Name: Matt McAvoy
Where do you currently live?
I live in the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia.
How long have you been involved with Philly Achilles?
Since 2014
How did you find out about Philly Achilles?
I searched online for running guides after running into a guide at Frankford Hall
When did running become a part of your life?
Running has always been a part of different activities but rarely a stand-alone activity, as it has become for me now. I rode my bike everywhere before losing my sight, and running has helped me regain some of that freedom that I felt I lost.
What do you gain from running?
I benefit from the physical activity, a sense of accomplishment, and a feeling of independence when I am running.
What is your favorite distance to run?
I like to run six miles, since it is far enough that I can get warmed up and into a good stride but not so far that I might feel pain in my joints the next day.
What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
My most significant accomplishment, since joining Achilles, has been that I have become more physically fit and healthier than I have been in many years.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My son is my biggest inspiration, since he leaves nothing on the table at the end of every day, and every day is a fresh start.
What quality best describes your personality?
Tenacity
What do you do for fun or a hobby in your free time?
I like to go to live music performances of all types. I also like to work on various projects around my house that I have been fixing up for the past three years.
Do you have a favorite quote?
You only live once.
What is your disability?
I have Leeber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, or LHON, that causes extremely limited vision.
What strength do you bring to the Philly Achilles chapter?
I consistently show up for Saturday workouts and consistently run about six miles, or whatever distance and whatever pace someone feels like running.
What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
I continue to be motivated to attend the weekly Achilles workouts because of the peer support. I know that there are people in the group expecting me to be there, so I want to make sure that I do not let anyone down.
If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Philadelphia Achilles what would it be?
The local Achilles chapter is a very generous and genuinely friendly group of people, who make everyone feel welcome and part of the group.