by: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
With the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon® Weekend presented by State Farm coming up this week, we’re featuring Tammy Cate who has been a member of the Race to End Duchenne team for over 10 years and is tackling her first marathon!
Meet Tammy
Why did you choose to join the Race to End Duchenne team?
I wanted to do something to help End Duchenne and I wanted a way to do that with my son. However, I was not a runner at all. Our family loves Disney so joining a Disney race seemed like a good way to start.
How many races have you participated in?
That’s a great question. I’ve not really kept count. I have done several races over the years whether in-person or virtual since my son’s diagnosis in May of 2012. As a family, we have done Disney 3 times, and this will be the 4th 5K altogether. I have done the half twice, the 10K once and the 5K 3 times. My son, Seth, will be joining me for the first time this year in the half as my amazing sister and I push him in the race. This year will be my first year doing Dopey at Disney – 5K, 10K, half and full. It will be my first ever full marathon.
How do you prepare for races?
I follow training programs some experienced Dopey racers have done. I follow those programs, pray, and will be practicing pushing my son’s new race chair with weight where he would sit so, I am ready for that extra weight on the half.
Do you have any fundraising and/or training tips or pointers you would share with other runners – either advice someone gave you or you’ve discovered on your own?
As far as fundraising, start early and think of several ideas. My sister has been helping us with ideas. We have set up an online store with merchandise that involves a logo for Team Seth that Seth created. We have used restaurants for fundraisers and events as well. PPMD is a great source of help in addition to trying things on your own. As far as running, I am no runner so don’t have much advice. The thing that has motivated me the most is as I get exhausted and think I can’t take another step; I think of my son and how he must feel every day and how he wants to do what I am trying to do. I will do whatever I can for him. With God’s help, you can do much more than you think you can. Of course, we will see how all that works in January!
What will be the first thing you do when you finish your next race?
I am glad you say “when”, because sometimes I think “if”. Thank God, cry with joy, and hug my son who I am doing this for. Then, I will hand over the medals to him. After that, I may need a long nap, however, my family has plans to explore the parks at Disney instead. After a short celebration, we will be finding other ways to fight to end Duchenne and planning the next one, but maybe not a marathon.
Join Tammy in the Race to End Duchenne
Race to End Duchenne is Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy’s signature program that raises funds to support our mission to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy. When you join the Race to End Duchenne you are supporting PPMD’s vital work in advancing research, care, and advocacy to help those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. Join the team at one of our upcoming races!
