City: Minneapolis, MN

Profession: Student – Nursing (MSN)

Fundraising Goal: $2000

Race: Twin Cities 10 Mile Race

Race Goal: Under 9:15/Mile pace!

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: I’m running for Team U2FP because a very close friend of mine has a C-5 spinal injury and has been able to teach me how much the world needs an intervention to restore function for people with paralysis and that U2FP has proven to be the best organization to make that happen. From coaching wheelchair softball, to seeing my friend adapt in the way he lives his life, it is a crap thing to happen to a person whether born with it or from injury. The kids previously on my softball team are able to do amazing things with a smile on their faces all day. Thomas, my friend, pushed in the Chicago full marathon in 2019 and 2021. Paralysis isn’t something that has stopped them from living their lives because they are tenacious beasts, but the goal of restoring function would be life changing for them as well as society as a whole. So I figured I would do my part to help raise some money and make this reality!

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed? I have participated in a half marathon in Denver in June 2021 and ran on last year’s U2FP team for the TC10.

What do you crave after a long run? A tall, cold Coors with some olives in it.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what? A Peloton workout or a good upbeat playlist

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon? This will be the first race I will be running with friends, so I'm very excited about that!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Going on walks with my dog or hopping around to the nearby breweries with friends.