Hopkinton Mom Running for National Organization for Rare Disorders

Jen Tedstone, a 37-year-old Hopkinton resident is running her first Boston Marathon ths year and raising money for National Organization for Rare Disorders. To donate to Jen's fundraising efforts visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jentedstone/bostonmarathon2013

Why are running the Boston Marathon?

I’m running with the Genzyme Marathon Team and every year Genzyme runs to raise awareness and funds for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). As a lifelong Hopkinton resident, I’ve been envious of all the Boston Marathon runners and thought that someday I would be out there with them. This year I will be out there with my team. As a member of the Genzyme Marathon Team, we are partnered up with patient partners with Rare Diseases. I was fortunate to be partnered with Ben, a 16 year old boy who has Congenital Hyperinsulinism (HI). HI occurs as a result of over-production of insulin in the pancreas, causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Ben’s mom, Julie happens to be the executive director of Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI). After speaking with her over the phone, she mentioned there was a patient in Hopkinton that would like to be partnered up with a marathon runner for NORD. Coincidentally this family has children that go to school with my children. Not only did I gain an additional patient partner, but a new bond with a great family! Christopher (8 years old) has joined my team to advocate his hurdles with HI.

What running experience do you have, have you ever run the Boston Marathon
before?

This is my first experience running the marathon. I’ve only ran 2 half marathons prior to this. As a sprinter on the high school track team, I used to avoid the 1 mile warm up because I disliked long distance running. Here I am 20 years later running my first marathon. My track coach would be so proud.

What advice do you have for new runners?

Push yourself just a little further every time. Running longer distances has helped reduce stress and cleared my head a bit. As I had seen this quote somewhere, “Running, it’s cheaper than therapy”, I find this to be so true.

Where is your favorite place to run in the area?

Whenever possible I like to try to run as much of the route of the Boston Marathon. Every time I’m out there, I get a feeling of excitement to push me forward.