I grew up cheering for my dad and two friends as they ran the Chicago Marathon, thinking to myself "I could do that." I was excited by the idea of setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. I was also so impressed by my dad's work raising money and awareness for an organization close to his heart. He told me that it was the organization he was fundraising for that kept him going at mile 20. When I asked myself what would keep me running, the answer came to me immediately: supporting fellow survivors of sexual assault. 

As I've settled into a routine of young adulthood, balancing my time in the classroom as both a teacher and a graduate student, I've been so grateful for quick weekday runs and long weekend jogs. I am so excited to be running the Chicago Marathon in October to support The Army of Survivors (TAOS), a non-profit organization that protects athletes from sexual assault and empowers survivors through education, advocacy, and resources. I'm looking forward to returning to the Windy City and going on a (long) jog with one of my oldest friends, Cameron Lind. 

Please consider donating to TAOS or joining me for a training run in NYC! Bonus points for doing both :)