Miles of Enjoyable and Recollections: Celebrating a decade of ‘M.A.D. Adventures’

What began as a stunning request after a daughter’s return from school has change into a decade-long journey full of miles, laughter, and unforgettable recollections.

When Sally Marie Futch got here dwelling from school, she requested her mom, Lynn Deal Futch, to do one thing fully surprising: run a race collectively at Disney. Neither of them had been runners. At 54 years outdated, Lynn wasn’t certain she was up for the problem, however she agreed to attempt. That one determination launched what would change into their M.A.D. (Mother and Daughter) Adventure.

“We are not special or extraordinary; we are just two women who set a goal for ourselves and it grew into miles of fun and memories,” added Lynn Deal Futch.

The request was particularly stunning given Sally Marie’s explicit athletic background. In school, she was a thrower, competing in discus, weight, hammer, and shot put. As Lynn joked, “The thrower’s motto was ‘Why run and puke when you can throw and eat?’,” she smiled.

How they started traces again 10 years to that first Disney dream. “We laced up our shoes, started training together, and discovered that running gave us more than fitness; it gave us time, laughter, and a shared purpose.”

Lynn shared, “I don’t know anyone who’s ever called us normal. We’ve always been called ‘extra’.” That spirit carried them via early mornings and lengthy runs, with loads of laughter alongside the best way.

Their small household of three, Lynn, her husband Floyd, and Sally Marie, had all the time been shut. Floyd, who handed away in February 2021, was their devoted chauffeur and largest cheerleader. Lynn recalled that she and Floyd “did not miss any college meets at Jackson University.” His encouragement stays a part of each mile and each finish-line embrace.

What started as a one-time aim grew into a practice neither of them anticipated. Disney races, that are particularly enjoyable, grew to become the center of their journey. With themed programs, costumed runners, character picture stops, and a party-like ambiance on the beginning line, every race felt extra like a celebration. Running facet by facet, encouraging one another via the miles, they proudly grew to become referred to as the M.A.D. runners.

Over time, they realized they had been operating for a lot of causes. They ran to help charities they believed in. They ran for journey: via bubbles, inflatables, water weapons, cow pastures, graveyards, historic estates, coastal highways, and iconic programs similar to Daytona, Detroit International, Biltmore, and Space Coast.

They ran as a result of races gave them an excuse to discover new locations, one step at a time. Most importantly, they ran as a result of operating gave them uninterrupted time collectively.

They usually are not aggressive runners; their aim is solely to complete, ideally someplace in the course of the pack. Lynn shared, “We’ve learned that the best part of any race isn’t just the finish line, but the time we spend together along the way.” Using Jeff Galloway’s walk-run methodology allowed Lynn to remain sturdy, wholesome, and proceed having fun with the miles as an older grownup.

Over 10 years, Lynn and Sally Marie have accomplished 8 half marathons and numerous 15Ks, 10Ks, and 5Ks. Medals now cling proudly on the wall, shining reminders of early mornings and hard-earned accomplishments. Both agree the true reward isn’t the metallic. It’s the bond strengthened over 1000’s of shared miles.

“We continue to run because every race brings something new: a cause worth supporting, a course worth exploring, or a memory worth making,” Lynn shared. “What a ride it has been! We did it, running with love and ‘Finish Line’ hugs.”

Their problem to others is straightforward. “Get moving! Grab a sibling, friend, spouse, grandchild or even a stranger. Walk, run, dance, jump, swim! Just keep moving, have fun, and make memories as you go.”