City: Sommerville, MA

Race: Marathon

Fundraising Goal: $1000

Race Goal (time/just finish!): 4:20:00 (But I'll be happy if I just finish!)

In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis: As a runner, climber, diver, frisbee-player, snowboarder, and lover of all things outside and active, I feel especially thankful to have the physical capabilities that I have. I've had a few leg surgeries and some back issues that left me immobile for short spans of time, and that, as well as taking care of a family member with a serious (although temporary) spinal injury made me appreciate the independence I have in my everyday life, and gave me a small peek into what life might be like if I were seriously injured. I have so much admiration for those who are able persevere through their injuries, and am really proud to support U2FP, for their advancement of medical research and the community they provide.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? First in a very long time! I ran a marathon in highschool, but that was almost 20 years ago.

What do you crave after a long run? Oxygen! But also a cold shower.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? Audiobooks of fantasy or mystery novels on 1.5x speed. Really lets me zone out and doesn't get boring!

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? I'm a bit nervous I won’t be able to finish, but I'm excited to see the culmination of all my training and to see how far I've progressed since I started running in January. I remember how hard those first three mile runs felt! It will be amazing to be able to do 26.2!

What is an interesting or unique fact about yourself (or anything else you’d like to share)? I'm a bit injury prone... I've had three leg surgeries, and broken a lot of bones. I think I'm just unlucky. This time I'm being very careful though.