Christy prepares for Boston Marathon – The Robesonian
Christy prepares for Boston Marathon The Robesonian
LUMBERTON — This Patriots’ Day, a familiar name in Robeson County will be among the nearly 30000 runners participating in the world’s oldest marathon in …
Christy
Jonathan Bym | The Robesonian File Photo Windy Christy crosses the finish line to win the women’s division of the Rumba on the Lumber 5K. She will participate in the Boston Marathon on April 15.
LUMBERTON — This Patriots’ Day, a familiar name in Robeson County will be among the nearly 30,000 runners participating in the world’s oldest marathon in less than two weeks.
Lumberton resident Windy Christy is preparing to take part in the 2019 Boston Marathon on April 15 after competing in just four other long-distance races in her life.
“I think it’s just one of those races that, if you’re a runner, you really enjoy it—you’re competitive and want to make it to that next level where you have to actually push yourself to qualify for something,” Christy said about tackling the 26-plus mile course.
“Even if you qualify, you’re not guaranteed to get in….you still have to apply, so it’s pretty intense.”
To be considered for the field, hopeful runners must engage in an accepted qualifying race and finish in a respectable time based on their respective age group. Christy participated in the Wrightsville Beach Marathon last year and met the necessary requirements that afforded her the opportunity to be a part of a world-renowned event.
Though she considers herself a competitor and says it’s a “dream” to be racing against some of the world’s best, Christy’s primary motivation to run is much more holistic.
“Probably 90-plus percent is health and wellness…both mental and physical,” she said. “You can do it anywhere, you just need shoes.”
Christy also says she’s running for her most ardent supporters and friends, none of whom are more enthusiastic than her husband Dick Christy, the director of athletics at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
“He’s always my biggest encourager and fan in [racing] and all other things in life,” said Christy. “When I told him this is what I wanted to do he was like, ‘Let’s do it!’”
She mentioned a specific instance in which Dick made signs and even rode a bicycle in efforts to cheer her on during her first marathon race in Raleigh.
“When I see him, it gives me a little burst of energy,” she said.
Asked if he will also accompany her for a 900-mile trip to Boston, Christy cheerfully exclaimed, “Oh, yeah, absolutely.”
She says the race provides an opportunity to exhibit the principles that have dictated a rewarding lifestyle thus far.
“For me, honestly, it just shows if you put your mind to something, believe in yourself and put the work in, then I can do it,” she said. It just kind of reiterates my own mantras, meanings and purpose in more than just running.”
Christy’s group starts the marathon at 10:50 a.m.
Donnell Coley can be reached at 910-416-5165 or by email at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter: @Sportsinmyveins.