Twelve Reasons to Believe: Ironfriends

Published: December 16, 2012  ~   0
By Laura Edwards

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The following is third in a 12-post series.

Four years ago, Taylor touched countless hearts with her courageous turn as a member of the Girls on the Run program at her school. Today, that particular story continues to inspire others; last month, it went viral when Gap Inc. and Athleta featured it on their blogs.

Though her spirit remains strong, Taylor is no longer able to run; that’s why I’m more grateful than ever for all those who carry the torch for her today.

My friends, Amy and Parker Marsh, have twice finished Half Ironman races (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, 13.1-mile run) in my little sister’s honor. To train for the races, they endured countless early-morning lake swims, 60-mile rides and nine-mile runs before work in order to get themselves ready. They did “two-a-days” three to four times a week. And along the way, they raised money for Taylor’s Tale and our fight against Batten disease – about $1,500 in all.

The Marshes aren’t the only ones who’ve raced for Taylor. From the bottom of my heart, thanks to anyone who’s ever donned a swimsuit or running/walking shoes or climbed on a bike in my sister’s name.

You know who you are.

You give me reason to believe.

Ironman 70.3 Miami: Less than 36 Hours to Go!

Published: October 28, 2011  ~   0
By Laura Edwards
on the road to Miami

The Marshes’ view earlier today, somewhere in South Carolina

Early this morning in Charlotte, NC, Amy and Parker Marsh loaded their car, racked their bikes and set out for Miami, FL. On Sunday morning, they and 2,500 others will compete in the Ironman 70.3, a grueling test of endurance and will that begins with a 1.2-mile open water swim, followed by a 56-mile bike ride and finally ends with a 13.1-mile run through Miami proper. Though the Marshes have competed in numerous triathlons and half-marathons, this will be their first half Ironman. And they’ll be doing it for children fighting Batten disease.

During the journey to south Florida earlier today, Amy shared her pre-race thoughts with me via a text message:

We are excited that our big race day is finally here but are a bit sad that all of the training and preparation is coming to an end. We are hopeful that the race goes smoothly – no flat tires! 

We have been thinking about Taylor and will continue to think of her throughout our race. Every stroke we swim, pedal we push and step we run will be for her and other children with Batten disease.

In addition to promoting awareness of Batten disease, Amy and Parker have asked friends and family to donate to Taylor’s Tale in honor of their first-ever Ironman 70.3. They’ve already raised $860, meaning they are just $140 away from their $1,000 goal!

I think we can help the Marshes achieve their goal before the race begins on Sunday morning. Please consider giving at least $10 in support of the months and months of hard work Amy and Parker put into getting ready for their big day on behalf of children like Taylor! If just 14 people can spare $10, they’ll make their goal!

Click here to donate now. Thank you for your support, and best of luck to Amy and Parker!