I started running in 1982 when training for the USAF. While active duty running was my favorite past time. After my tour of duty was over in 1988, I returned to my home town of Chicago. I had my son a year later and my husband, my son and I begin daily life in Chicago. I continued running, though not as often as when I was active duty. In 2009, I ran a 5k and realized how out of shape I was. I started running again and the fire was relit. In 2014, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Running became my therapy. I ran before and after his treatments. Sadly, not even a year after his initial diagnosis my husband of 30+ years earned his angels wings. December 5, 2015, changed my life forever. I ran my first marathon in October 2017, along with our amazing son, in my husband’s memory at the age of 58. Since then I have ran a total of 6 marathons. Upon completion of Berlin and Chicago this year, I will have 8 marathons to brag about. I truly believe running is freeing … it allows you to spend time with yourself. It is and will continue to be my therapy for as long as God allows me to keep running.
Ruthie Maldonado-Delwiche
