Suzanne Sawyer-Burris Is Going The Distance To Help Find A Cure For MS
Today I have the pleasure of catching up with a guest that is making her comeback after she suffered a serious injury a couple of years ago.
Between her road to recovery along with her big plans in the not too distant future, we should have a lot to talk about.
I am looking forward to going a few easy miles with Suzanne Sawyer-Burris.
Suzanne Sawyer-Burris
The Power Of Persuasion
Suzanne Sawyer-Burris ran occasionally growing up mostly because her dad was a runner.
She always considered herself to be more of a cyclist.
Though Suzanne preferred cycling, her sister preferred running.
It was 2011 when her sister suggested that she sign up to run the Chicago marathon with her.
Suzanne had never run more than a few miles, yet she still agreed to sign up.
Due to an unfortunate accident, Suzanne was never able to make it to the start line.
That short period of training before her injury would ultimately be the start of running consistently.
Slow Road To Recovery
Suzanne suffered from a tear in her hip a few months before she was supposed to run her first marathon.
The injury occurred when she was trying a watersport she hadn’t done in over a decade.
An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury which forced Suzanne to step back from all physical activity.
The recovery was slow and required Suzanne to be patient.
Between physical therapy and time to heal, Suzanne was eventually able to work back up to running again.
Going through a serious injury has made her appreciate being able to run more than ever.
Going The Distance
Since getting back to running Suzanne has run one 50k, one marathon, and numerous shorter distances.
The 50k that Suzanne ran was her first ultra along with her first trail race.
She signed up at the last minute and didn’t tell anyone.
Suzanne learned a lot during that race, including when and how to fuel.
After she crossed the finish line, Suzanne knew that she would absolutely do an ultra again.
She fell in love with the relaxed atmosphere of the trail community.
Suzanne Sawyer-Burris
MS Run The U.S.
Suzanne is an ambassador for MS Run the U.S. for 2021.
She has been involved in various events throughout the years that raised funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS).
She is especially passionate about the cause because her own daughter was diagnosed with the disease 5 years ago.
Suzanne came across a challenge called MS Run the U.S.
A relay team comprised of 19 participants each run a leg and together they cover the distance from California to New York.
The total mileage is 3,260 miles which breaks down to about 160 miles per person or a marathon every day for 6 days.
Suzanne hopes to eventually be chosen for the relay team for an upcoming year.
In an effort to still contribute to the cause, Suzanne is planning various challenges throughout the year in the hopes of raising funds and awareness.
Doing It Because Others Can’t
Suzanne has a lot of big plans for this year when it comes to racing.
She has various cycling events, mileage goals, and races on her calendar for 2021.
Her ultimate goal is to raise $3,000 for MS research by the end of the year.
When she is tempted to quit, she remembers that she is doing it because others can’t.
Running has never come easy for Suzanne, but it’s the challenge that keeps her going.
She is in her happy place when she laces up her shoes and heads out the door.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Stay connected to Suzanne Sawyer-Burris by following her on both Instagram and Facebook.
Suzanne Sawyer-Burris embraces challenges especially when they're for a good cause. As an Ambassador for MS Run the US she is doing just that. Click To Tweet
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