WORCESTER — Worcester has 26 residents running in this year’s Boston Marathon, which takes place on April 15.
The Worcester Guardian is putting the spotlight on these amazing runners leading up to this 128th historical race.
Here, we get to know Emily Myers, who is 33.
Reason for running: It’s good for my soul and makes me a better person. I started running in 2017 after leaving a very toxic and abusive relationship. Previous to this, I never had any interest in running or sports, but I found myself really depressed and lost and I needed something to motivate me. I was a 25-year-old mom of four kids, living in a shelter, working two jobs to save up for a place of our own, after leaving that relationship.
Most days I was terribly overwhelmed and for an hour or two out of the day running was my release from the pressures of life. When I was running, the only thing I focused on was that. I liked the way it pushed me to keep going. I liked how I could show up at the bike path near our shelter and decide who I was going to be for that run.
Growing up in and out of foster care and youth programs, people tell you who you’re going to be and that none of it is good. Being a teen mom, society tells you how low the bar is and that you’re somehow a failure. Abusers tell you you’re nothing without them and that you’re incapable of anything outside of what they have to offer. None of those things mattered when I was running. I was just this girl with a cheap pair of sneakers, trying to push for more.
Running changed my perspective on life. It taught me that if I want more for myself I have to train harder and give it all I got. It taught me to take one mile at a time, to pace myself, and to trust my body. It gave me a foundation to build myself back up.
Through numerous jobs, moves, and life transitions I kept running.
During the pandemic, I moved back to Worcester with my kids and became an EMT for a company in the city. That year we worked a detail in Natick for the Boston Marathon at mile 13. Watching runners from all over the world run this route was powerful. I knew it was something I had to do and I had to find a way in. I promised myself someday I would run it. In 2022, I joined the Department of Corrections.
Everyone has their reasons for running, whether it’s for a noble cause or because they have something they feel like they need to prove to the universe, either way you can feel the positive energy radiating during the marathon and I’m excited to experience that again. I feel very lucky that my department supports me and made this opportunity available and I’m proud of the 25-year-old girl who picked up a pair of running shoes and who ran her first mile back in 2017.
Marathon history: During my first year, I was able to win a spot for the 2023 Boston Marathon. It was tough; I had never run farther than 16 miles for fun but I jumped into training and it was such an incredible experience. I was able to see my kids at the finish line and not only tell them but show them that with hard work, consistency and hope, your dreams are achievable.
The place that I started at, the person I was when I first started running, seems like a whole other lifetime ago. I’ve run hundreds of miles since then. I’ve traveled all over Massachusetts for races and ran some of the most beautiful routes. Being physically fit and capable has helped me a great deal as an officer who responds to daily staff assaults, fights, and violence at work. Running has helped me reach my full potential and given me an opportunity to show myself and my kids that I have what it takes to push us farther into a life where we can be safe and happy.
This year’s training has been tough. It’s been a lot of freezing early mornings, a lot of planning in between my kids’ life, and I’ve been very lucky to have the support of my family and friends so that I can do my long runs and be ready for April.
Biggest inspiration for running: My children. I want to give them a strong mom.
Favorite after-race treat: Chocolate milk and pretzels!
Gatorade or water? Half and half
Favorite part of the race: Turning the corner onto Boylston Street; the energy is incredible!
Training tip: Trust your body, and get comfortable in the push.
Sneaker choice: Brooks Glycerine
Biggest distraction/obstacle: Making time for long runs in a busy week
Are you running the 2024 Boston Marathon? We’d love to feature you, too. Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
