On an oddly warm day in January, 2018, I bought a pair of running shoes hoping to take advantage of the nice weather by finding a new hobby in running. I remember thinking often during those early running days that one mile seemed to last about seven years and that I couldn't go beyond a short distance. Flash forward five years, I have completed two half marathons, am looking forward to a third in September, and kicked off marathon training for this October.

Though it might sound crazy, running has become one of my favorite things in the whole world because it offers an incredible sense of accomplishment, allows you to explore the world around you, and allows you to connect to your own body. It is true when they say that the biggest obstacle is your mind because I've seen how my body really can keep going if I just stay focused on each mile, one at a time.

When I think about endurance running, I think about discipline, dedication, and perseverance. The intense feeling of satisfaction and joy after you're done only comes as a result of suffering and putting in the effort. As a Christian, I want to run with the mindset that all glory belongs to Jesus, my Savior, and the work-to-reward relationship seen in running provides me with a clear picture of what following Jesus looks like; more often than not following Jesus is hard and I'm tempted to take an easier route or spend my time elsewhere, but in relying on the strength of Jesus to help me when I'm weak, the joy on the other side is so worth it. 

For the 2024 Chicago Marathon, I'm beyond excited to join Team Special Children's Charities, a group of runners dedicated to supporting thousands of Chicagoans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Special Children's Charities is an organization working to create a more inclusive Chicago... one mile at a time. Money fundraised for Team Special Children's Charities goes toward their year long athletic youth and adult programs offereing opportunities to connect participants to community and to promote fun. They also provide classes including art therapy and cooking. To learn more, visit their website at https://specialchildrenscharities.org/.

I can't make it past the finish line without the support and encouragement of important people in my life like you, and I hope that you will consider partnering with me as I train and race with Team Special Children's Charities to further their life-changing mission.

If you wish to make a donation via check, please send to the address below and they will credit the donation to my fundraising page. Please make sure to include my name in the memo section.

Please make all checks payable to Special Children's Charities.

Mail to: 
Special Children's Charities 
2 E. 8th St., Suite 2M
Chicago, IL 60605

Again, thank you for supporting the thousands of participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago - here's to 26.2 miles in the books!