Chicago Marathon Race2Raise Team

Like most reading this page right now, I was not always a big "runner". It was always punishment during basketball or soccer practices; coach would say "get on the line" and you would know the team was in trouble for something or another. It wasn't until the world shutdown that I really gave running a chance. A chance to prove it was more than just excessive and exhausting. It was in height of COVID when I realized just how freeing running can be. I was intensely training with a personal trainer at the time (virtually of course), following a strict meal plan, and also interning at Accenture, all of which definitely changed my perspective on my body and my time, for worse or for better. It was in running where I realized how much control I had over my actions but also how little control I had over the things that happened to me and for me. It became my safe space to think and to talk through my stress or happiness with myself. Running gave me confidence, it helped me learn to let go a little more and let life take its course (I'm still trying to relax more mom, I promise). I carried that passion for running into my last year at IU and when moving to my new home here in Chicago and starting my first job. 

But being the overachiever I am, I didn't just want to run for the sake of running, with no goals in mind. So I signed up for the Chicago Marathon. It was then when I found Dare2tri, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments by building confidence, community, health and wellness through swimming, biking, and running. I started to think about my own journey of physical activity. Starting at the prime age of 4 years old playing recreational soccer. Or the one year I tried softball, the ten years I played basketball, and now the last (almost) two years of running. All of which has made me the confident person I am today. I realized how much those sports have helped me grow as an individual. I didn't just take my teammates with me for years to come, I took away skills that have helped me be successful in my first job, in a new city, making new friends. It was being physically active that helped me learn time management, find outlets for my emotions, and be able to really focus on things that were important to me. I have never really truly appreciated the ease I had when it came to physical activity until I researched Dare2tri. This organization made me fall in love with physical activity even more than I already was. It made me really appreciate the ability I had to so easily move from one sport to another when I was younger. The ability I have now to lace up my shoes and just start moving my body. I am extremely lucky to be able to run whenever I want without any barriers. 

Dare2tri has helped thousands cross finish lines by eliminating barriers to high-priced equipment, transportation, and coaching. I'm extremely lucky that I don't have to hurdle those same barriers to cross my own finish line. But before I can cross my finish line on October 9th, I need your help. That Sunday, I will be running for those that don't have the same accessibility to physical activity as I do, as most of us do. Think back to when you were younger, or even now, think about the accessibility that you had to a PE class or a school sport or now have to a gym that you can use without aid from another. Think about how walking, running, hiking, swimming, playing sports has helped you and your happiness. There are many people out there that don't have that. Those are the people I will be running for, with your help. No donation is too small, every single dollar makes a difference and helps knock down hurdles so everyone can cross their own finish lines. Hopefully I'll see you at the end of mine but until then I appreciate your help in getting there.