Oxford residents Maggie Barclay and Michelle Spisz made their way through the vineyards in Napa, Calif. on July 19.
They had spent 19 weeks training and raising money to help their family members and others fighting digestive diseases in a half marathon for Team Challenge, a program of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
‘It was amazing,? Spisz said about the experience. ‘Anything we needed, they had for us – food, drink, people cheering.?
Spisz participated in honor of her mother Virginia Pozsgay, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in her mid-30’s.
‘It was overwhelming,? she said. ‘Some of the participants had Crohn’s disease or colitis.?
Their helped Spisz if she started to feel down during the marathon.
‘It reminded you why you were there,? she explained. She added it lifted her spirits and kept her going.
Supporters approached Spisz after the marathon and thanked her for helping.
‘It was a great feeling,? she shared.
Spisz learned about the event when Barclay had emailed her the information.
Barclay signed on to Team Challenge in honor of her twin step-daughters, Pam Barclay and Sara Telger. Both were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Pam in 1994 and Sara last November.
‘I did the breast cancer 3-day event for six years,? said Maggie. ‘Pam is an endurance coach and I got involved.?
Maggie became a coach and meets with participants once a week for advice on workouts and helps with training.
‘I will also send them a weekly email for tips and encouragement – a connection to keep them going,? she explained.
She added once the runners and walkers hit the longer distances they need the encouragement to keep them going.
Maggie and Spisz invite Oxford residents to join the Team Challenge and the CCFA by donating, volunteering, training or participating in Rock ‘n? Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon on December 6.
‘It’s fun because you do destination locations and it’s for a good cause,? said Maggie.
She added the benefits are not limited to helping and being healthy. Participants make friends and have fun.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. The CCFA’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by the diseases.
For more info, go to www.ccfa.org, call Maggie at 248-568-8034 or email her at maggie@insideoutfitness.net.