Sense of perspective spurs runner

by Mary Claire Kelly '00

Devlin

Lynn Devlin, quality assurance administrator at the Eastman Dental Center, is running for improved quality of life--but not just her own.

A self-described non-runner, Devlin since February has been preparing for the Joints In Motion marathon next month in Dublin, Ireland, to raise funds for the Genesee Valley chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. If Devlin does not compete in Dublin, she will journey to a second marathon to be held in Orlando, Fla. in January.

Devlin, who moved to Rochester five years ago, has worked in the medical field since college. Eight months ago, she determined to start on a health/exercise program and set out to find a serious source of motivation. That was when she stumbled over an ad in the Democrat and Chronicle calling for participants in a fundraising marathon to aid patients with arthritis and other rheumatoid diseases. A 20-week training program to prepare for the competition and the opportunity to help others provided exactly the type of motivation Devlin needed.

In exchange for each participant's commitment to raise $3,000 in donations, the Genesee Valley chapter of the Arthritis Foundation provides airfare and accommodations for the marathon, as well as a coach and the training program.

"Although I'm not at my $3,000 goal yet, I'm still trying," Devlin says. "Just a few contributions of $50 or $100 could make the difference."

As part of a team, Devlin engages in a specific training regime that will prepare her both mentally and physically for the race's 26.2 miles. She runs on her own for an hour five days a week. Saturdays are off, but Sundays involve a longer run that progressively increases to the marathon distance. Once a week the team meets as a whole with their coach for support, progress reports, and further instructions. The team is also encouraged to participate in local races to aid in the training process. So far, Devlin has competed in a four-mile run and a 20K race; at press time she had plans to run a 5K.

"There haven't been any surprises during training. I joined knowing it would be a challenge," Devlin says. "The work is difficult, but definitely worth it."

Devlin says her determined attitude stems from perspective. Like other marathon participants, she is paired with an arthritis patient. Devlin has befriended Elizabeth, a 14-year-old who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of two. The disease has progressed to the point that Elizabeth is largely confined to a wheelchair. Devlin muses that at 14 she was discovering boys, clothes, and makeup.

"How is being in a wheelchair going to affect that? It is so unfair."

The donations that Devlin and her team raise will go to fund arthritis research locally and nationally, as well as sponsor local programs for those affected by the disease, such as exercise activities, support groups, printed brochures, and informational material.

Anyone who has a passion for running or who knows a person with arthritis is encouraged to provide support. Call Devlin, x5-0486. Donations also can be sent directly to the Genesee Valley chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, 3300 Monroe Ave., Suite 319, Rochester, N.Y. 14618, (716) 264-1480. Please indicate that the mailed donation is to sponsor Devlin.