A Dream Turned Historic Achievement
What began as a far-fetched dream on Marcy Dunne’s 60th birthday bucket list transformed into a historic achievement and a powerful fundraiser for ALS. Marcy, a longtime Fluid Running enthusiast and instructor, became the first person ever to complete a full marathon—entirely in deep water. This incredible feat raised over $150,000, far exceeding the original goal of $100,000, with all funds donated to ALS organizations in honor of Michelle Kram, a friend from the Fluid Running community battling the disease. Read Michelle’s story!
Fluid Running: Low Impact, High Intensity
Fluid Running offers low-impact, high-intensity workouts in the water, using water resistance to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness—all without the wear and tear associated with land-based running. Marcy’s journey to this milestone was made possible by Fluid Running, as joint issues prevented her from completing a marathon on land. In the water, she wore a flotation belt and utilized the Fluid Running method to safely train for her marathon.
A Tailored Training Plan
Marcy’s goal was to complete the marathon in 4.5 hours, equivalent to a 10-minute mile pace on land. With the help of Jen Govostis, a Fluid Running instructor and certified running coach, Marcy followed a specialized training plan. Jen designed a regimen blending long and short Fluid Running workouts, modeled after land-based marathon training, with the key focus on maintaining Marcy’s aerobic zone to simulate land running. Learn about Fluid Running coaching with Jen Govostis.
Harnessing the Power of Fluid Running
To prepare, Marcy participated in live Fluid Running classes in the Chicago suburbs and supplemented her training with Bluetooth-enabled workouts from the Fluid Running app. She used audio workouts like the Fluid Running 10K, which guides participants through an entire race, and others like Running on Empty, which simulates track sprints and endurance runs. These workouts, with real-time coaching and motivation, were essential to Marcy’s training.
Building Endurance Without Injury
For months, Marcy followed her personalized plan, gradually increasing her endurance. The benefits of Fluid Running became clear as the water’s density—800 times thicker than air—made each movement a challenge. Marcy’s arms, legs, and core worked harder in the water, yet the zero-impact environment meant she experienced no joint pain, blisters, or muscle soreness during or after the marathon.
A Marathon of Community Support
The event was not just a personal achievement but a community celebration. Marcy began her marathon early in the morning, cheered on by friends, family, and fellow Fluid Runners. Throughout the day, participants ran alongside her in one-hour slots, filling the pool with energy and excitement.
Crossing the Finish Line
As the marathon drew to a close, Marcy crossed the “finish line” in 4 hours and 23 minutes, feeling strong and exhilarated. She even finished alongside Michelle Kram, underscoring the community spirit of the event. Completing such a challenging goal with no pain or soreness is a testament to Fluid Running’s effectiveness.
A Cause Greater Than the Marathon
Marcy’s marathon was more than just a personal accomplishment; it was a call to action for ALS awareness and support. The nearly $150,000 raised will directly benefit ALS research, services, and advocacy efforts, helping to improve the lives of those battling the disease.
The Transformative Power of Fluid Running
For anyone questioning whether running in water can be truly effective, Marcy’s story proves otherwise. Fluid Running provides a full-body workout that builds strength and cardiovascular health while eliminating the risks of injury from land-based exercise. For Marcy, it turned an impossible dream into an extraordinary reality.