Team Hope For The Warriors®

Team Hope For The Warriors ® Profile: Sara Ford

2012 Footprints:

New York City Run Anyway Marathon

Team Member Since: 2011

Have You Always Been a Runner?

I have never considered myself a runner. It is just something that I enjoy to do and every once in a while I want to push myself with a race. I had always wanted to run a marathon but the most I had ever run in my own was six miles.  It wasn't until the spring of 2006 when my boyfriend, now husband, was deployed to Iraq and I figured I had the time to train while he was gone.  I was able to do my weekly workouts on my own and then share in the experience of running long runs with others. Since my boyfriend was in the Marines I choose to run the Marine Corps Marathon. 

What Made You Want To Become Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

After seeing many friends run the ING New York City Marathon, I knew that race was on my bucket list.  In 2011, I decided that 2012 was going to be the year I was going to run NYC.  My husband was no longer in the Marine Corps but many friends and family either are or have served and wanted to give back.  I looked into many charities and found Hope For The Warriors®.  I chose them because of all the programs they offer not only to the service members but how they also help the families.  A moment that always stays in my mind is when I went to visit my husband one last weekend he had leave before he deployed.  As we drove to the entrance of the base the fences were lined with posters and banners saying "Welcome home Daddy/Mommy."  My eyes welled up.  I just had to take care of myself while my husband was gone.  I didn't have children to be strong for or take care of while my husband was away.  My heart went out to those that had children and others they had to take care of and be strong for.  So when I decided to run the ING NYC Marathon, I looked for a charity that would give back to service members and their families.  That’s when I contacted Team Hope For The Warriors®. I wanted to run this time in honor of those what have served and those still serving as well as for the families that serve at home in support of their loved ones.

What Has Been Your Favorite Part Of Being Part Of The Team?

I didn't get an opportunity to meet with my Team members during training, but my Team Captain always checked in to see how I was doing and willing to help or answer any questions I may have.  Then Hurricane Sandy hit.  I had really mix feelings on running and was going back and forth on what to do. The emails from my Teammates I hadn't met yet were such great support.  I made the decision that I was going to run and the support from the Team was fantastic!  So I chose to run in Central Park.  I did the four laps and an extra 1.8 miles to complete my full Marathon and although my time will never be recorded I am so happy I ran.  I had a personal record time!  My family still came from Virginia and Florida to watch and cheer me on even though I was still without power. The amount of others who also choose to run and the New Yorkers who came to watch and hand out water and snacks was amazing.  It felt like a real marathon.