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The Inspirational Story of Marie Bartoletti

by Adolfo Salgueiro | Mar 9, 2021 | Guest Perspective, Reflection

By Marie Bartoletti

My name is Marie Bartoletti. I am a proud daughter, mother, girlfriend, and athlete. I have done many things in my life, including the completion of 500 marathons.

Marie finished the 2021 A1A Marathon on February 14th, 2021, in 4:38:26, her 500th.

I was born on August 2nd, 1957 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, into a large family with four brothers and two sisters. I grew up playing sports and having fun with my siblings. I’ve always had a passion for running and athletics. In my lifetime, I have extended this passion to many areas. I have been a physical education teacher and coach of all types. I have hiked, biked, and ran all over the world, even been on a Wheaties box!

I have also faced a great deal of struggles. On November of 2015, I had a massive stroke. This has disrupted my life in so many ways but has only pushed me to be stronger. It has been a long recovery process and I take so much pride in my ability to continue overcoming these struggles every day.

The side effect of the stroke I was most concerned with, was the loss in my ability to speak. It appeared I could understand everything but not respond with my words. This hit me extremely hard as I am a very social, outgoing person. I began to do rigorous therapy and continue to work on my speech to this day.

The doctors were shocked to find out that I required no physical therapy after my stroke. I was able to complete all the challenges they tasked me with in the hospital. I was so thankful to find this out. After having already lost so much of my speech ability, I feared losing my physical talents as well. I continued to persevere through these struggles and remain passionate about everything I do.

I have run in 181 marathons since my stroke. This is something that gives me great pride because I enjoy competing in marathons very much!

My first marathon was Pittsburgh, on May 7th of 1995. This race taught me my first real lessons about how to run marathons. I finished in 4:01:48. My biggest mistake was that I neglected to drink water in preparation for the race. Even throughout the race I turned down fluids. I was in terrible pain and completely worn down after this experience. I committed to never running another marathon again. Clearly that did not stick.

Marie’s inspirational story is written in this book. Directions on how to acquire it are at the bottom of this post.

My next marathon was in South Bend, Indiana. This was the town in which my mother was born, and my brother Tom, lived. I started the trend of traveling for marathons early, this was number two. Throughout the next few years, I continued to run marathons while also competing nationally in tennis, another passion of mine. Fast forward to 2005, I had traveled to Hawaii to achieve my goal of running a marathon in each state. This marathon also was my 50th. In the running world this is called my titanium marathon. I was able to check off both boxes with one race.

I have gone through many injuries including operations on my bunions, broken ankles, and several concussions. Through each of these injuries I have learned perseverance. Remarkable instances in my life were my 300th and 500th marathons. They both took place at the A1A Marathon in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, on 2/15/2015 and 2/14/2021. 200 races and almost exactly six years apart.

The 500th marathon, earlier this year, was a major accomplishment for me. I have gone through so much and I was so excited to achieve such a remarkable feat. In 2019 I published a book that tells my life story. I explain how I have persevered through so much and continue to be strong every day. This book is titled “Perseverance: How a Determined Athlete Tenaciously Overcame a Stroke”. I have sold numerous copies due to how inspirational people have found my journey.

I would have not been able to do any of this without the support of my amazing family and friends. I have two lovely sons who have given me beautiful grandchildren. I am so thrilled to watch them grow up as well. My boyfriend, John, was present when my stroke occurred and has been essential to my recovery throughout the years. I am a devout Catholic and I pray to God and thank him every day for these blessings in my life.

My 500th marathon was a very prideful moment, but I am most proud of the beautiful life that I am fortunate enough to live every day.

Editor’s Note: This blogpost is just a quick snapshot of Marie’s inspirational story. To find more about it, you can purchase her book by sending $23.75 to:
Marie Bartoletti
5495 Library Rd Apt 20
Bethel Park, PA 15102

2022 UPDATE: During the Miami Half Marathon, I caught up with Marie at about Mile 6. She was pacing the marathon. I have never met her in person. I approached her and as soon as I said hi, she knew who I was. It was a heartwarming experience do exchange a few words during an actual race.

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The Road to My Skydive 100-Mile Ultramarathon

by Adolfo Salgueiro | Feb 23, 2021 | Guest Perspective, Personal, Reflection

By Ethel Belair

My name is Ethel Belair. I am 51 years old and I am a runner. I enjoy long distances. At one time half marathons were my favorite. I\’ve ran over 25 of them. But I wanted to try something a little more challenging.

Not much explanation needed on how Ethel felt after achieving her goal. Just look at her face.

In 2016 I signed up for the Miami Marathon. It was tough because I had just lost my father, Jean Belair, to cancer. He passed away three months before my running, so I ran in honor of his memory. He always inspired me, reminded me to be strong and keep going. After running that marathon, which was on my bucket list, I was done. Or so I thought.

The very next day I went for a recovery run and friends though I was crazy. But after running three miles and walking one, my legs felt okay. I wasn\’t tired at all, so I said to myself: “I think I\’ll do another one”. I\’ve ran 6 full marathons so far.

What led me to ultramarathons? A week prior to my 50th birthday, I ran a “Birthday Unofficial 50k” (31.069 miles) with a few friends. Then, on June 26th of last year, my actual birthday, I met up with friends and had another birthday run, this one was 51 miles.

A fellow runner, Lucien, asked me why not run a hundred miles? “You\’re a distance runner”, he said. I told him that I didn’t believe I was ready for that. He then suggested 100k (62.137 miles) to get started. I prayed about it and got the go to do it. Two months later, I ran and finished 100 kilometers. Two weeks later, I signed up and ran an official 50 miler.

On December 26 of last year, I ran a 40-miler in Atlanta. This was the toughest race I\’ve ever done. It was held under freezing conditions (23°), with hills galore and hurting inclines. Grateful to God, I completed the race despite injuring some tendons. My Doctor recommended two weeks of rest. I was not a happy camper.

Yep! That’s right! First you skydive and then you run 100 Miles.

Despite the harsh experience in Georgia and the injury, I was still considering the Skydive Ultra 100-miler in February. I was registered since October. I had to pray, dig deep in my faith, ask God\’s grace for strength and healing. I was battling feelings of fears and anxiety. Should I still do the race? I prayed to God and found the peace to do it. “You will finish. You are strong. Be strong and courageous”. Strong is the word I kept hearing.

On January 16th I ran 5 miles for my very first run of the year. By the end of the month, I ran the #MiamiFamous Virtual Half Marathon and felt great for most of the race. At mile 10, while I was doing a recovery walk, I felt pain in my tendons, so I decided to do intervals—more running than walking. I was overly concerned as the Skydive Ultra 100-miler was only a week away. I even considered calling an Uber. But I pushed through to completion, with some additional mileage for or a total of 16.67.

Race day was here. I wanted to skydive when I turned 50 but didn\’t get a chance to do it. I\’m one who fear heights, yet I took a chance by participating in \”The world\’s only running race that starts with a skydive”: The Skydive Ultra in Clewiston, Florida.

I got on the plane and my instructor asked me if I wanted to deploy the parachute. I Did. I was the 2nd person to jump. I just looked down and jumped. I felt great free falling 14,000 ft. (4,267 Mts). The endorphins… Wow! After landing, it was time to run my hundred-miler.

Somewhere along the 100-mile route sporting her trademark million-dollar smile.

The loops were 7.25 miles. I met people along the way. My amazing crew of Monique and Gerda supported me with anything I needed. I had many fellow friends and runners who called to check on me through my crew and cheered me from afar. I ran strong with God\’s grace and power. I felt the prayers of my friends and family. Every mile I felt happier and stronger.

Mile 86 was a turning point in the race. This is where my entire body started to hurt. I had to summon my will power and remain focus on my faith. I had to dig really deep and from the kindness of friends to push through to the end. Marcus, a runner himself, who was working as the DJ for the event, was kind enough to help me run two loops through a very dark night. Monique walked 2.5 miles with me, and Gerda accompanied me the last two loops. She held my hands as I pushed through the pain. My left pinky toe had a big blister, which it caused me to slow down tremendously. Then, my left knee began to ache. I told Gerda that if I had to crawl to the finish line, I would.

I am grateful to God, for the prayers, persistence, perseverance through pressure and great support from my friends. I finished 101.50 miles, my first hundo in 33:29:38. I am forever grateful. Never, ever give up!

\”The most powerful tool you have to run long distance is your mind, and when you master it, the boundaries of your endurance disintegrate.\” Michael D\’Aulerio

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

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Dear New Running Shoes

by Adolfo Salgueiro | Jan 26, 2021 | Guest Perspective, Opinion, Reflection

By Michael D’Aulerio*

You may not understand what’s about to take place. There’s a great deal of wear and tear coming your way.

Ups and downs, countless miles, and a whole lot of struggle.

However, I can promise you that if you stick with me . . . in the end . . . when you are completely broken, worn down, and beaten . . . when layer upon layer comes off . . . a funny thing happens.

With less, you will feel more.

…and you will experience a profound wholeness that you never knew existed, safe and enclosed, back in your original little box.

It’s going to be a beautiful struggle of a journey, but a journey worth taking.

Will it be easy? No, every step can be a painful step to the finish.

But will it be worth it?

YES, every step of the way . . .

With much love and gratitude,

~The One from Above You, Running with You, Every Step of the Way

Published in this blog with permission from the author.
A passage from his new book “Mindful Ultramarathon Running”.

* Michael D’Aulerio is an accomplished ultrarunner and author. A dad, husband, sales professional, a brand ambassador athlete, and has completed over 50 ultras. You can follow him in Instagram at @longrunliving.

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Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run. NYC, September 25, 2011

by Adolfo Salgueiro | Sep 15, 2020 | Article, Guest Perspective, Opinion

By Rita Shea-Van Fossen

NOTE: Rita is a good friend who on 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, ran the Tunnel to Towers Run. This is the story of her experience. It is a bit long, but worth the read.

Stephen Stiller

What an AMAZING event!!!! I can honestly say the BEST 5K (actually, 3.3 miles) I have ever had the privilege of running. As a \”true\” runner, it has all the makings of a race you would hate – an outrageously expensive entry fee ($50 early registration for a 5K with no tech shirt – but a good cause!), way too many people – half of which are registered as walkers and most have probably not run a race before, no corrals to organize this mass of humanity and clearly the organizers were not runners. All of that didn\’t matter – it was still the best 5K ever and what an honor to run in the steps of and among true American heroes! If you ever get the chance – RUN THIS RACE!!

Rita has ran 2 marathons and 13 halves, but her favorite distance is 10 miles.

For those who do not know the story of this race, on September 11, 2001, after just after finishing an overnight shift at his firehouse in Brooklyn, Stephen Siller was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he heard on his scanner news of the World Trade Center disaster. Stephen immediately turned his car around and drove to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. With traffic at a standstill, Stephen got out of his car, strapped on 80 pounds of gear and ran through the tunnel. He eventually met up with his squad members as they rushed into the World Trade Center. Stephen Siller and ten other members of his Squad perished while saving the lives. Stephen is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their five children. The Stephen Siller FDNY “Let Us Do Good” Children’s Foundation pays tribute to all firefighters and everyone lost on September 11. The foundation has donated over four million dollars to various charities, including a burn center and Freedom Alliance’s Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to the children of members of the U.S. military who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. This race traces Stephen\’s steps and raises money for the charity named for him.

I am a native New Yorker (Queens) and knowing a few people who either just escaped or lost their lives on 9/11, this race has always been on my and hubby Bill\’s radar. This past summer, Bill twisted my arm and said, \”Why don\’t we do the Tunnel to Towers this year\”. I am so glad he did!! This is a race I will tell my grandchildren about (definitely a \”rocking chair memory\” as my mother-in-law would say).

Bill & I had a 4:30 AM wake-up call to make the 9:30 AM start of the race (you had to be on the shuttle bus or ferry by 7:30 AM due to the tunnel closure). We took the Path train out of Newark Penn Station (which is about 30 min. from our house). The Train reminded me of Broad Street Run in Philly. Three guys who were going to work and thousands of runners, more than half in their fire-fighting equipment on the train. The Linden (NJ) Fire department was on our train, a good 20-30 guys all in their gear. When we got to the World Trade Center stop a mass of humanity snaked around in an organized fashion to the buses. We saw fire fighters from London (yes, as in England), Ft Lauderdale, Long Beach, Louisville, KY; all over New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. We were just starting to feel what this race is all about. The bus ride to Brooklyn however reminded me, and several women I was sitting with, of the NYC marathon, being shuttled hours ahead of time to get to the start to wait around.

In Red Hook, Brooklyn still more walking to get to the start, but that was fine as it was a beautiful morning. Bill & I made our way to the start area about an hour or so before the start. We saw several the wounded warriors that were profiled on a national CBS special a few days before the race. After getting chased out of the start area we walked up the street a bit and took a seat and waited for the race to start. About 45 minutes before the race started, they did a ceremony honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11 and the soldiers lost since. I was almost in tears during the ceremony. Very moving and very appropriate for the day of remembrance & celebration. They had huge screens and speakers set up for almost a mile up to the starting line so folks could see the pre-race ceremonies.

At 9:00 they had a Rolling Thunder group and NYC\’s finest on motorcycles started the race with a handful of wounded warriors, some of whom are recipients of the Stephen Siller Foundation. Then 1600 cadets from West Point went through the Tunnel, another ceremony with some songs and the National Anthem, and then the start – more than 30,000 for a 5K. When this event started 10 years ago, 2,000 ran. This year was the largest ever! We figured the race would be like the 1st mile of Broad street, far from PR time and we would be lucky to run at all with all the people around. Since we were near the front, we were able to run right away when we hit the starting line. I was going to stay with Bill, but he just said \”go ahead\” – It felt good to stretch my legs a bit, so I headed off. The race snakes around for the first .3 of a mile or so, and you go right into the tunnel. Very cool coming into the Tunnel. They had the electric signs welcoming the runners and they had speakers set up and \”Proud to be an American\” blasting! Kids were darting for speed, but most people were singing & whenever the chorus hit. People were shouting and your body actually vibrated from the cheers – it was amazing! The tunnel is about 2 miles of the run and I settled in, just wanting to enjoy a new experience, running in a tunnel! It was hot and humid, but I couldn\’t complain because you kept passing people in full firefighting attire, complete with oxygen tanks! Downhill in the tunnel was awesome, and when you hit the straight away you just saw this mass of humanity in front of you! It was great and I barely felt the uphill side, which surprised me. They had music through most of the tunnel.

As you come out of the tunnel, that is when it was utterly amazing. You see the WTC site in front of you. They have firefighters and police in their dress blues, all lined up for almost half a mile each with banners for the 343 fire fighters who died on 9/11 and guys in kilts and bag pipes. Runners were high fiving the guys and thanking them for their service. I gladly joined in. I don\’t know who was enjoying it more: those of us running or the people holding the banners and cheering us on.

Banners for the 343 fire fighters who died on 9/11 are displayed for almost half a mile

My friend, Kate, lost her husband, Robert McPadden, a NYC fire fighter, that day. As I was going past, I noticed Bob\’s banner. I stopped, pulled my cell phone out and asked the young fire fighter holding the banner if I could take his picture. The young man didn\’t know Bob, but he was very gracious with this old lady stopping in the race and taking his picture. After that, I kept high-fiving, especially to the guys near the back of the line. Bill said when he passed them, there was a young woman running who stopped in front of one of the firemen and planted a big old kiss on the lips of the guy. The two fire fighters around him asked if he knew her and apparently, he didn\’t. He was as shocked as anyone. These are the reasons I LOVE NY!!

After the fire fighters, there was a water stop and you turned a corner towards the Hudson River. You’d think you are almost done, but there’s still about a mile to go. We went by the new 9/11 memorial and a 2nd memorial along the river. When I hit the river I looked to my left & there was a NYC fire boat with water guns flowing in front of the Statue of Liberty. An amazing site!

I felt good & kept running as you snaked around the esplanade and to West and Liberty streets to the finish. They had cheerleaders, bands, people rooting for you. Great support and motivation. I had about .3 to go as I passed one of the wounded warriors (with 1 leg) who was profiled on the local CBS affiliate that week. I gave him and his posse a cheer. The finish line was on West Street, which is where the party really began. I did 30:17 for 3.38 miles, so right at a 9 min/mile – a nice run for me. Bill did 37 Min and was more than happy with his run.

If you want to feel proud to be an American, something I know I needed, especially in those days, this is the race to run or volunteer for. Definitely a feel-good event and one that I am so happy I got the chance to do.

Rita Shea-Van Fossen, PhD is a Associate Professor of Management at Nova Southeastern University and ran her first 5K at 39. She has run two marathons (NJ and NYC) and 13 half marathons, but her favorite distance is 10 miles. Despite claiming to hate running, she keeps running for the health benefits and to spend time with her awesome running friends.

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500 Consecutive Days on the Run

by Adolfo Salgueiro | Sep 8, 2020 | Article, Guest Perspective, Opinion

By Lucy Chabot Reed

My return to running started on Feb. 16, 2019. That was the day of the Chris Hixon Memorial 5K. I couldn’t remember the last time I ran 3.1 miles, but it didn’t matter. Chris Hixon was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shootings and his wife, Debbie, had been a colleague of mine. Having a high-school-aged daughter myself, my heart was broken for Debbie, for the MSD kids, for all kids, for my country. This 5K was something I could do.

Lucy learned about streaking in Runners World magazine. She started and hasn’t stopped.

I ran/walked that 5K in an hour. Well, just under an hour because as we approached the finish line, the seconds were counting up and my friend and I sprinted for the finish — if you can call it a sprint — and we finished in 59:37. We celebrated!

A few months later, lounging on my bed, I read my very first copy of Runner’s World magazine. The cover story was about the magazine’s annual running streak, set to begin on Memorial Day and run through the Fourth of July — 41 days of running one mile every day.

Nutty, I thought. Who has the time to run every day? Who would want to? One sentence in that story jumped off the page: Run one mile every day for a year and watch your body change.

OK. That got me. I was at the heaviest weight I’d ever been (except when I was pregnant) and was eager for my body to change. I was willing to invest the year, and I couldn’t wait for Memorial Day to begin. I started the next day, April 27, 2019.

The first few days were more walking than running, but I did them. And they hurt a little. Why was I doing this again?

So I turned to the #RWrunstreak Facebook page and read about all the crazy streakers running through ice and snow, hitting 500 days, celebrating comma day, streaking for four years! They inspired me and kept me going. When streakers completed their runs with icicles hanging off their eyelashes, no way was I going to let a little warm South Florida rain break my streak.

I soon discovered that my streak worked best if I didn’t think about it first. So I woke up every morning, drink a glass of water, put on my running clothes and sneakers, and walk out the door. Before I can think too much about it or reason with myself to stay in bed, I’m running.

I also discovered — much less easily — that the same philosophy is true of everything in my life. If I stop analyzing things before I do them and just get started, I soon discover things get done. Every day, no matter what, I deserve those 10-15 minutes to myself, to get my heart beating, to be thankful that I can actually get up on my still healthy legs and move them the way I want. I didn’t consider myself a runner. I was just taking part in this gimmick, this streak. But I do consider myself a runner now. I’m not fast or graceful and stuff hurts most of the time, but I run, and that’s all it takes to be a runner.

My body has changed since I started running every day. Not right away, and to be honest, it wasn’t until I changed my diet (no sugar, no dairy) that the pounds fell off. I’ve lost 25 pounds this past year. It was running every day that made me want to stick to a food plan that makes me feel better.

Yesterday, Monday, September 7th, I celebrated Labor Day with my 500th consecutive day of running. Yes, every day. I don’t look too far out. I just run today, every day. It’s a habit now, like brushing my teeth. I don’t think about it; I just do it. And I can’t imagine a day when I won’t.

Post script: This story was written a few days before the completion of the 500 milestone. When I wrote to Lucy a couple of days prior to publication to confirm the streak was still alive, this was her answer: “Yup! I am out of town for the day and forgot my sneakers, so I ran my mile in my Birkenstock sandals this morning!! I\’ll do whatever it takes to keep my streak alive”.

Lucy Chabot Reed is a Fort Lauderdale-based journalist of more than 30 years. She started running in high school but only dabbled in it until starting her run streak. She now competes in triathlons.

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The Journey of a Six-Star Finisher

by Adolfo Salgueiro | Jul 22, 2020 | Article, Guest Perspective

By Starr Davis

Editorial note: Last week we talked about the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series. This week, my friend Starr Davis tells her account of achieving the milestone despite some physical problems she encountered along her journey.

For me, 2018 was the year of comebacks. In October 2017, I began having hip issues. Surgery was recommended to remove a bone spur and repair/replace the labrum. My surgeon and I decided because I had amazing marathons ahead of me, we would postpone surgery until after I finished them. Then, he would be able to repair any additional damage. We weren’t sure if this would end my running career. From October through December 2017, I ran the Chicago, Marine Corps, Berlin and Havana marathons, plus a 50K Ultra Marathon.

Starr at the iconic finish line of the Berlin Marathon.

Still postponing surgery, in April 2018, I was able to complete both the Boston and London Marathons. Boston was a challenge as temperatures were in the 30’s with constant rain. I wound up in 11 medical tents with hypothermia symptoms. However, because I had raised $6500 for charity from friends and I knew this was my one opportunity to do Boston, I finished the race.

Six days later, I ran the London marathon. The temperature was in the 80s. Between the contrast in weather and my hip, I wound up walking the marathon from mile 8. But I was totally overjoyed to complete two races in 6 days.

Three weeks later, I had hip surgery. I was truly fortunate that it was not as major as anticipated—the labrum wasn’t torn but had a bone spur sticking out of it that was labor intensive to remove. Of course, when I woke up, my first question was “when can I run?” I had been offered a sponsorship race entry to the NYC Marathon in November, and I really wanted to do it. I was told that running it would be impossible, but I should be able to walk it.

Receiving the coveted Six Starr medal after finishing Tokyo in 2019

Twenty-four weeks after surgery, I was able to walk the NYC marathon. My body had done so much better than I expected. There were hours and hours of therapy and minimal training. I feel so blessed to have been able to have the “perfect” conditions. I was joking with doctors that Boston was too cold and wet; London was too hot and finally, New York was “just right.” He has now nicknamed me “Goldilocks.”

I ran the Tokyo Marathon just March 3rd of this year, and it was epic, albeit miserable race conditions. It was 43 degrees with constant rain—but it was 8 degrees warmer than Boston and rain was coming straight down instead of at an angle.

Let’s focus on the good things. After Tokyo, I became an Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher. What does that mean? I am one of 4,989 people in the world who have successfully completed the six major world marathons: Berlin, Chicago, New York, Boston, London and Tokyo. Of these finishers, 1,376 are women and 929 are from the USA. I’m so over the moon that I was able to successfully complete this, especially as a 50-year old who overcame crazy health challenges.

That stretch of 19 months of running was amazing for me—they’ve given me the opportunity to meet amazing new people, travel to great locations and most importantly, change my attitude of what can be accomplished. I have changed my eating habits and developed a better relationship with myself. It’s amazing what running some miles can do for you.

Starr Davis is a lifelong educator who has a passion for helping others grow in their career. She earned the coveted Six-Starr medal in 2019. She lives in South Florida and is a newly retired marathon runner.

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