When Anna was young, she thought she’d always be fit and active. But over the past 10 years, she had gained weight and wanted to do something that would give her a regular exercise routine and help her lose the weight. So after losing 10 pounds on her own, she joined the L.A. Roadrunners. During the training, Anna lost a total of 26.2 pounds. She says “I believe it was from looking at the backs of the pace leaders every singles weekend. Not only was I about to run 26.2 miles, I have lost 26.2 pounds.”
The run/walk group was perfect for Anna. And with Roadrunners, she was able to try out a few different pace groups, run/walking regularly with Run/Walk 4 and occasionally with Run/Walk 5 and a couple of times with Walk 5. No matter which group she joined, one thing stayed the same. She was out there every weekend, come rain or come shine. Through the entire 30 week training program, she only missed one of the long runs. “That’s dedication and commitment! And it feels so good. … I am excited to be running the LA Marathon!” Anna will have many supporters and friends who will come out to cheer her on.
In addition to the motivation provided by the RoadRunners, and friends, Anna’s main motivation has been the LA Marathon Charity, Veronika’s Place.
I have been to Africa twice to visit Veronika’s Place, a food distribution in the slum of Dandora outside the capitol of Niarobi, Kenya. I am grateful for all the things we take for granted here in the U.S., food, water, health care and security. There are 400 people who have HIV/AIDS that receive food from Veronika’s Place.
They’ve had a wonderful fundraising season and are currently only $5000 away from their goal.
When I cross that finish line I will have so much in my heart! I have done this for myself, for my community, and for a community over 9,000 miles away on the other side of the globe.
Anna would like to thank the L.A. Roadrunners and the Veronika’s Place Charity for helping her get through the L.A. Marathon training season.
There were so many times I would have quit, but all these things kept me going. Thank you for letting me share my story!
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