By AMANDA DRAPIEWSKI
Turning a dream into reality is possible. Just ask Chicago marathon runner Maria Cuevas.
Growing up in Archer Heights, Cuevas wanted to run in a marathon since she was 16 years old.
She competed in short distance events while still a teenager, then into her 20’s and 30’s. She later opted to take a temporary hiatus to focus on raising her family.
But on Sunday, Oct. 10, Cuevas, a staff member of The Chicago Lighthouse, competed among thousands of runners in the Chicago Marathon.
The fact that she is visually impaired, coping with macular degeneration, did not stop her that day.
“Although I have obvious limitations because I’m legally blind, I have learned that qualities like spirit and passion know no bounds,” said Cuevas. “The strength that I’ve gained since I was declared legally blind has given me an opportunity to appreciate the wonderful things that life has to offer and not to take anything for granted.”
She credits Dan Ashley, a longtime volunteer with the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) for helping get her dream back on track.
“While taking salsa classes at the Latin Street Dancing in 2008, I met Ashley and he encouraged me to get involved with CARA’s Marathon Training Program,” said Cuevas. “You can’t help thinking about the challenges you might face as a visually impaired individual.”
She eventually found her own stride, initially starting out with an 11 minute pace, then moving down to 12 minutes, where she felt more comfortable.
“From the beginning, my goal was, and remains, to finish the runs and not be concerned about the time,” she said. “All through the training, I struggled in all the long runs, but somehow Ashley’s encouragement kept me going.”
Ashley has also competed in dozens of marathons himself and is a pace leader.
“Cuevas’ ability to reach inside and find the strength to successfully compete in races and the marathon itself is nothing short of inspirational,” said Ashley.
He added that accomplishment will stay with her the rest of her life and help in dealing with other challenges.
Cuevas continued to stay focused on her goal, but along the way, she knew she would need assistance.
“My visual impairment did affect my pace in some ways because I had to be aware of where I was stepping,” said Cuevas. “During the 15- mile run, for instance, I lost my direction and fell completely behind my group while running along the lakefront.”
It was that experience that made Cuevas reach out to GLASA, the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, a non-profit group dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in completing their athletic goals.
Despite the extra help she received from GLASA, Cuevas admitted to doubting herself and often thought about quitting.
Noting that her children, Ana-Alicia and Mario, cheered her on Sunday, Cuevas pledged to give the race her very best shot.
“I will be forever thankful to everyone who has supported me,” said Cuevas.
Cuevas was the 35,695 person to complete the race. Her time was approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.
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