Run with Purpose

1. When did you start running marathons and why? 

I have been active my entire life, growing up playing many sports, including cross country and track. After having my third child, I felt a strong desire to get back into shape and returned to running. My great friend Bridget encouraged me to sign up for a 5K with her, and from there my running circle began to grow. Bridget and another close friend, Jeanne, both experienced half and full marathon runners, ran my first 10K with me and always pushed me to believe I could do more.

With their encouragement, I completed my first half marathon in 2018. After COVID and a difficult life change in 2020, I knew I needed to return to running, because that was when I felt my strongest, both physically and mentally. As I searched for ways to run the Chicago Marathon, I discovered the charity teams and immediately felt drawn to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

My mom, who is my hero, was diagnosed with MS over 30 years ago. Running the Chicago Marathon while raising money in her honor, and for everyone living with MS, felt like the perfect purpose. That decision marked the start of an incredible journey.

I ran my first Chicago Marathon in 2021, and I was hooked. I set a new goal: to complete all six World Marathon Majors. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to run London in 2022, Boston in 2023, Berlin in 2024, and New York in 2025. I have now completed five of the six Major Marathons.

Even more meaningful, I have proudly run as part of the MS Charity Team for all five races, raising over $30,000 for the National MS Society. Running has become more than a sport for me, it is a way to honor my mom, support the MS community, and remind myself of the strength we all carry within us.

2.  Which race stands out most to you, and what makes it memorable?

This is difficult to answer, because they all had something special about them. But the race that stands out to me the most is Boston in 2023. So many unpredictable, challenging, and incredible moments came together to make it truly unforgettable. First and foremost, Boston is the most iconic marathon in the world, and simply having the opportunity to run it was an honor in itself.

After a small mix-up with my application to join the MS Charity Team, I didn’t find out that I had been accepted until a month later than expected. While I was thrilled, it also meant I was suddenly behind on both training and fundraising. Somehow, despite the odds, everything came together. I ran my fastest marathon to date, cutting 26 minutes off my previous time, and raised over $8,000, the most I have ever raised for a single race.

That weekend was also incredibly special, and a little chaotic. The marathon took place the Monday after my son’s First Communion. To make everything work, I flew from Chicago to Boston and back on Saturday just to attend the running expo and pick up my bib. On Sunday, I celebrated my son’s First Communion, and then flew back to Boston that same night so I could run the race on Monday. When I tell this story, people usually think I’m crazy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I didn’t want to miss either milestone.

What made Boston even more meaningful was that it was the first marathon my mom was able to see me run. She, along with the rest of the Corie Folley/Fleury Fan Club, my dad, husband, and sister, followed me along the course from Hopkinton all the way to Boston. I was able to see them multiple times, but nothing compares to Mile 17, when I got to stop and give my mom the biggest hug. That moment alone made the entire race worth it and is something I will carry with me forever.

3. When you received your philoSophie’s marathon ornaments, what race moments did they remind you of?

I was brought to tears the Christmas my husband gave me my first philoSophie’s marathon ornament, and every one since then has become even more meaningful. The attention to detail is incredible, from the colors of my running bib, hat, and shoes to the marathon route, city skyline, and iconic landmarks unique to each race. Each ornament instantly brings back the unforgettable moments, emotions, and memories from that marathon.

The Chicago skyline reminds me of all the incredible neighborhoods and energy of the city we had the privilege to run through. Across the pond in London, the Tower Bridge brings back the memory of a runner dressed as Big Bird, an image captured in several of my race photos and forever etched in my mind. In Boston, the Citgo sign signaled that the finish line was getting close, providing a much-needed boost when it mattered most. Brandenburg Gate, marking both the start and finish in Berlin, was a powerful reminder of the history surrounding us as runners. And finally, the Big Apple and the Verrazano Bridge capture the magic and scale of New York City and the unforgettable experience of running through its five boroughs.

These aren’t just ornaments, they are meaningful reminders of the journeys, challenges, and victories that made each race so special.

4. What did training for and completing the major marathons teach you about consistency and preparation?

Training for and completing the Major Marathons taught me that consistency and preparation are built one small, intentional step at a time. You don’t wake up one day ready to run 26.2 miles. You show up every day, even when it’s hard, inconvenient, or uncomfortable, and trust that the work will add up.

My dad is a very wise man, and he would tell you that this lesson started for me when I was three years old and refused to give up until I could button every single button on my pajamas by myself. He’s always reminded me that the goal is not the finish, it’s the journey to get there. Marathon training reinforced that lesson over and over again. The very early mornings (like 4am early), long runs, hot runs, cold runs, missed plans, setbacks, and adjustments were just as important as crossing the finish line.

What made that consistency possible was purpose. Being able to run for my mom and in support of the National MS Society gave every mile meaning. On the days when motivation was low or training felt overwhelming, I reminded myself that I wasn’t just running for a race. I was running for her, and for everyone living with MS. That purpose kept me committed to the process and grounded in preparation.

Completing the Major Marathons taught me that success doesn’t come from one defining moment, but from showing up day after day with intention, heart, and a reason bigger than yourself.

5. What advice would you give to women considering their first marathon or a long-term running goal?

When I tell people that I run, or that I’ve run marathons, I usually get one of two reactions: “I’m not a runner,” or “This one time I ran a 5K….” My response is always the same: “Yes, you are,” or “You should get back out there.”

My advice to women considering their first marathon or a long-term running goal is to stop waiting for permission or a certain label. You don’t have to look a certain way, run a certain pace, or have a perfect training plan to call yourself a runner. If you’re willing to show up and put one foot in front of the other, you belong.

Start where you are, not where you think you should be. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or take up space in the running community. Progress comes from consistency, patience, and believing that you are capable, often long before you feel ready. 

Most importantly, remember that running isn’t just about the finish line. It’s about confidence, strength, and discovering what you can do when you stop limiting yourself. Whether it’s your first mile, first 5K, or first marathon, every step counts and you’re more capable than you think!

Specifically for the moms, do it to show your kids that you can do hard things! (and they can too!) My kids finally got to see me run in the New York City Marathon and one of the best feelings ever was to have them experience something I've worked so hard to achieve.

6. Are you preparing to run another marathon in 2026?

While I won’t be running a Major Marathon in 2026, my journey isn’t slowing down. My sixth and final World Marathon Major will be in Tokyo. This will be a brand-new race for Team Finish MS, and with only three bibs available for 2026, I won’t be part of that team this year.

My hope is to join Team Finish MS for the Tokyo Marathon in March 2027 and complete my final Major while continuing to run in support of the MS community. In the meantime, I’m planning to keep running and may take on a local marathon in 2026 to stay motivated, connected, and doing what I love!