Joe Amabile has marked a major personal milestone by completing the New York City Marathon just 88 days after undergoing brain surgery.
The 40-year-old Bachelorette alum finished the race on Sunday, November 1, following an August procedure to remove a blueberry-sized tumor from his left frontal lobe. He shared a video from the finish line on Instagram, holding his medal and reflecting on the timing of the achievement.
“88 days ago I was waking up from brain surgery. Today, finishing the New York marathon,” Amabile said in the clip before kissing his medal.
He later posted additional photos and videos from the race, including footage of his wife, Serena Pitt, becoming emotional as he crossed the finish line. In the caption, Amabile described the day as both his slowest marathon and his greatest accomplishment.
Pitt, 29, wrote that she would never forget the moment and said Amabile had inspired her and many others. She also shared a video showing herself and former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe cheering for him from the sidelines.
“I can’t even put into words how proud and inspired I feel today,” Pitt wrote, adding that Amabile’s motivation and positive outlook had remained steady during a difficult period. She described watching him finish the race so soon after surgery as an indescribable feeling.
In an interview last month, Amabile confirmed that he planned to run the marathon three months after his operation. He said setting the goal helped him regain a sense of control after dealing with a brain tumor and surgery, circumstances he felt were beyond his control.
Amabile also acknowledged that he expected to run more slowly than in previous marathons, but believed crossing the finish line would be especially meaningful. He said his recovery had not been easy, particularly during the first week and a half, when he experienced significant pain, used strong pain medication and noticed unusual sensations when moving or sitting down.
Despite those difficulties, Amabile said he was doing well overall.
Sources: Us Weekly.