As we gear up for the excitement of the Boston Marathon®, we’re highlighting each of the athletes our team chose to head to Beantown! We received so many heartfelt stories from applicants, and it was excruciatingly difficult to only pick 13. Each story truly inspired us, and we think they’ll inspire you too! While we’re still weeks out from the race, we wanted to share each person’s story before the big day.
After several years of setbacks, including a biking accident and two surgeries, iFIT member William Barron is finally set to race the Boston Marathon®!
William’s story
A quest without overcoming setbacks is simply a journey. My Boston Marathon® quest has eclipsed more than four years, and the desire to compete is as intense now as when it started. I’m a 64-year-old male, two-time Ironman finisher, two-time USAT Duathlon TEAM USA ITU finisher, and longtime iFIT member. iFIT and NordicTrack have been key in my rehabilitation and continued quest to run Boston.
While training for the California International Marathon to qualify for the 124th Boston Marathon®, I was hit by a car on a bike day (my running day off). The impact threw me and my bike over the hood of the car, and I landed unceremoniously as a lump on the ground behind the vehicle. The emergency room was surprised I wasn’t in a more compromised state. However, my right knee was torn up and required surgery. So, the California race and a Boston chance were lost for at least a year.
Recovery was slow and methodical, primarily utilizing my iFIT and NordicTrack equipment and a lot of mindless aqua jogging and whirlpool therapy. The ability to manage elevation and pace via iFIT and running several of the Boston virtual courses was invaluable. A little over a year after the accident and surgery, I was lining up to start the 2019 Detroit Marathon. I crossed the line with a top 10 age group finish and an age group Boston qualifying time of 3:46:44. I was excited about the real possibility of grasping a qualifying spot for the 125th Boston.
Then came COVID-19, and we all wisely dropped back into maintenance training. Boston Marathon® officials re-opened the registration for the 125th race, and my hopes to compete in the race soared. However, the race officials announced a hard pace cut-off for all age groups, and my time didn’t make the cut. To add another hurdle, the impacted knee failed and needed additional surgery, resulting in the removal of all but 20% of my meniscus and scar inducement for a case of femoral spontaneous osteonecrosis.
These events had significantly clouded my running future. It’s not what you can’t do; it’s what you can do. While I reluctantly transitioned from triathlons and endurance running to aqua-cycling, the desire to run Boston is as hot as ever. To train for and participate in the 125th Boston, despite the obstacles I’ve encountered, is an amazing dream come true. This race could very well be the last long-distance race in which I’m able to compete. It is so very special to run the 125th Boston and proudly represent iFIT along the way. Thank you for giving athletes like me the rare opportunity to grab the dreams we train so hard for. Be bold and never fear the dream.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.
