Doing Hard Things: Cydney Guard Honors Her Husband’s Legacy
Cydney Guard is the surviving spouse of SFC Nicholas Guard, a man remembered for his strength, determination, and kindness. Nick was known for his grit—passing some of the toughest military schools without hesitation, but also for his warmth, humor, and love for his family. His light shined brightly, even if for far too short a time.
Today, Cydney carries that light forward with their children, Mattix and Leilani. “I am so incredibly fortunate to have his greatest legacy, our children, to continue to help mold into productive members of society,” she says. “Through stories of Nick and through my own actions I believe I am doing that.”
This year, Cydney has taken on a new challenge: training for and running the Marine Corps Marathon through the Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program. Before this, the farthest she had ever run was seven miles. Now, she is focused on completing all 26.2. “I don’t want to just cross the finish line,” she explains, “I want to overcome it with a good time as well. I am, as Nick would say, enduring the suck every single day I get out there and train.”
The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been transformative. “The greatest growth has definitely been on the days that I will myself to hit the pavement rather than my head to my pillow,” Cydney reflects. And when training gets tough, her children often join her, riding their bikes, scooters, or skateboards alongside her. “I love that my kids see me getting out there every day,” she says.
Life has changed since losing Nick, but Cydney continues to find ways to honor their family’s adventurous spirit. “We were such an active family with Nick. [Today] we are still adventurous. And Nick is still guiding us with his light in spirit.”
For Cydney, the Marine Corps Marathon is more than a race. It is a way to honor her husband’s service, prove her own strength, and show her children that they, too, can endure hard things. “Thank you so incredibly much to wear blue for gifting me this opportunity to push past my own expectations I have had for myself. To provide this amazing opportunity to believe in myself again. To know that I am capable of doing hard things.”
Cydney and her children are no strangers to wear blue. Her kids participated in the Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program in the DuPont/JBLM Community before relocating to Southern California. Today, she finds strength in both the wear blue community and the enduring light of her husband’s memory as she prepares to cross the marathon finish line.
Cohort Update: The wear blue Mile
As you prepare for race day, we want to highlight a truly special part of the course: the wear blue Mile. Our wear blue community will be standing strong, waving American flags adorned with the names of fallen service members and ribbons, proudly sponsored by JLL.
It is through the generosity of our sponsors and donors that this Mile exists, giving runners an extra push to keep moving forward. Every flag represents a hero, every ribbon a story, and every cheer from our community a reminder that you run for something bigger than yourself.
Our Endurance Program athletes will proudly cross the finish line with ribbons in hand, taking every step for their loved one. Whether running for remembrance, personal growth, or to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, the wear blue Mile and the support of our community ensure that no one runs alone.
