Yesterday was a pretty amazing day! It started with a killer speed session with speed demon Ashley before Physical Therapy, some super twitchy needling (this part was not awesome, but I was suuuuper tight today, so obviously it was necessary), and then I met up with this amazing lady.
Susan has run multiple times in the Olympic trials, and she runs something ridiculous like a 2:42 marathon! You know, about the amount of time it takes me to run half that. As soon as she told me that, I felt like I was talking to Bernadette Peters. What? You’re not musical theatre obsessed like me and that means nothing to you? Okay, I felt like I was talking to Meryl Streep! You want to know what else??? She didn’t start running until she was 36 years old! And she ran her first marathon in about 4 hours. Talk about freaking inspiration!
Turns out she’s kind of like a running celebrity here in Phoenix! She also happens to be my coach for the New York City Marathon!! And now if she reads this she will think I’m a crazy stalker and probably disown me. I knew when I made this commitment that I had made the right choice, and I was super excited, but after talking to Susan yesterday, I realize just how amazing this organization is, and how lucky I am to be working with such an incredible coach on my first full marathon.
She also explained a little bit more about what Chances for Children does, and how my fundraising will offer physical education and fitness opportunities to kids who can’t even afford to buy shoes. There are several events that I have the opportunity to be a part of and see exactly where this money is going, and I cannot wait to get more involved!
If you would like to be a part of this journey with me, you can donate here. No pressure, and there will also be some fun things for sale over in these parts soon, so there are lots of ways you can be a part of this endeavor, including some awesome virtual cheer leading. 😉
Lindsay @ The Skipping Pixie says
LUCKY!!!
Ari says
There’s still spots open! You should do it too! It’s far enough after your OC marathon that you’ll be ready to PR!!
Lindsay @ The Skipping Pixie says
NYC is totally on my bucket list….but I don’t think I’ll be getting there THIS year!!!!! You are going to rock it though!
Stacey says
That’s SO awesome Ari! When I told my friend Karen that you were training for NYC and fundraising, she immediately asked if it was with Susan. She said she fundraises for Chances for Children, and I said YES! That is who Ari’s fundraising for! Too cool! I totally forgot to tell you that….When is NYC again?
Ari says
November 4th. It’s not too late for you to decide to join…! 😉