Beth's Story

Beth Grys Antonius – No Boundaries Summer 2012

" I signed up for Fleet Feet No Boundaries one year after having my second baby. I was overweight, tired and housebound with two little kids. I decided I needed a goal for MYSELF. I could not run around the block let alone a 5K, but saw a notice for No Boundaries and it piqued my interest. I decided it was exactly what I needed and signed up. I was very nervous the first night in Delaware Park, but saw other men and women of all shapes and all different levels participating. I decided I COULD DO THIS. With Anne Marie and crew reminding me I could, I set out for my first run....halfway around the loop and back....I met a few ladies who were about my pace and trained all season with them. They helped motivate me to keep going - that is the best part about group training. I finished the Linda Yalem 5K that September 2012 and survived. I did it with the help of Fleet Feet and my pace ladies in the group. Over Thanksgiving, I ran the Turkey Trot and thought- hey I just ran 5 miles, maybe I can do a half marathon. I emailed Ann Marie to see what she thought and she encouraged me to go for it! 

In January 2013, I started my 16 week half marathon training program for the Buffalo Half Marathon with Fleet Feet. By the luck of the draw, I received entry into the NYC half in March so I had 10 weeks to train. I followed my revised training program in the distance program closely and attended all my Saturday group runs. The week day runs prepared me for the Saturday distance groups runs. The distance runs prepared me for the 13.1 miles. Both were equally important to me. Once again, I found a great group of ladies at my pace and trained with them.

As I stood in the cold on that 30 degree St. Patricks Day morning in NYC, I felt very proud of myself for coming as far as I had. I lost 25 pounds in during my training and I was about to run my first half marathon. The race started and I was off. I was overwhelmed by tears crossing the start line, but reminded myself not to cry- I needed all the oxygen and energy for the 13.1 miles ahead of me. I got a hold of myself and ran. I would like to say I ran like the wind, but at a ten minute average mile, that was not the case. I finished my first half marathon in a time of 2 hours 11 minutes. I was exhausted and cold at the end and couldn't wait to sit down but I did it!

I have since run 4 more half marathons this year, Buffalo, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Niagara Falls. I have my medals in my drawer and my bibs all saved up. My husband thinks I run for the tees, maybe I do. Anne Marie reminds me about that first day at NOBO when I said I hate running. I still kind of do, but love the feeling when I complete my goal or my race. It is very rewarding. I would not have been possible if I did not run with Fleet Feet and the group. My next goal is a full marathon. I have received guarantee entry into the 2014 NYC Full Marathon in November 2014. I am excited and nervous, but I know I will be back with Fleet Feet on Saturday mornings. Once again, they will help me achieve my new goal.