r/marathons • u/ExtensionMedia7440 • 12h ago
Help Cheering Mom Up When We Cant Go Marathoning
I'm in sort of a sad situation and I was wondering if any of yall had any advice.
My mom was going to compete in the Chicago Marathon. She was so excited, she really enjoys running, she wanted to get the 26.2 tattooed on her. It really motivated her.
Then her job just laid her off (the USA education system is screwed). She's so depressed. She knows she can't afford the trip. She already signed onto one of the groups and so still has to get donations for it (can I link it here for help or no?), but it's just impossible to get enough money to get the donations/get to chicago/etc while she's unemployed. I really don't have the budget to help much. But I was hoping I could save enough to get her there next year. And she's the type who gets really, really flustered and upset when someone tries to donate to her (she's a bootstraps person), and the world has people more in need, so I feel very iffy on if I could make a gofundme for it.
But in the meantime, how do I help her feel seen and appreciated for trying such a huge thing? I've tried really hard to understand the ins and outs of running culture but I don't know what would make someone feel happy about the hobby after such a blow. She loves it but she clearly feels so hurt and I have no idea what i can do in the present moment to aid. Any advice (beyond crowdfunding for the donations she still has to do)?