My running journey began about 14 years ago, inspired by my daughter’s pediatrician. When my little girl was born, she spent time in the ICU, and after her release, we had to visit the doctor’s office every week for three months. Her pediatrician was an avid runner, and his office walls were filled with finisher photos from marathons and races. Every visit, I’d find myself looking at those pictures, feeling a spark of motivation grow stronger each time. One day, I decided that I was going to run too. I started small — just one mile at a time — and slowly began to build up my distance and endurance.

Before long, I entered my first few 5K races, and that’s when I discovered Run Project. I ran a few of their races that first year and quickly became hooked. Before I knew it, I was signing up for nearly every race they hosted. One of my favorite memories is when my daughter joined me — she ran her first fun run at just two years old and completed her first 5K at the age of five. Running had become more than just a hobby; it was part of our family story.

In 2014, I decided to take my running to the next level by training for my first marathon. I wanted it to be the New York City Marathon, a race that held deep sentimental value since I used to live in New York. I gained entry to the 2015 race by pledging to a charity that helps kids get involved in sports and running, especially those from under-resourced communities. That year, I ran every single Run Project race as part of my marathon training — they kept me engaged, focused, and motivated throughout the journey.

To this day, I’ve completed a total of nine marathons, including four Dallas Marathons, and I can proudly say that Run Project has played a part in preparing me for each and every one of them. Running started as a personal challenge, but it’s become something much greater — a lifelong passion fueled by inspiration, community, and purpose.