Spotlight: Stacey & Mitch Edenbaum

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each  Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

My mom w her four daughters

My name is Stacey Edenbaum, I live in Chappaqua, NY and I am 41 years old.  I am a mother of 3 children ages 5,10, and 13...my husband Mitch and I are both running in the NYC marathon as part of this team to raise money and awareness..seven years ago my mother Sandra Ryzoff  began to show signs of Alzheimer's Disease and it went downhill from that point very fast..For a while, she was able to enjoy her children and grandchildren however, her physical and mental abilities declined rapidly..To see her struggle, was the most difficult thing for me because I felt so helpless..Being a mother myself of three young kids, I knew how important it was to be there by my moms side as often as I could...The last three years my mother had no quality of life whatsoever and to watch her in this condition was so painful for her four daughters..I am the youngest of four girls and we have all supported each other throughout these difficult times...Unfortunately, this past April, my mother passed away at the age of 79..

    

Myself with my mother

My husband and I have always discussed one day running the NYC marathon together.  We both felt that this would be a great opportunity to honor my mothers memory and raise money to help fight this cause...We look forward to this challenge and meeting all the members of the team....

Spotlight: Amanda LaVergne

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each  Wednesday, Friday and Sunday  for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

What they say about small towns is very true…everyone does know everyone. I was never too far from someone asking me if I was one of Lee Roger’s grandkids. A woman who never accepted the rules as limitations, my grandmother was one of the first women Rotarians, a professional model and a world traveler. She opened a beauty/etiquette school, was the President of the Chamber of Commerce and started the local pageant to help provide scholarships and build young women’s self-esteem. Needless to say she was a force of nature.

I treasured my relationship with my grandmother. It was one of constant encouragement, unwavering support and endless advice. She taught me how to act like a lady but fight like a man for what I wanted. She showed me how confidence doesn’t have to be showy, but in fact, the quieter is usually more powerful. And she had this incredible ability to make everyone feel important, welcomed and appreciated.

I idolized her with every fiber of my being.

While holding her hand, I lost my grandmother New Years Day of 2008 after her 7 year battle with Alzheimer’s. In search of a little solace, I began volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association in NYC a few weeks later. Turning confusion into knowledge was the only way I felt as if I could get any closure.

I ran my first marathon in Texas in 2010, and told myself I wouldn’t do again unless it was for something bigger than me. So when I knew my work would keep me in NYC during the marathon this year, I knew it was my chance to combine both my passion for Alzheimer’s awareness and my love for running. The NYC Marathon will be my 3^rd full marathon, and undoubtedly my most difficult. Not just emotionally and physically, but also because I will be working that afternoon. You see, my 3^rd Broadway show, Annie, has a 3pm matinee that I will be dancing and singing in.

Yes it is “crazy.” I am aware. But sometimes it is through the “crazy” that we take those steps to make a difference. It is through the impossible that we raise awareness and through the unimaginable that we start to see changes. My grandmother acknowledged barriers, but humbly broke through them and eventually could only see them through the rearview mirror. It is my turn now.

I am honored to run, train and be with you guys. This journey has only just started, but I feel as if it has already impacted my life forever. Let’s do this!

Spotlight: Paul Oliu

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

My dad, Ramon Oliu

We have always referred to my dad as an extraordinary ordinary guy.  Born in a small village in Spain, he managed to study his way to becoming a chemical and petroleum engineer, travelling the world, founding a marathon and writing a book.  He raised 7 children, all of whom have kids of their own… and along the way, got hooked into running.  Hooked may not be the word.  Addicted.  That’s probably a more apt description of his affection for running long distance.

When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s back in 1995, I moved back home to help my mom and take care of him for “a couple of months.”  Four years later, I drove him to a nursing home where he lived until his passing on April 3^rd, 2005.  To this day, it remains one of the worst days in my life.

Interestingly enough, when my dad was diagnosed, he chose to fight the disease by doing what he knew was the best medicine.  That was to run.  And he ran and ran.  Short distances, long distances, and often.   In fact he ran until the disease made him forget about running altogether. And then he never ran again.

The whole idea of running the NYC Marathon started with my niece, Rebecca.  Living in New York, she watched the 2011 edition and thought, “if these people can do it, so can I.”  Over Christmas, she made the comment to several of us, and the idea stuck.  Rebecca, my nephew Andrew and I are now committed to running.  Honestly, I think we would have all been happier if my dad pursued chess as a hobby.  But that’s not the case.

While not all of us are running, this is a family affair.  I asked for input on this post and my brother John, who ran the Barcelona Marathon in 2001, wrote the following –

He was musical, spoke many languages, loved poetry and loved all that was beautiful.  I will always remember him showing me how his deck railing cast such a beautiful shadow on the lawn.  He was impatient, and stubborn, always seemed to move like time was running out.  I always picture him walking briskly to somewhere, usually dressed nicer than the occasion called for, with one hand in his pocket, a pamphlet or paper curled up in his other hand and usually whistling a tune. The somewhere could have been to church or work or to a store or just about anywhere.  He was always in a hurry to get whatever done.   I recall not so many years ago when I finally had enough money to buy some decent furniture and I got a recliner.  I sat in it and said "for my Dad, a photo of me in this reclined state would be the epitome of wasted time!” Always thinking, he never stopped thinking.  Proud but not boastful.  Accomplished but humble. Selfish in some ways but generous and giving in others. Funny, in a very quirky way. Loved to turn the meaning of a word to make a joke. A person who no doubt was shaped by his tough childhood, demanding father, and lack of means. 

Among his many accomplishments my dad was the founder of the Barcelona Marathon.  We moved to Spain in the late 70’s and in the absence of a race, he decided to start one.  The first race in 1978 had 178 runners. In 2012 there were 19,455 registered runners for the race.  While working, raising a family and organizing the marathon, he also managed to write one of the first books on running in Catalan, called L’Essencia del Correr, or The Essence of Running.

Me, finishing the 2012 Cupids Chase

In 2001, as a family we ran the Barcelona Marathon to honor his accomplishments.  After he passed, a group of his friends in Spain organized the Ramon Oliu Memorial 10k.  It is now in its 8^th edition.  And soon, the city of Barcelona will be naming a street after him.

But why the NYC Marathon?  My dad ran the race a few times.  But he also brought a team of Catalan runners to participate each year while living in Spain.  The team placed third one year, surprising many in the running community. And he became friendly with Fred Lebow of the New York Road Runners Club.  The question should probably be why haven’t we run the NYC Marathon yet? 

My dad has since passed for a few years now, but I would like to think that on November 4^th, team R2R will beat this despicable disease … if only for a day.  Not just for my dad, but for all the moms and dads, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, and friends and family who continue to battle with dignity and grace against Alzheimer’s.

Now, off for a run.

Spotlight: Maria Jones

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

My grandmother and me when I was about six months

My story....

I was born in 1975, in the Dominican Republic, about five years after my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 65.  She lived to age 94.  We missed her before she was gone.

There were 29 long years of learning... to accept, to adapt, to cope, to ask for help, to love, to tolerate, to be patient.  My mother is one of five sisters, each with their own families, who all took turns to help take care of my grandmother.  Three days a week my brothers and I went from school to grandma's house since my mother would already be there.  We did our homework and waited for the aunt that would sleep over that night or for my dad to pick us up since my mother would be the one sleeping over.  There were weddings, graduations, births and a number of family occassions where my grandmother sat in her wheelchair not recognizing that she was the pillar of such a wonderful family.  

In 1989, my family moved to New York due to my father's assignment with the U.S. Embassy, the move added another level of complication with my mother traveling back a few times each year to help, to make decisions on finances etc.  Her physical health started to deteriorate slowly until she passed away in 1999.

In 2006, my aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  It was devastating for the entire family.

I started running in 2008, inspired by two friends who thought I was missing out (their words: "You live right next to Central Park and you've never run!") and to lose weight (something I had tried to do many times before without success).  One of the two friends ran the NYC marathon in 2010, I cheered her on and it was very inspiring.  I lost 52 pounds in four months, then I  ran a half marathon.  I said to myself that if I ever thought I could run a marathon I would do it to raise funds for Alzheimer's. 

This year I ran a half marathon only six weeks after delivering my second baby hoping to lose the baby weight.  A few weeks later, my husband got an email from R2R titled Need a Bib? and he forwarded the email to me but didn't think I would take it seriously (I had mentioned running a marathon before but I had just had a baby) - how could I take it seriously?  I have a demanding job at a hedge fund, two kids and have no time.

I am extremely excited that I can honor my grandmother and support my aunt and relatives by running for this cause and appreciate the fact that the NY chapter is allowing me to do this with the team.  I am very grateful that my mother is healthy and can enjoy the time with my two kids (Abigail & Maxwell) and would hope, that one day, other families can enjoy their family time free of Alzheimer's.

Spotlight: Alana Peralta

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 


As I look back at my childhood, I can honestly say that I was raised by Alzheimer’s Disease-it made me the woman I am today. When I was 13 years old, my father was diagnosed with early on set. At the time, I had no idea how much it was going to change my life. As a teenager, it was extremely hard having to explain to friends why I had to stay home and take care of my father on a Saturday night or why my father was ripping his pampers off in the living room every time they came over. They simply didn’t get it. In reality, neither did I. It wasn’t until junior year in High school that I stopped trying to be a ‘normal’ kid. Sleep overs? After school activities? Softball? They all quickly became history. I had way more important things to worry about, making sure my father drank his medicine every night without pouring his cup of milk on my head was one of them.

My father became the main focus in my life. This gift, as I often call it, allowed me to value and cherish every moment I had with my dad. Although I often became angry with the life I was “given”, I never lost faith.

 

He was a strong man, the strongest man I’ve ever known. It wasn’t until March 12^th, 2012 that he gave up the battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Not only did I lose my father, but I lost part of my self. After all, Alzheimer’s is all I have known for the past 11 years.

When I received an email from the Alzheimer’s Association asking for people to apply for spots on the team, I decided to apply. The most I’ve ran in my life is a 5k. In my mind, I was convinced I wasn’t going to get accepted, but I knew running would be a perfect way to deal with my emotions and honor my father.

As I prepare for the Marathon, I plan on leaving all the tears, childhood insecurities, and doubts on the pavement as I make my way to the finish line on November 4^th, 2012. I am extremely excited to run with the Team Run 2 Remember, it was been amazing discovering that I was never alone in this fight again Alzheimer’s. 

Spotlight: Anesha Buzzetta

My grandma in the red, me, my twin sisters,
my great grandmother and my mom

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

My family was affected by Alzheimer's when my grandma was diagnosed with the disease in 1993.  I was only 10 at the time and my parents tried to keep everything as positive as they could for me and my sisters.  She suffered for 14 years.  In the beginning stages she was able to stay home for a while but as the disease progressed and her memory got worse my parents had to place her in a nursing home with around the clock care.  To watch my grandma, who was a strong minded, feisty woman turn into someone who couldn't do anything herself and eventually couldn't even speak anymore, is one of the hardest things I have ever had to witness.  My grandma lost her battle with Alzheimer's in November 2007.

My family and I at the Alzheimer's Walk

Even harder than watching my grandma suffer with the disease was watching my mom slowly lose her mother.  When I was younger, it was scary to see my mom crying and upset and not really understand why.  Now, as an adult, I can't imagine going through that with my own mother.  I realize how strong my mom was and is but to this day my mom is not the same person she was before her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

When I met my husband I learned that his family went through a very similar situation with his grandmother who also had Alzheimer's.  Our families have been doing the Alzheimer's walk together in honor of my Grandma Mellie and his Grandma Gemma for the last few years.  And now that I have finally committed to running the NYC Marathon, there is not a better organization that I would rather run with.  I am excited to share these stories and this journey with all of you.

Spotlight: Katelyn Cavanna-Dunham

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 


“I’m going to wet myself!” Classic Nana. Every time she got the giggles – which was a lot – she would always say she was going to have an accident from laughing too hard.

My Nana, Cathleen “Cass” Keating was one of the funniest, kindest and smartest women I ever knew. She was tough-as-nails, but also the sweetest grandmother a kid could ask for. Her and my PopPop had a storybook romance.  Even the biggest of cynics could see it, as they would take impromptu twirls around the kitchen while cooking dinner.  Watching Cass lose herself to Alzheimer’s was extremely painful for my family, especially for PopPop. We lost him a year after she passed away. He was literally heart broken.

When I close my eyes and think of my Nana the first memories are always of her being sick. I picture the fear in her eyes and it breaks my heart. I can dig deeper and find the happy memories, but the fact
that I have to dig? That’s why I’m running the marathon for the Alzheimer’s Association. Any disease that takes a loved one away from you is awful. But Alzheimer’s does it while that person is still here,
it makes you watch it and I want to stop it. I'm running every one of these 26 miles to help prevent another beautiful light like my Nana’s from fading too early.

I’m still a newbie to running with only the NYC Half Marathon and the DC Cherry Blossom 10 Mile under my belt, but I’m excited (and a little scared) to take on this challenge. I always said if I ever ran a
marathon it would have to be in this gorgeous city and for an amazing cause. It all came together this year.

Last week while on vacation in Nana and PopPop’s home, now our “beach house,” I was surrounded by my family and laughing so hard that I quoted Nana. It only made us laugh harder. And it brought back an
amazing memory. I’ve only been on this team for a month, but already it has allowed me to remember my Nana, not her sickness. I thank you all for that! Thank you for sharing your stories and for inspiring me
to keep running and keep remembering. I cannot wait to cross the finish line with all of you!

Spotlight: Cindy Chin Levine

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

My grandma: Po Chu Chong or better known as "Nin-nin" as we would call her in Chinese for paternal grandmother. Mom to my dad and uncle, mother-in-law to my mom and aunt and grandmother to me, my brother, David and cousins, Jeremy and Michael plus sister to six brothers and sisters and aunt to many nieces and nephews. I am her only granddaughter and I am the oldest grandchild; some days I like to think that made me special! :-)

Growing up, I have incredible memories of my grandma and grandpa coming to visit us and bringing so many goodies from Chinatown. Every time they came though, it was always so much fun - we'd hang out in our backyard, my grandpa would try to buy us Italian ice when the ice cream truck came, visit my aunt, uncle and cousins, go bowling, Chinese New Year celebrations, Thanksgiving, celebrating my grandma's and my birthday together, so many memories... We've been to Canada, Virginia, California, the top of the Empire State Building, cruises and even Sesame Place! 

My grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when I was in college, but it was still in the early stages. However, when my grandpa passed away in 2005, her condition worsened. At my wedding in June 2009, it took a lot of persuasion and cajoling before my brother was able to escort her down the aisle.

In March 2011, she passed away. Her services were on Saturday and Sunday (March 19 and 20, 2011) and that was the Sunday of the NYC half-marathon. I remember vividly speaking with my dad and cousins that we should make sure the road closures wouldn't affect us getting into the city that day. And something clicked that moment - I probably even said out loud that I was going to run the half-marathon and fundraise for Alzheimer's. I didn't know even know if the Alzheimer's Association had a team for the half-marathon, but I just knew I wanted to do it.

Why the NYC Marathon? It was that moment that I knew if I wanted to run a half-marathon, the first one had to be in NYC. I was born in NYC, my grandparents lived in the Bronx (and my grandma eventually moved to Flushing towards the later years of her life), my dad was born and raised in the Bronx and I have family living in every boro of New York; it's home. So I contacted the Alzheimer's Association NYC Chapter a couple months after my grandma passed away to inquire about the half-marathon for 2012. I was so early in the process... so they shared with me different ways I could stay in involved and it wasn't until after the 2011 NYC Marathon that I realized the 2012 NYC Marathon would be on the day of my grandma's birthday - November 4, 2012. And that is how I decided it was fate, and that 13.1 miles more isn't that big of a deal if it is fate! ;-)

I'm so excited to be on the Alzheimer's Association Run 2 Remember team and so scared thinking about November 4, 2012, but every stride I make will be in memory of my grandma and that will keep me powering through all 26.2 miles.

I am blogging my training experience, feel free to learn more about my story and check-in on my progress at: http://blog.cindychin.com/.

Spotlight: Hilary Thompson

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

me and my mom 

My journey with Alzheimer's began when my mother was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's at the age of 55.  Being only 19 years old, I had no idea what this meant and what the next 11 years would mean to me as well.  Needless to say, I would not wish what my family went through on my worst enemy and I have a deep respect for any family that finds themselves dealing with this terrible disease. 

Through the 11 years that my mother lived with Alzheimer's, I learned many things about myself and my family.  We learnt to be patient.  We learnt to be tolerant.  And above all, we learned to lean on one another for support.  As a young woman I turned to my mother for everything, like advice, moral support, a hug, and most importantly unconditional love.  As this terrible disease progressed, I found myself turning to my father and sister and together we found out how truly strong the 3 of us really were.

At the great wall half

Unfortunately, my young mother lost her battle with Alzheimer's this past April 22nd, 2012 at the very young age of 68.  I was lucky to spend her last birthday with her and also be by her side when she past away.  Never in my life did I think I would go through this process 2 months after my 30th birthday.  I would have done anything for her to see me walk down the aisle and have my first child but I suppose life works in strange ways....

My journey is now taking me in a new direction.  My older sister Rachael Bachleda has been involved in the Alzheimer's Association for 4 years now and is the most inspiring person in my life.  She has made me want to get involved just like her and this is what has lead me to the New York City Marathon and to joining the team.  I began running only last year and have now completed the Hong Kong and Great Wall of China half marathons.  My fiance and I live in Hong Kong so I will not be present at many of the training runs which is such a shame as I would love to be more involved.  I will openly admit that I am very nervous about my first full marathon but very excited.  I am honored to be running along such dedicated runners and along side people who are dedicated to helping the Alzheimer's cause.  Although I am not a runner, I have been a professional dancer for over 12 years and am very dedicated to fitness and health.  I do hope this helps me get to the finish line!! 

I am honored to be running on the Alzheimer's Team and I cannot wait for November.  

The Coaches...

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random) 

Brian Hsia

Brian Hsia had a dream in creating an official team for the Alzheimer’s Association in participating as a charity for the New York City Marathon in 2006.  He joined the Junior Committee (JC) to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Disease because his grandmother first showed signs of it in 2003.  He brought up the idea to former JC President, Meghann McKale, which probably at the time thought he was crazy.  He got that dream fulfilled in 2009, after 2 years of rejection and despair applying and reapplying. 

Modeling the program from two previous Alzheimer’s Association chapter running programs: Chicago and Boston, and teaming up with an even crazier runner, Jeff LeBlanc, they set forward in putting a running program together in 1 month (first impressions of Jeff was that he had to stay off the caffeine.) 

Trained as an architect, Brian has been running since high school in Somers, NY.  Since moving to New York City nine years ago, he has evolved from a sprinter into a long distance runner.  When Brian attempted to run his first half marathon, his only goal was to "complete" the race. He now runs ultra marathons and multiple marathons in the same weekend. The marathon is his favorite distance with the perfect combination of speed, distance and time. He has competed in 38+ marathons and has a quest to complete a marathon in all 50 states.  He ran his personal record of 2:54:42 in the 2010 Boston Marathon. He enjoys running competitively, although giving back to the running community is a better satisfaction than any personal achievement. Best known for running with his camera, taking pictures of teammates, and capturing race moments along the way, he enjoys saying hello to friends in Central Park.

Trained as a Road Runners Club of America, USA Track and Field certified coach and Track and Field Academy, he is also the New York City marathon coach for the New York Road Runners Team for Kids.  Brian also served as the co-director of the marathon training program for the New York Flyers, one of the largest running clubs in New York City and has been featured in The New York Times.

Brian’s advice to a new runner training for a marathon is, 1) “Listen to your body, the marathon training is a long season, pace yourself.”  2)“Just have fun with it. Have no expectations, enjoy the moment and believe in yourself. You are doing this for yourself. You will gain so much more than you will expect as you bond friendships, memories, and new experiences in your life”

Alexandra Cohen

 I am not directly affiliated with the Alzheimers’s association, but have become dedicated to spread awareness and the fight against Alzheimer’s.  When I was asked to be part of the 2010 it was a great honor. I am excited, amazed and thankful to be with a team that has such passion for the reason why they are running. 

 My role as a coach is to design a run specific/technical training program, as well as avoid, treat, and beat injuries.  My background is in Exercise Science (slowly advancing to exercise physiology). I am licensed in manual therapies with multiple sports specific certifications.  I have both personal training and group fitness certifications through ACSM, NSAC, ACE and Advanced first aid.

 In my teens I trained and competed as an elite athlete (not running).  Some of my worst and best, mental, and physical moments occurred during my training and racing seasons.  When I decided to stop, I also decided to try every other extreme sport and resulted in a life altering injury that led me to be a runner.  My recovery started with walking up 2 steps and ending with a ½ marathon.  Today, running is something I love and am passionate about. 

Meghann McKale
When I first moved to New York, in 2002, my grandmother was already in the late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. I wanted to do something in her honor and I was lucky enough to find the Junior Committee, an amazing group of young people dedicated to raising funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s. As time passed I became more involved in the group, and in 2006 I was elected President.

Each year we applied to be an official Marathon charity and each year we were denied – until 2009, when we were finally accepted, and I decided to dive in and run the Marathon myself! I had no running experience at all, but I wanted to do something big to bring attention to the fight against Alzheimer's. That first Marathon was one of the greatest experiences of my life, so I kept running, and joined Team Run to Remember again in 2010. I've finished two New York City Marathons and eight half marathons. In 2011 I became an RRCA-certified running coach. This year, I am beyond honored to be part of the R2R coaching team once again. 

Chuck Mazzone

I was a runner in high school and after graduating college, running would just be a way for me to decompress after a long day at work. It wasn't until I met Meghann, my wife and R2R coach, that I learned about Alzheimer's. Seeing how Meghann's grandmother suffered made me want to give a voice to this horrible disease. When the Junior Committee was accepted into the 2009 NYC Marathon, I jumped at the chance to run and support a great cause all at the same time. This will be my third marathon and first as coach of Team Run to Remember. I have seen this team grow into something special over these previous three years and I am very excited to run again this Fall.

My advice to all our runners would be, "Success isn't how far you got but the distance you traveled from where you started."

Steve Russolillo

When my grandmother passed away from Alzheimer's a little more than three years ago, I knew I wanted to do something in her memory. So when the Alzheimer's Association came calling about an open coaching position, I jumped on it. There's nothing more fulfilling than coaching a passionate group of people who all have the same goal in mind: Run hard and raise money for a great cause.   

I'm a relatively new runner (I completed my first marathon in June 2010). But I've packed a lot of running into a short amount of time. I've completed three marathons -- including the New York City marathon last year --  eight half marathons and a number of shorter races over the last two years. Running has quickly become a passion of mine, and I can't wait to share my history and experiences with R2R runners.

I completed two of my three marathons with Team in Training, and credit what I've learned to their incredible coaching staff. I'm excited to take much of what I've learned and pass it on to our team. My advice for new runners: Have fun. The best thing about training in a group is forming bonds and friendships with all your teammates. Cherish the training, don't be afraid of it. We're all in this together with the same goals in mind. Let's make it happen.