Featured Chobaniac: Michelle W.

There’s nothing we love more than an inbox full of notes from our incredible fans and customers, and we’re particularly excited when we get to read stories like Michelle’s. This mother of 6 is a marathon mogul and has run 18 marathons since January. Each of her marathon times has been below the 4 hour mark (six Boston qualifying times), with the exception of one marathon which was right at 4 hours. We hope you find her story as inspiring as we did!

Shoot us an email if you’re interested in taking part in the “Featured Chobaniac” series. We’d love to share your story with friends far and wide. And without further ado, meet Michelle!

{Click Read More for the full dose of Monday motivation!}

Because my main protein source comes from Chobani, I wanted to share my personal story with you. I average three yogurts per day - Black Cherry and Peach are my favorites! Thank you for providing me with the perfect combination of protein and calcium to aid my body in both the performance and recovery phases of my marathons!

“You have how many kids?” is the normal response I get when I meet people for the first time. Yes, being the mother of a half dozen children, ages 17 to 3, tends to raise a few eyebrows. When people learn how many marathons I run, they are really shocked; wondering how I juggle the responsibilities of a large family with the challenges of marathon training.

Running is my oxygen mask. It’s the weapon I use to handle the stress in my life. Occasionally, being the mother of six leaves me feeling overwhelmed and overextended. Running is the one activity that allows me to have a sliver of time to myself. Often, it is the only time during the week in which I can hear my own thoughts. While running, I prioritize my “to do” lists; plan my family’s schedule; and think about each child’s needs.

How did I get involved in marathon running? I don’t have an amazing transformation story to tell. I have been passionate about fitness since my teenage years. I have worked out religiously all of my adult life, exercising right up until the day of delivery with all six of my pregnancies. Six years ago, I joined my husband as he began a training program for his first marathon. Little did I know that I would learn to fall in love with the marathon distance and it’s endless challenges.

Three years ago, I had my sixth child. Although I opted not to run marathons during this pregnancy, I picked up my training shortly after my son’s delivery. In the past five years, I have run a total of 45 marathons in 37 different states. My family supports and encourages me to pursue my goal of the completion of a marathon in each of the 50 states plus DC. I hope to see my dream fulfilled by the fall of 2013. Soon, I will also tackle my goal of running a marathon on each of the seven continents. In February, I am taking a week long trip to the Southern Hemisphere where I will run marathons in both Chile and Antarctica.

Another unique feature of my personal marathon story is the history of my race times. Over time (and the more marathons I run), I seem to be consistently improving my race times. I have diligently worked to reduce my marathon finish times in hopes of one day qualifying for Boston. It took me more than 30 marathons and a little over five years to get my times down to the Boston qualification standards. In the past three months, I have run Boston qualifying times at five different marathons.

As a woman who made the choice to leave a promising career 15 years ago to stay home with my children, I want to encourage others to never lose sight of their own dreams. The tangible, measurable goal that I am accomplishing through my marathon running has increased my self-esteem. The renewed sense of zest for life that I have gained through the fulfillment of this dream has benefitted not only me but my family.

The next time you are on a plane, listen closely. In the event of an emergency, it is always advised that you, the adult, put on your oxygen mask before your child’s. As I check off marathons in each state, I am putting on my oxygen mask. I am more mentally and physically nourished. I am better able to give my best to my husband and six children.