Why do I run? I started running at first as an individual using the activity as a way to cope with my chronic anxiety that I have been battling. After years of seeing doctors and trying different techniques to manage my anxiety, I was looking for any new outlet to try to overcome.  It was never about running a certain time, distance, or race. I did it purely as a natural coping method to allow me to push through life one step at a time. 

Over the last few years running has only continued to blossom in my life. What started out as a short activity, became a lifestyle. Like all things in life, timing is everything. I recall having to be dragged to my first 5K, I was initially resistant to the idea of races and felt that it might corrupt the pure joy of running. What I found out after that first race was the complete opposite. While those 3.1 miles felt like torture, I immediately took notice of the community. I found myself motivated by seeing other runners of all ages and abilities all pushing their hardest towards that finish line. As they often say, the rest was history… 

Why Team Special Olympics Chicago? As I wrote earlier I derive so much of my motivation in running by those around me. Over the last few years through my running experience I have learned that you should always run for more than just yourself. Your story and your experiences can help others in their own life Journeys.  I truly believe that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to push themselves both physically and mentally.

Team Special Olympics Chicago is a group of runners dedicated to supporting thousands of Chicagoans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and I am proud to be a member of this team.  

I hope that you consider supporting my efforts, and am so grateful for your devoted support to our life-changing mission.

Again, thank you for supporting the thousands of Special Olympics Chicago's superstar athletes! #TeamSpecialOChicago