’re not worried about beating their own personal records, they stick together. It’s something that Ashley Newby says helps them get past that ‘wall’ in the marathon.
“It’s so much easier when you have a group of friends cheering you on, helping you move forward, and in the end, getting you to finish the race,” Newby said.
The Marathon Mommas are now on their way to becoming Marathon Grandmas, and according to Holly Keenan, it won’t hold them back.
“I don’t think we’ll be done with this anytime soon, we’ve got a long way to go,” Graff said, “I’m well on my way to the big 5-0, but i don’t feel like it.”
With running in the hearts of these ladies, you can expect them to run another 22 marathons, if not more.
“It’s amazing to have friends like this,” Kennan said.
