FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — A Waltham woman who relearned to walk after enduring surgeries on each of her legs will run the Boston Marathon on the MetroWest YMCA’s 10-person charity team.
A distance runner who has completed marathons in Chicago and Vermont, Samantha Bundy was diagnosed with exercise-induced compartment syndrome about five years ago.
The condition, often triggered by rigorous, repetitive running, causes pressure build-up within the muscles and intense pain.
World champion skier Lindsey Vonn suffered compartment syndrome after her Winter Olympics crash in February, though her condition was acute, caused by her sudden, traumatic injury, requiring a more urgent operation.
Bundy underwent surgery on each leg and began the slow process of healing, including intense physical therapy at the MetroWest Y.
“It was really odd tripping over my feet so much,” Bundy said. “Step one was learning how to roll your ankle around again. When I say these are baby steps, it really is. Small pieces that felt very challenging at the time, things that I take for granted now.”
It was during her rehab at the Framingham facility that she discovered the non-profit’s marathon team, raising money for the Annual Campaign, which funds food access programs, early learning and scholarship assistance for summer camps, as well as health intervention programs including Parkinson’s Wellness and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.
“I saw this opportunity to give back to the YMCA community that supported me through rehab, to have a team to be a part of and to get to do this dream race that I’ve always wanted to do,” Bundy said.
While Bundy has run marathons in Chicago and Vermont, the race this month will be her first Boston Marathon.
“Boston’s my home course,” Bundy said. “I grew up watching it being a spectator and cheering people on. And somewhere along the way, I kind of transitioned to being a spectator to maybe I could run this.”
As Bundy prepares for the physical demands of the race, she is also considering the mental aspect, reminding others who face an uphill battle: anything is possible if you just take that first step.
“It may feel small now, but eventually you’re going to look back and realize, ‘Hey, I’m running a marathon now,’” Bundy said. “And you’ve made it.”
To contribute to Bundy’s campaign for the MetroWest YMCA, click here: https://www.givengain.com/project/samantha-raising-funds-for-metrowest-ymca-110616
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