Nichole O’Neal of McKinney, Texas accomplishes her goal

At 40 years old, Nichole O’Neal never imagined that she would be a runner, and certainly not a marathon runner. Two years ago a friend asked her to run in a Dallas Marathon Relay team. All she had to do was commit to running 5 miles for the team. Although she had never run before, she agreed. A few days later, she laced up her tennis shoes and hit the pavement. That day, she ran one mile. Over the course of the next two months, she continued to increase her mileage until she met her goal of running on the team. There was no turning back, she was on a runner’s high. She joined a group of runners and continued setting her goals. Mile by mile, her love, and passion for running continued to grow. She set goals and completed six half marathons in a year and a half.

She had no intention of competing in a marathon, but a group of her team’s friends asked her if she wanted to apply for the Chicago Marathon drawing. Although the goal of running a marathon seemed unreachable, she agreed to apply anyway and in December, 2017, she was selected to participate in the unimaginable, running in a marathon. She began the rigorous 4-month training plan in June of this year. There were times when she felt like it wasn’t possible, but she stayed the course.   Also, she had the encouragement from her husband, Fortune; children, Michaela, Jacob, and Joshua; Mother, Mary Nell Wagner; other family and friends; and the Craig Ranch Running Club, all cheering her to proceed.

On Sunday, October 7 Nichole accomplished her goal, completing the 26.2 miles Chicago Marathon in 4 hours and 39 minutes.

NICHOLE, THE DALLAS POST TRIBUNE SENDS A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL!!!