I was the kid in middle school who came in with a doctor’s note every time they had to run the mile because I have asthma. I didn’t like feeling winded, and I would sit out.
I started running when I was about 30. I was working at an NBC affiliate in Connecticut and there was a 5K that I trained for, and I got the bug. I signed up for a few more 5Ks that year.
I didn’t do my first half or marathon until I was over 40. I know I’m slow but I’m not embarrassed by it. Every year it’s about getting faster and stronger.
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I can’t describe the support from Hopkinton all the way to the finish line. I finished Boston last year [in 5:12] with my hands over my eyes wiping away the tears. The people lift you up the entire race.
This is my first time running with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It’s personal. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and, in her case, early detection was crucial. Running for her makes this year’s race extra special.
It’s funny: Boston coincides with the start of baseball season, New York coincides with the postseason. It works out perfectly because you’re tapering during the two busiest times of the year for baseball.
When I’m on the road covering games, I run because I feel I have to. You learn to pinpoint the other media people who are runners and ask, “Hey, do you want to run five miles today?”
In 2013, a week before my first marathon, I wasn’t getting my miles in, so I signed up for a half in St. Louis the morning before game four of the World Series. I brought my medal to the ballpark—I had to show it off!
My daughter, Jensen, just turned 12 and is in her first season of cross country. Like me, she loves to improve her time. When she does, you can see the satisfaction, the smile on her face, and that makes me proud.
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Ryan is a host for MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM and a reporter for MLB on TBS, and travels to various cities to cover games. She’s shown here in Boston’s Fenway Park.
