Christine Tamney, Vice President at Flushing Bank, promised herself that she would run her first marathon before turning thirty-nine. Now, at the age of fifty-one, she prepares to run one of the world’s premier marathons for a third time.
This latest race will join an impressive list of marathons Christine has run throughout the country – everywhere from Long Island and New York City to Vermont and Philadelphia. For all her experience, however, Christine admitted that she still feels nervous as this year’s TCS NYC Marathon nears. “My last marathon was in 2012, and at fifty-one things are creaking a bit more,” she said. On the other hand, Christine views these changes as an opportunity to update her training.
“As you get older, your body is different, so you have to adjust. The approach you take when you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s has to change because your body is changing,” she shared. Currently, her new routines focus on maintaining a good, strong core. With these revised regiments in place, Christine expects nothing but success come this November.
She looks forward to finally putting her training to good use, especially as a member of Team Mission United. Christine, whose husband is a veteran, was touched by Mission United’s goal; she said, “It’s a fabulous initiative and a fabulous cause. Veterans that are exiting [service] – after everything they’ve been through – deserve all the help and support they can get.” She notes running with Team Mission United gives her the chance to make a difference in the lives of those she cares about.
Christine’s husband served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and was a member of the U.S Army for eight years. Though the two weren’t married during his service, they had been good friends since high school. Now, Christine’s husband works as a Catholic school teacher and cheers her on as she prepares to run for a cause close to their hearts.
This personal connection made Christine a standout candidate for Team Mission United when Chair of United Way of Long Island’s Board of Directors, Senior Executive Vice President & COO at Flushing Bank Maria Grasso shared that the team was looking for members. “Knowing that Christine is an experienced runner put her at the top of the list for a spot on Team Mission United, and her personal connection to the cause made her the perfect pick. All of Flushing Bank looks forward to cheering her on in November as she runs for her husband, and every veteran on Long Island who is in need of support.”
As she gets ready to run for Team Mission United, Christine intends to leave nothing on the table. She devotes much time and effort to preparing for the big day, all the while, her husband continues to be her biggest supporter – that is, on one condition: that she uses something other than running as a conversation starter at cocktail parties.