Runner’s World+ Member: Rosemarie Levy
Rosemarie is a Runner’s World+ member. Join her and thousands of others chasing their goals with day-by-day training plans, expert advice from editors and coaches, and unlimited digital access. We regularly feature members online and in print.
Running has taught me that I’m not the girl who gives up when faced with a challenge. I’ve learned that the journey to success often requires risk, determination, and a willingness to fail. I’ve gained the confidence to try new things, be a team player and own my accomplishments.
The RW+ community is the best! I upgraded my subscription to RW+ when I started training for the 2020 Boston Marathon because I knew I’d find the support, motivation, and community I was looking for. I particularly like Coach Jess Movold: her Instagram workouts keep me feeling fit and her positive outlook is infectious.
I will never forget the day in 2000 when I was awakened by the sounds of cowbells and cheers outside my apartment window. I looked out and saw hundreds of half marathoners running past. At the time, I was 24 years old and undergoing chemo for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I remember crying, thinking I’d never be able to do something so physically demanding. It wasn’t until twelve years later that I started running as a way to have some time to myself. In 2015, I ran that half marathon, and I blew a kiss to my old apartment window as I breezed by, rejoicing in how far I’ve come. Running reminds me that my body is capable of amazing things.
My favorite place to run is at the Jersey shore. I’m the youngest of 10 kids and have spent nearly every summer of my life vacationing there. Both of my parents have passed away but my siblings and I still go there with our families. When I run alongside the ocean and the boardwalk, I feel connected to my parents, my siblings, my husband, and children. I can picture my father walking on the beach with his camera at dawn, hear my mother exclaiming in the late-afternoon waves, and it’s as though they are with me and my siblings, husband and children, celebrating another summer at the beach. In that beautiful setting, with memories in my mind and my family waiting to greet me upon my return, I am whole.
My Brooks Launch 7 St. Patrick’s Day edition sneakers gave me all the luck I needed during my last marathon. I also love Sweaty Bands nonslip headbands. They keep my hair out of my face and there are so many patterns to choose from.
I’m the youngest of 10 kids.
Old goal: Qualify for and run Boston—accomplished in 2017 and 2020!
New goal: Run smarter so that I can continue running for many years.
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