LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) – A Lawton native will run 26.2 miles through New York City this November, saying the race is about more than crossing the finish line.<\/p>\n
Shalyn Bowles said running for veterans is what inspired her to take on the New York City Marathon.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest thing that inspired me to do it is because I get to run for Veterans this time around. My papa is actually the biggest inspiration for me as well as my nanny. My papa was a Vietnam Veteran as well as he served many years after that until he retired. He has inspired me to keep pushing and to reach my goals every day,\u201d Bowles said.<\/p>\n
For many, running 26 miles is hard enough, but for the New York City Marathon, the race starts with trying to get in.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is actually incredibly hard to get into the New York City Marathon. You either qualify through the marathon lottery system, or you qualify through a charity bib. I was researching and I was going through different charities and seeing what stood out to me and honestly Team Red, White, and Blue stood out to me in so many ways. Being in Lawton, Ft. Sill I am surrounded by military families and veterans every day. I just want to run to make a difference in their lives. Team Red, White, and Blue is a leading organization in bettering the mental and physical health of Veterans all over the country. It gives them an option for whenever they leave service to find a community to help them with transitioning from military life to everyday life,\u201d Bowles said.<\/p>\n
Earning a spot at the starting line may be tough, but Bowles said having a community behind her makes every mile getting there a little easier.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so easy to quit. But once you push yourself past that first mile and you keep going and you keep thinking of the people around you that are supporting you along the way. I have so many in the community that are constantly asking how is the training going, how\u2019s the fundraising going, are you doing okay, do you need anything? And that is what makes the biggest difference,\u201d Bowles said.<\/p>\n
With the marathon now within reach, Bowles said she thinks about the younger version of herself who first imagined making it this far.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to look back on her and tell her that you can do hard things. It is so easy to give up but when you push yourself and you put your mind to it. You can really achieve anything,\u201d Bowles said.<\/p>\n
Bowles has raised more than $1,200 toward her $3,000 goal, which she hopes to reach by November. Those who want to support her journey can donate online, with proceeds benefiting Team Red, White & Blue.<\/p>\n
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