A Runner's Challenge: 30 Races for Turning 30

Crossing the finish line in a race is an experience few things can match, some runners will tell you. That's been the case for Arlington resident Lauren Bailey, who started running seven years ago.

But Bailey's first marathon didn't go exactly as planned.

“At mile 15-and-a-half, I had heatstroke,” she told Patch. “So I had to stop running the marathon, and it was the single most disappointing thing that had ever happened to me… I knew I never wanted to feel that way again.”

Bailey used that initial setback to fuel her determination and embarked on a personal challenge that was at the same time daunting and exhilarating — running 30 races in one year, the year of her 30th birthday.

“For my 30th birthday, I knew I wanted to do something big,” Bailey said. “I wanted to feel over and over again that feeling, when you cross the finish line, of accomplishment and pride.”

The challenge also is a way to inspire other women who have reached 30 or anyone struggling with their hobby, she said.

“I wanted to help other people see that whether you have a huge setback with anything you love like running, or something else, you can bounce back from it in a major way,” Bailey said.

The Halfway Point

And so, Bailey has added another marathon to her list, leaving the setback of her first attempt behind. She has already completed 10 races, and a marathon on May 5 will mark her 15th race of the year.

In the meantime, Bailey is training for and plans to run in the Nike Women Half Marathon on Sunday. For this event she found a partner in Team in Training, or TNT, which raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

TNT trains runners and provides fundraising mentors. Bailey was hesitant to sign up at first, fearing the fundraising side of the program.

But she did it. She set her mind to it and has raised $3,000 for cancer research by tapping into her network of friends and family members.

Bailey "has been a great member of the team,” said Lisa Iannarino, the marketing director for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“It’s always fun to have that sort of energy and that sort of goal," she said. "We’ve been very excited to have her.”

To raise money, Bailey sent letters. She sold cupcakes in her apartment lobby. And she announced her cause every time she got up to sing karaoke at her birthday party in January.

“Being able to raise money for (the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) gave me a bigger goal and something bigger to look forward to,” Bailey said.

Capital 'A' Accomplishment

In light of the Boston Marathon attack last week, Bailey has revamped her fundraising and is hoping to donate at least $1,761 — one dollar for every mile she has left to run — to those who were wounded and their families. She is asking friends and family to pledge money toward each mile she runs.

“For me personally, running is my religion… I feel like my holy place was attacked,” Bailey said. “I’m so devastated that it happened, but I feel very fortunate that I’ll be able to honor them every time I put on my tennis shoes.”

With most of her races already in place for the year, Bailey’s running schedule is packed. She is already anticipating how she will feel when it’s all over.

"I feel like I’ve accomplished things in my life, but I feel like this will be my first capital 'A' accomplishment,” she said. “If I can do this, I can do anything. Who knows what I’ll plan to do in 2014?”

To follow Bailey's progress, check out her blog: 30. Run 30.