We have a runner, and that runner is in the building is…. Ms. Mary Wike. Ms. Wike is a marathon runner, who is doing a “Thirty for Thirty” challenge. That means, she runs a marathon every year until she turns thirty. But, she had to have the practice to prepare and execute her plan. So, how did she start?

Ms. Wike started running when she joined track in Middle School. Ever since, she really enjoyed the feeling of running. She started running marathons in 2021, when she was 26 years old. In total, she’s completed 28 marathons. That means she only has two more until she completes her goal! Her next goal is to run half a marathon in EACH state. Now that’s a great goal. Even after her marathons, she doesn’t stop running and take a break. She makes sure to practice daily so she gets better and better for each marathon. She tries to run 6 miles every time she goes on a run, but did you know that the longest she has run for was 21 miles? Wow! When she runs, she likes to run in the trails or in the woods on a nice cool evening when it’s 60 degrees–not too hot, nor not too cold.

Ms. Wike likes running, but she has had her moments when she wanted to give up. She would never give up because of her goal and because of how much time she put into running. She doesn’t want to just lose all of her hard work and dedication to running, so she didn’t let her negative thoughts win and she pushed through. Since she loves to run and never let her negative thoughts win, she has some advice for you if you want to start running. Ms. Wike said, “Be persistent and it’s not very fun, but once it’s a habit, it will be more enjoyable.” I mean, we all can take this good advice from the expert.

We hope Ms. Wike keeps on running no matter what life throws at her. We know she will succeed in her goal “thirty for thirty” and her next goal after that. We would like to thank Ms. Wike for taking the time to sit with us and give us this information. Good luck with everything you set out to accomplish! We will cheering for you.