Injured in 2002, Runner is Making a Comeback

Name: Wendy Saliga

Age: 52

Marathon experience: I competed in cross-country and track in high school and college as cross-training for alpine ski-racing. In 1998, I took up long distance running as "inexpensive therapy" to heal from my divorce. My first marathon was in 1999. I was able to compete in three more marathons before a hip injury occurred while training in 2002, preventing me from distance running for several years. This year has been significant as I was unsure if I'd ever again be capable of running, injury-free, in a marathon.

Reason for running: Philosophically, "Where and to what extent I persevere within myself, is where I will succeed for another."

The Boston Marathon is not only about terrific elite athletes, but equally important are those who run for others. So many charitable organizations are represented in this race, its a win-win all around!

Training tips: "Never, never, never give up." (Winston Churchill)

Set your goal, plan to get there and you will. Know your body and back off if you must, but return to training as soon as possible. Importantly, running with experienced marathoners is quite helpful!