What is the name of the race event are you participating in? Hyvee Twin Cities Half Marathon and 5K.

How long is the race? 13.1 miles

What is your goal time for that distance? 2 hours and 35 minutes

What is your fundraising goal? $500

Why did you choose to run/wheel in support of Team U2FP? I chose to run in support of Team U2FP because of a family friend, Jake Beckstrom. Jake and my sister went to the same law school in Vermont and have been best friends ever since. I first met Jake, his mom, and his first service dog, Miles, back in 2013. This past September 2021, I joined Jake in his 20-mile Run-Walk-Roll. Afterward, I knew that I wanted to run for Team U2FP in my first ever in-person half marathon.

What do you crave after training? Liquid IV Hydration with water.

Do you listen to anything when you train? I usually watch inspiring documentaries on Netflix to motivate myself through long runs. On race day, I enjoy hearing people cheer to be more present.

What makes you nervous or excited about the race? The majority of the races I've done, I always try to run for a cause that is important to me. This helps me to remain focused and motivated throughout the race. Running with a purpose is what gets me the most excited because I get to spread awareness for organizations. Additionally, I love the mental work that is required to endure long distance running.

Fun Facts - tell us something unique or interesting about you? I ran my first half-marathon (not in person due to pandemic cancellations) in the middle of a blizzard and 30 degrees. I'm originally from Puerto Rico, so it was a bit chilly. However, I powered through because I was doing it for my dad, who survived a stroke in 2019. He and I used to run 10K back when I was a kid, and it was because of him that I fell in love with long-distance running.