I became an endurance athlete- runner because of three women.  The first was Joan Beloit-Samuelson, the winner of the first women’s Olympic marathon, whom I watched take a victory lap holding an American flag like a superhero cape.  I thought, “I want to do that!”  

The second was Julie Moss, an Ironman triathlete who became famous for collapsing 15 feet from the finish line and then using her hands to drag herself across it. Again, I thought, “I want to do that!” Weird, I know.  

The third is my mom, who died from colon cancer five months after her diagnosis when she was only 46 years old.    

When Mom’s life was cut short, it lit a fire in me.  I burned with the desire to accomplish Big Things before my flame, like my mother’s, was permanently extinguished.  The summer after she passed, I decided (thanks Joan and Julie!) to run a marathon.  As I hobbled across my first 26.2 mile long finish line, I heard Mom whispering to me, “You did it!  If you can do that, what else can you do?”  

Answering that question resulted in twenty marathons, four ultra marathons (31 miles and 50 miles), and countless triathlons, including the Ironman, which, I’m happy to report, I staggered across on my own two feet - no crawling.

Running transformed my grief into indomitability.  Running made me determined to live out my mom’s legacy, not only by running, but by making a difference in the world.  One of the avenues I did this was by establishing the Chicago chapter of Girls on the Run (GOTR), an after school program that helps girls realize their potential by training for a 5K event, along with life skills lessons that develop courage and self-confidence.  I also became the Executive Director of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA).  Through these organizations, I was able to inspire thousands of girls and adults to achieve their dreams - it still gives me goosebumps!

nfortunately, I had to stop running due to injuries and pain from severe scoliosis.  Quitting broke my heart and my spirit.  I still grieve, but I’ve found other activities - hiking, body building, and even something called PomSquad that satisfy my desire to move and bring me joy.  There is nothing like the feeling of breaking a sweat!