Jeanne Martin has a very special relationship with a young girl named Brinley. Part of the I Run 4 organization, Jeanne dedicates each of her runs to Brinley, a vibrant, lively girl who has been diagnosed with spina bifida.
When Jeanne was 43 years old, her and her sister conquered the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
After the Mini-Marathon, she joined a Facebook group called “I Run4 Michael”, a community organization of runners who dedicate their runs/workouts to someone who can’t, bringing a level of purpose and commitment to a whole new life. The group also creates meaningful, long-lasting friendships with buddies and provides hope, support, and inspiration. Jeanne was inspired and in awe of the buddies in the group and hearing the stories of runners running for those who can’t. She was determined to be paired with a buddy of her own.
One day in 2019, something incredible happened. Brinley’s dad posted an unforgettable video of her walking with a homemade walker made of PVC pipe from the school bus to the front of her school.
“I am just filled with emotion every time I see that little, tiny girl, trying so hard, and fighting for each and every step and the pure excitement pouring out of her once she finally made it to the door. WOW,” Jeanne said. “In March 2019, that little girl’s victory became the drive behind every single mile I walked or ran, or jogged (or crawled), they were in her honor.”
That year during the Mini-Marathon, Jeanne left her running group and decided to conquer the 13.1 miles on her own. It was not an easy feat though, as she battled the rain, puddles, and soaking wet feet. She recalls even crying during mile 10, as she didn’t think she could finish the race because it seemed so hard. But then she wondered if her pain came close to the pain Brinley endured in her walk.
“That memory and a little extra CrossFit training sealed the deal,” Jeanne said. “I was going to finish it strong and running the entire time.”
With the permission of Brinley’s parents, Jeanne wrote her a thank you letter and sent her a bag of goodies from the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo, as well as her shirt and medal from the race.
“I just wanted her to know how amazingly special she is and how her story and her life are so impactful for others.”
“From then on, if I ran a 5K, 10K, or anything involving a medal, I send her the goodies and the winnings. But the Mini-Marathon, that’s the special one because that’s the longest distance I’ve ever done or have any desire to ever do. I am hoping someday I’ll be able to take her on that journey with me, by pushing her in a stroller and having her there to cross that finish line together!”