Name: Kristina Earnest

City: New York, NY

Profession: Fitness Professional

Fundraising Goal: $2,000

Race Goal: 3:50:00

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 chose to run in support of U2FP because I was really drawn to Marilyn Smith’s story about how she started this organization. As a mother myself, to read the story of how Marilyn advocated for her son was so moving that I knew I wanted to help raise awareness for U2FP.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed?

This will be my 3rd Marathon! I have completed the NYC and California International Marathon.

What do you crave after a long run?

A big New York bagel! Egg is my flavor of choice.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what?

I can’t train without music - I love house music. It really pushes me to keep going. I’m already curating my playlist for the race!

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon?

My husband and I lived in Chicago from 2011 - 2013. I am excited to get back to the city and witness marathon weekend as a participant. I’m also SO excited to show my 3 young children how strong their mama is - they know I love to run but this will be their first big race day experience! They’re planning on making posters and cannot wait for the plane ride to Chicago. My middle daughter loves the Delta cookies, haha!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time I am with my family. We have 3 children: Madison (6), Ava (5) and Bryce (18 Months) so they keep us very busy. We also just built our forever home in New York, and with our first Spring/Summer approaching in the new house we are so excited to enjoy what we created!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am just so thrilled to run the Chicago Marathon for the first time with U2FP. It is such an honor to run with such a meaningful organization, and to show my children the importance of running for a cause.