Hey hey!!! My name is Jen Bailey and I’m so grateful to be part of the Los Angeles Marathon Ambassador Team! My running journey began in 2002 but was short-lived until I escaped my domestic violent marriage years later. Over time I learned to love myself, set goals, and find something amazing in each day! Running helped with each of those. Years later, I found genuine Love in my husband Anthony. He is my biggest cheerleader! Running gave me the confidence to cofound a nonprofit, Run for Grace. Together we strive to help those in need within our community through our passion for running. I completed my very first Marathon (Los Angeles of course!) in 2019, my second in 2020 at 238lbs then opted to undergo Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery a year later. Although there isn’t much info on VSG athletes, I’m hoping to share my experiences (good, bad & ugly) for others to learn from. Helping others is a huge part of who I am. At age 42 — I am proud to be part of this encouraging collection of achievers known as the “Running Community”. Thank you to The McCourt Foundation and Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS for believing in me. I’ll see you at the finish line! Sending light, love and happiness! ~Jen💙 #LAMarathonAmbassador #LAMarathon #Makeadifference @jen_bailey17