What’s your biggest motivation for running?
My students are my biggest motivation. Running for an organization who supports my students, children who are so important to me, makes every mile meaningful.
Are your students getting involved, being supportive?
Tracking your training? Challenging you? Whenever my students are facing a challenge, I remind them, “You are brave. You are strong. You can do hard things. I believe in you.” It might sound silly but running the marathon is challenging me to stop and remind myself, just like I say to my students, I am brave, I am strong, and I can do hard things, like run the Boston Marathon. I have lots of people who believe in me and who are rooting for me and I am very lucky to have these people in my corner. The words that I say to motivate and encourage my students in the classroom are now being said to motivate and encourage myself.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is having an impact on who my students become as a person. I like to think that I have an impact in helping them become readers and writers, mathematicians and scientists, artists and all of those great things. However, what really matters to me and what I think matters most of all is that they become good people. People who are kind, respectful, honest, and patient, people who love others, people who try their best and persevere through all the challenges they face, people who advocate for themselves and for others, people who believe in themselves and in the goodness of others. I think being a good person is the most important thing, especially in the world that we live in today. So the best part of my job is helping them become the best version of themselves and ultimately, helping them become good people.
How has the Corey C. Griffin Foundation made a difference for you and the kids you lead?
The Corey C. Griffin Foundation is a group of people who all come together with the goal of spreading love and support to my students and children around our city. Their commitment to establishing community and building a force of love has made an incredible difference for me and my students. It is very inspiring to see an organization so determined and dedicated to supporting and investing in the lives of children. The work of the CCGF is a beautiful thing to witness and it is a really special thing to be a part of. My students and I are so grateful for their love and support.
What has been your hardest training day/moment so far? Early morning?
My toughest training moment was attempting a six mile run the day after a tough leg workout, when I quickly realized my body wasn’t ready. It reinforced how important it is to listen to your body and stay flexible, even when you’re trying to stick to a training plan.
Who has been your biggest supporter/fan/inspiration throughout the process?
Without my relationship with God, I wouldn’t have made it this far in training – He’s with me through every workout, every run, and every mental block. I’m incredibly grateful just to be able to walk, let alone run, and prayer has been a powerful part of this journey.
What do you love most about the Corey C. Griffin Foundation and its work?
What I love most about the Corey C. Griffin Foundation is the constant reminder that we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. Every person and every donation truly makes a difference, and it’s incredibly powerful to see that impact come to life – from idea to execution.
