Marathon Duo Empowers with Humble Courage

When marathon runner Jamie Shinneman prepares for his long runs, he begins with a carb-heavy breakfast, ties his shoelaces, and sets out with a unique partner — his wife, Amy Shinneman. Together, they tackle runs up to 20 miles in Noblesville, Indiana, with Jamie pushing Amy in a three-wheeled racing wheelchair, lovingly dubbed the ‘duo bike.’

Amy serves as the guiding force, while Jamie provides the muscle. They’ve crossed the finish line of four marathons as a duo team, a significant feat for any runner, but even more meaningful for Amy. She has never run independently due to Bethlem myopathy, a rare neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle weakness.

Since her diagnosis in 2018, at 52, Amy uses a wheelchair for mobility. Yet, on marathon days, that same wheelchair symbolizes her liberation. ‘She’s seeing parts of the world she’s never seen before on a trail,’ Jamie shared. ‘It inspired me to keep pushing and be with her more.’

The idea to run together emerged in 2019 when they encountered a race wheelchair at the Boston Marathon Expo. Although initially uncertain, Amy eventually embraced the concept. ‘Being honest, at first, I had no interest,’ Amy revealed, noting how she felt constantly on display due to her walk. Her role as Jamie’s supporter was one she understood well.

Amy’s transition from spectator to athlete attracted cheers she never anticipated. ‘I could be someone that other people are cheering on at a sporting event,’ she noted. With dreams of completing all eight Abbott World Marathon Majors, they’ve already ticked off Berlin, Boston, Chicago, and New York. Sydney awaits next, followed by London, Tokyo, and Cape Town.

‘Conquering every finish line builds my confidence that I can live well and achieve exciting things,’ Amy expressed. Sharing their journey through Team Humbly Courageous, they aim to inspire others with disabilities.

Their nonprofit sets a $26,000 fundraising goal for Sydney — 10% earmarked for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, with the rest to acquire a racing wheelchair for another Duo Team. ‘Our journey now represents purpose, not just the 26.2 miles,’ Jamie explained.

Their motto: Encourage others to use their gifts and be humbly courageous.

Jamie and Amy strive to inspire others to embrace their unique capabilities and work together to accomplish unexpected goals.