Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Medical Advisory Board
A while back, I wrote an article about the journey of a woman going from “Treadmill to Marathon.” At that time, I used the pseudonym “Julie” for the woman in the 2021 article. Recently, I encountered Jeannine, the actual name of the Marathon Lady that I interviewed years ago, whose story she splendidly recounted. She gave me permission to use her name: I asked her…
‘How do you remember your first marathon?’
“Back in 2019 when I crossed the finished line in Central Park, NYC, I was ecstatic, jumping up and down in sheer delight. I did it! I did it! I’m proud of myself. I did it! Since that time, running has become an important part of my life”
‘In what way?’
“Running helps me set goals, focus, and so to speak, ‘run’ to achieve them. After a stressful week at work, I’ve found that running makes me unwind. It helps me step away from work, and look at the big picture. Of course, it helps to keep me in shape, and it has reminded me to follow a healthy diet as well.”
‘How active have you been?’
‘I have run six marathons since my first marathon, one of which was in Chicago. Usually, I run one marathon a year. But this September, I’ll be vacationing in Europe. While in Vienna, I plan to run the marathon, just outside the city. Come November 2025, I plan to compete in the New York Marathon.
‘Impressive. Anything else?’
“I’ve run seventeen recognized, half marathons (13.1miles) over the past five years, continue to run on the treadmill, and work out with my personal trainer on a weekly basis. I’ve participated in numerous 5K races. Oh yes, in August of this year, I competed in a sponsored 12K race in New York City; and I finished first, beating sixty eight other athletes in my age group.”
‘Quite a transformation from the time you were sitting behind a desk in your office?’
“As I said, it’s an important part of my life.”
Her achievements speak for themselves. Jeannine’s journey reflects more than physical fitness. It highlights how determination, goal-setting, and resilience can transform not just a body — but a persona!
Once shackled to an office chair, she has evolved into a new version of herself. She has become a model of how everyday people can break free, and achieve their full potential. In Jeannine’s case, she developed into an elite athlete.
Also, her story emphasizes that progress is built one disciplined step at a time—on the treadmill, in the race, and in life. The 26.2 mile race (twenty six), and the work ethic it entails, has brought the Marathon Lady a deep sense of inner joy and fulfillment.
Addendum
An important part of this article is to read the reference below, which is actually Jeannine’s Story. It depicts her quest to complete the marathon.
Reference
- Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD; From Treadmill to Marathon Julie’s Story — “I Did It;” Doctors Column HC Smart, February 25, 2021
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.