Coach Kevin's Running Blog: Team McGraw - Her Tough is Tougher

Heroes

I have had many heroes. Growing up they were astronauts and athletes. More and more I find that my true heroes are those that face life head-on despite whatever obstacles are placed in their way. My running and coaching with Team McGraw has surrounded me with an amazing group of warriors. Patients, caregivers, family and friends who deal with brain tumors.

One runner on my Hero list is Jen McDevitt. Jen is a wife, mom, marathoner, Team McGraw member, brain tumor survivor. And one of the toughest people I have ever met. Jen will be running the Chicago Marathon with Team McGraw on Sunday. She has run several marathons since being diagnosed with a brain tumor 5 years ago. She has trained and competed WHILE undergoing radiation and chemo. Yesterday she provided me with an amazing dose of perspective. I thank her for reminding me of real struggles and true courage.

Here is the text she sent me yesterday... 6 days before the marathon.

Jen: "Coach, don't be mad but my schedule has been crazy and i had to get in my long run today. I also had a chemo session scheduled. So I just RAN the 11 miles to the hospital for my chemo. Don't worry... i will get a ride home."

Kevin: (speechless and completely humbled)

Here is the link to the "Today Show" feature from NYC Marathon in 07: Jen on Today Show

Thank you Jen.

767 Views Tags: training, running, life, triathlon, daily-musings, marathon, endurance, chicago_marathon, runner, exercise, tug_mcgraw_foundation, team_mcgraw, new_york_city_marathon

Oct 7, 2008 1:01 PM

Diane Bier says:

ok - to humble you even more, a couple of weeks after Jen had surgery (and still had stiches in) in July/Aug 2008, she had a long run to do and did the exact same thing, ran 12 miles to the hospital.

She is probably one of the toughest individuals that I know. Amazing doesn't even cut it - that putting things mildly. I will never forgot when I first read her bio last year with the 2007 NYC Team. Running 5 marathons in a couple years was incredible and doing them all on chemo was just amazing. I applaud her efforts.

I also tell everyone I know that has brain cancer/tumor about her. She gives hope and inspiration to people - to those that are newly dx'ed and to those that have been fighting and that if she can do it, so can they.

Jen is an example how important TMF is.

Diane

Oct 7, 2008 6:24 PM

DCtoPgh says:

Just incredible. Thank you so much for sharing. As an endurance athlete, because of the volume of training, there are always days where it's tough to get out for another run. This really puts it in perspective and I hope I remember it the next time I feel tired, sick or busy (all of those being relative). Good luck and happy running. ~Kat

Oct 7, 2008 7:17 PM

Jen McDevitt says:

Okay...so what do they say..."when life gives you lemons...make lemon-lime gatorade!!!! It is easy to say that it was no big deal to do that run yesterday but everytime that I do something crazy like that it confirms that I am kickin' some tumor butt! We should all face Sunday (Chicago and New York...or both) with some kick butt attitude!

Now seriously...go run your brains out!!! That is everyone but me...I have to work with what I have left (hee hee hee)

'Ya Gotta Believe

Oct 10, 2008 7:21 AM

hunn07 says in response to Jen McDevitt:

Jen- I don't know you personally but I think of you when I run. I use you as an inspiration every time I wonder if I will be able to make that last mile and I know if you can do it over and over I better buck up;) You rock! Thank you for helping me remember every day what life is about!

Oct 14, 2008 6:50 PM

Nadene Murphy says:

I thought Jen was amazing before I'd even met her last year!! She's an inspiration and I thought about her and this story every time my run felt tough this past weekend.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting new teammates in New York! Congrats on last week's marathon Chicago team!

Nadene