Name
Rodney Russen
Where do you currently live?
Collingswood, NJ
How long have you been involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
Since day 1 in September of 2012
How did you find out about Achilles International?
Running buddy/Philly Achilles President Melissa Wilcox
When did running become a part of your life?
When running went to a new level was my first half marathon at the PDR (Philadelphia Distance Run) in 1997.
What do you gain from running?
It used to be for fitness and stress relief but has since become an unexpected form of camaraderie.
What is your favorite distance to run?
I really like the diversity in my running. I have finished almost 150 races from 5k to 50 milers on streets and trails. Training for all of that keeps things very interesting. To answer the question, my favorite distance to run is the next distance I am running.
What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
Getting my BQ and running the Boston Marathon in 2011 felt really good but better yet would be when running with Kinzey Lynch and helping him with his form one day and being able to get him to run on West River Dr without a tether for the first time. Still cannot believe how amazing that was.
Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
No one is perfect but we can all be better.
What quality best describes your personality?
I would rather have others answer that.
What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
What do you have in mind? I’m up for most anything – golf, basketball, climbing, make beer, drink beer, stand up paddleboard, surf, biking, taking the dog out, being the fun uncle, yoga, going to live music, watching classic movies, traveling, etc., etc.. I love being active and when I am not I hope to be gaining some kind of culture.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us.” ~Charles Bukowski
What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter?
I try to make everyone feel welcome and accommodated. Most importantly, I want everyone to be safe as they get in their workouts. While we are at it, I hope we have some fun, too. People say to me often about how it’s great that I am “giving back to the community” or “paying it forward.” That’s not at all why I am there.
What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
No motivation needed. I just don’t want to miss it.
If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
I’ve been fortunate enough to join in with Achilles in Philadelphia, New York, Orlando, Chicago, Denver, Nashville and Toronto. Narrowing all of that down to one thing is very difficult. If I were to try, I would have to say to the potential athlete that achieving a goal and to the volunteer that helping someone achieve that goal is always special. Be it a walk around the block or running a marathon.