Distance running, there are two sides to this equation—those who do, and those who do not. Those who don’t enjoy it look at those who do with equal parts puzzled bewilderment and begrudging admiration.
In short, they don’t get it. But they are impressed with those who do. Ask most runners who log consistent miles, and they’ll likely mention the runner’s high as one of the reasons they pound the pavement. It’s the euphoric feeling that overtakes their bodies as they run and at the finish line.
But that’s not the only reason people run. Wheeling native Chris Thoburn has multiple reasons why he hits the road. Each has a name, and a hashtag, and a story. But they all share one thing in common. Each holds a special place in his heart and helps keep him going when his muscles and the lactic acid buildup are screaming at him to stop.
Thoburn’s running for a reason story originally began when he was introduced to young Milana, or Mila, for short. An amazing young girl with an unbreakable spirit and a difficult motility disorder to battle every day, her story and ability to smile and persevere through it all inspired Thoburn.
He started running for #TeamMila and working to help her family raise awareness and to help in any way he could.
“She is 14 and has had a severe motility disorder since birth,” Thoburn said. “She’s had multiple surgeries. We met during the 2016 Wheeling Nailers season as she’s an avid hockey fan whose favorite player is former Nailers Brett Stern.
“She was actually able to attend Stern’s wedding. The smile on both Brett and her faces was just priceless, and he had no idea she was coming.”
Mila is doing pretty well currently according to Thoburn. COVID caused some issues with her treatment as she was unable to travel to Boston to meet with Dr. Samuel Nurko, a motility disorder specialist. Video chats have helped Mila and her family navigate the pandemic in relation to her treatment.
Branching Out
Through his interactions with Mila and her family, Thoburn got connected with a family in Texas, one whose twin daughters Ally and Brooke also suffered from a similar motility disorder. Both are fantastic soccer players and, in addition to the disorder, one of the twins also battles diabetes.
When Thoburn learned of their story, he initially sent a care package to their home in Texas to show them that people are out there that do care. He also added their hashtags, #TeamAlly and #TeamBrooke to his running uniform.
They too would join him symbolically for every race, and he’d help spread their story to increase awareness.
“When I heard their story, just like when I heard Mila’s, I was heartbroken,” Thoburn said.
The girls have a strong support system with their parents and older sister, crediting them as one of the strongest families he knows. Because of where they live in Texas, they’ve had to endure hurricanes in addition to the girls’ disorders. But they, like Mila, smile and persevere through it all.
Race cancellations in both Houston and Pittsburgh took their toll mentally on Thoburn. Those races are in the hometown of Mila, and in the case of the twins, close to theirs.
“These races mean so much to me because they are the largest races in the hometowns of the twins and Mila,” Thoburn said. “The plan for 2022 is the Houston Marathon, the Pittsburgh Marathon, and completing the Barnesville Grand Prix series.
“I’m praying that all those races happen, and I will try to find as many new races as possible to share their stories, but it means a lot when I can race in their hometowns.”
Hitting Closer to Home
Motility disorders hit a little closer to home for Thoburn when he learned his 1-year-old niece also suffers from some type of motility disorder. Her doctors are still working to discover just what type.
Thoburn knew a decent bit about motility disorders previously, but when his sister and her husband learned that Bailey was suffering from some form, his drive to research everything he could kicked into overdrive.
The Wells family lives in Barnesville, hence Thoburn’s desire to compete in the Grand Prix. Because of their shared experiences, Thoburn’s sister has been able to connect with both Mila’s family and that of the twins. They can share in their collective knowledge and experiences and function as a support group.
“They understand it way more than I do about what’s going on, and it helps to have a strong group to lean on in tough times,” Thoburn said. “My heart just breaks, but these families remain so strong.”
It’s stories like these that help push Thoburn to train long hours and compete in as many races as he does.
He’s not immune to struggles either. Thoburn suffers from Crohn’s disease, which can be debilitating for the average sufferer, let alone someone involved with intense athletic activity.
But when he’s tired, or feeling down, or sick, he just recalls whom he’s running for, and it pushes him onward.
“I was on a very dark path before I met (Mila’s parents),” Thoburn said. “They all saved my life. Unfortunately, not all aspects were able to be saved in my life, and I’ve had to accept some devastating life changes, but I can’t dwell on the past because there are three amazing families that deal with so much more than I’ll ever have to deal with.”
They certainly push him to greater heights. Last race season, Thoburn competed in his first ultra-marathon. In June of 2022, he’ll compete in his first 100k Ultra (62.2 miles). His goal is to finish in 12 hours.
“Every step, every second, I’ll be praying for healing for these young ladies,” Thoburn said.
A Facebook page is in the works for Thoburn’s #MotilityWarriors, but for now, anyone looking to help out can contact him via Facebook. Mila does have a youcaring.com page and the Facebook page linked above.
