Preferred Name (First and Last): Andy Rapacz
Pronouns: he/him/his
City: Minneapolis, MN
Profession
-Exercise Physiologist, HealthPartners Neuroscience Center
-Board Member and Fitness Committee Chair, Get Up Stand Up to Cure Paralysis
Fundraising Goal: $1,000
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:
My connections to spinal cord injury are personal, professional, many and varied. I’ve worked in the field of SCI rehabilitation for 16+ years. SCI presents a plethora of dichotomies and contradictions that stimulate me intellectually and emotionally; complete/incomplete, tragedy/triumph, hope/despair, growth/loss, (etc. ad infinitum). There is so much more we can, and need to, do and learn together. I’m excited to be a part of Team U2FP to keep contributing in ways that I can.
Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed?
Andy: Yes, I’ve completed more than 5, less than 20(?) half marathons. This will be my second Twin Cities Marathon weekend race with Team Unite 2 Fight Paralysis.
What do you crave after a long run?
Andy: Chocolate Milk and my Chacos
Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what?
Andy: Yes. Music (or any auditory stimulus) is one of the many tools at our disposal to change the physiology of our “whole body system” network to the capacity to change. I enjoy putting together a good playlist (long live the mixtape), so what I listen to is dictated by my mood, context, and the intent of activity. For race day Phish and Atmosphere (“The Cadillac of Dad Rap” and Minneapolis’ own) will be in the rotation; Freaque also will probably find their place to join me somewhere along the Mississippi River or Summit Ave. Thanks for asking.
What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon?
Andy: Excited: finishing the 10-mile and heading back on the course (look for me at Park Ave marathoners!) to support all my Team U2FP teammates participating in the marathon.
Nervous: my hip will explode coming down Cathedral Hill
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Andy: Being outside, modulating my whole body system with movement and music; preferably with my family, but I enjoy the solo journey as well.
Anything else you’d like to share?
“The trick was to surrender to the flow”