Charlie Johnson
In February 2008 I went for a run to clear my head. I went 20 miles and felt great. When I told my mother how far I had gone she suggested running a marathon. Two weeks later I ran Napa Valley and was hooked. Since that first marathon my mom has only missed a handful of shorter-distance races and has come to all 30-plus marathons. This woman who raised four children on her own and is my hero, sees me as a hero as well. Her and my older sister (who has only missed a handful of races/marathons herself) are more vital to my running than shoes and their unwavering support motivates me to be a better runner, person, and ambassador for the sport that has brought my family closer together.