Heart & Soul - Aug/Sep, 2006

What Makes a Marathoner

by Carolyn White

Going the Distance

For years, African-Americans have dominated the world of competitive sprinting, but been far less visible in distance racing. The two-year old National Black Marathoners' Association wants to shine the spotlight on the growing number of African-Americans who are not afraid to tackle a 26.2-mile race, says Atlanta-based co-founder Charlotte Simmons. "When I started running 20 years ago, there were no African-American marathoners," she says. "Our goal is to be visible in our red shirts and black shorts that nobody will ever question if African Americans run marathons again."

So far the group has 225 members nationwide. Next year's event: The Rite-Aid Cleveland Marathon and Half Marathon on May 20.

Angela Ivory Realized a Dream, One Mile at a Time

Don't be deceived by Angela Ivory's Southern charm and modesty. This diminutive 5-foot-4, 135 pound runner showed off the heart of a champion and the spirit of an elite athlete when she ran marathons in all 50 states.

Since she began her odyssey in 2001, Ivory has actually completed 67 marathons and 20 ultra marathons ranging from 30 to 50 miles. Today, the Tennessee native, who lives and works in Nashville, is a member of the Esteemed Fifty States Marathon Club. Although she had a lifetime to complete her goal, Ivory squeezed in most of her marathons in 2004 and 2005. "You set a goal. You accomplish it. It makes you feel good," says the iron-willed, 38-year-old, whoo completes most of her marathons in less than 4.5 hours.

Why does Ivory run? "I tell people that I'm running from this fat butt that keeps following me," she says with a laugh. "I was trying not to gain weight and I went through the natural progression - first the gym, then walking when I couldn't get to the gym. Then I decided I wanted to boost my weigh control regimen."

Today, weight is not Ivory's only concern. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I'll tell you one thing: Running a marathon is a lot easier than chemotherapy," she says. "I'm doing fine now. I know that I exercised and ran before this happened. But now, I'm motivated by the fact that training hard could prevent me from getting any more cancer." Although she ran only one marathon while undergoing chemo in 2003, Ivory completed 15 marathons in 2004 and a combination of 47 marathons and ultramarathons in 2005.

While other marvel at her endurance and stamina, Ivory takes it all in stride. "I don't think of marathons as grueling. I think of them as fun. I just go out there and do what feels good and natural to me."

Now that she's completed Goal No. 1, Ivory's ready for a new challenge. "So far, I've done only 12 ultramarathons," she says. "I'd love to do one of them in every state as well."