Journey of the Shinnemans: Running Marathons Together

Marathoner Jamie Shinneman prepares for his long runs by consuming a carb-rich breakfast, lacing up his shoes, and leaving home with a unique companion—a teammate. The 53-year-old spends training runs as long as 20 miles in Noblesville, Indiana, pushing his wife, Amy Shinneman, in a three-wheeled racing wheelchair they affectionately call a “duo bike.” Jamie provides the power while Amy offers direction, and together, as a “Duo Team,” they’ve completed the finish line of four marathons since 2019. For Amy, who has never run independently, this is an exceptional achievement.

“My duo partner helps me see beyond my limited self-perception. It’s a valuable lesson,” Amy stated.

Amy was born with a neuromuscular disease, diagnosed in 2018 as Bethlem myopathy. This rare muscular dystrophy form causes muscle weakening and affects movement. At 52, Amy predominantly uses a wheelchair. Yet, on the marathon path, this wheelchair becomes her gateway to freedom. “She’s experiencing parts of the world she’s never seen before along the trail,” Jamie remarked. “It inspired me to keep pushing and accompany her further.”

Amy and Jamie Shinneman have crossed the marathon finish line four times since 2019. Initially, Amy hesitated at Jamie’s proposal to pause his solo running career in 2019 to race as a duo, motivated by a race wheelchair spotted at the Boston Marathon Expo that year. Jamie had spent eight years in his running journey and was swift enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon twice.
“Honestly, at first, I wasn’t interested. I felt perpetually on display due to my walking style. My initial instinct was, ‘No way, thank you. I prefer cheering from the sidelines.’ That was the sole role familiar to me,” Amy said.

Being a spectator was Amy’s known territory. Being an athlete with supporters was unfathomable. “That aspect played a role too,” she explained. “Even contemplating being someone cheered at a sporting event was challenging.”
Now, encouragement intensifies for the Shinnemans at each event as they strive to complete all eight Abbott World Marathon Majors, a premier marathon series. They’ve already finished Berlin, Boston, Chicago, and New York. Next, they’re set for the Sydney Marathon on August 30, 2026, leaving London, Tokyo, and Cape Town to reach their target. The benefit is far greater than medals.

“I’ve faced ups, downs, and doubts due to my disability. But now I’m converting that self-doubt into self-belief,” Amy expressed. “Each crossed finish line boosts my confidence, proving my ability to live well and pursue engaging endeavors.”

Jamie and Amy Shinneman aspire for their story to enable others with disabilities to envision possibilities. This vision led to their team and nonprofit name, Team Humbly Courageous.

“Humbly Courageous aims to inspire people to live with humble courage,” Jamie commented. “Watching a husband and wife Duo Team achieve goals they deemed unattainable as a pair might encourage others.”
In honor of their fifth World Marathon Major in Sydney, the pair strives to raise $26,000 for their nonprofit. Ten percent benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the remainder funds a racing wheelchair for a Duo Team unable to afford one.

The joint venture is more significant than running 26.2 miles—it’s a journey defined by purpose over speed or personal records. “Amy and I aspire to motivate others to utilize their talents and inspire mutual encouragement,” Jamie stated. “Be humbly courageous to accomplish something previously thought unattainable.”