Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘Mile 26 is for my husband.’

Meghan Rodriguez, Selden

“My husband battled with addiction when he was in his 20s, and back midway through the pandemic, right about 2021, he relapsed.

“I didn’t know he was using for a while; then everything started coming to light. I had to get my family involved, and we had to do an intervention. When he tried to get help, he’d get on a seven- to eight-month waiting list for treatment. I wanted to get involved with Partnership to End Addiction to try to help end the drug epidemic.

“I applied last year to run the New York City Marathon for them and didn’t get in. And they recommended that I apply again. I was surprised that I got in because they only take about 12 people a year, and they said that about 10,000 people apply … They said my story was touching and compelling.

It definitely relaxes me and clears my mind.

“I’m trying to raise $4,500, that’s the minimum you must raise to participate. So far, I’ve raised about $2,000.

“The money goes to all their programs — their researchers, 24/7 counselors; they help families learn about programs, therapies and meetings.

“I ran throughout high school. I was county champion in 2009 in my high school, Newfield High School, for steeplechase … I took a break from running once I had kids, but I’ve always been a runner.

“It definitely relaxes me and clears my mind. I train three times a week, usually short runs during the week. On the weekends, I do longer runs. By the time the marathon comes, I’ll max out at 18 miles. If I can do 20 miles, I can have it in my head that I can do six more. It’s really more of a mental game, to get it into my head that I can do the whole thing.

“The race is Nov. 3, and that will be exactly one year since I had a bunion-ectomy on my left foot. That was major surgery. After I had surgery and PT, they told me running might be impossible because you have screws and a plate. In the beginning, it was a challenge, but I’ve learned to adapt.

“My daughter made me friendship bracelets, and I’m going to wear them during the race. Once I get my [marathon] jersey, I have someone who will embroider all the names of people I’m running for on the back in order from mile 1 down to mile 26. Mile 26 is for my husband.”

Interviewed by Rosemary Olander-Beach

Copyright ©2021 Newsday. All rights reserved.

Faces of Long Island is produced by Newsday Consumer Marketing. This content does not involve the reporting and editing staff of Newsday’s Editorial Department.