Name: Tom Cobb
Where do you currently live?
I live in Philadelphia, PA
How long have you been involved with Philly Achilles?
I have been involved with Philly Achilles for about two years. Started running with Achilles in NYC 20 years ago.
How did you find out about Philly Achilles?
I found out about the Philly Achilles chapter from the Fishtown Beer runners that were promoting it.
When did running become a part of your life?
I started running 20 years ago, with the support of the Achilles NYC organization, shortly after losing my arm to cancer. I continued running with the group during lung cancer in 2000 and was even able to complete the marathon while on chemotherapy.
What do you gain from running?
It keeps me in reasonable shape and I believe it has helped me live longer throughout cancer and it challenges.
What is your favorite distance to run?
I have ran marathons, etc, but don’t really have a favorite distance.
What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
I guess 10 consecutive NYC marathons is pretty cool along with summiting Mt Kilimanjaro with other Achilles athletes. None of this would have been possible without the Achilles organization.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Dick Traum and Terry Fox.
What quality best describes your personality?
Not sure.
What do you do for fun or a hobby in your free time?
Run. Spend time with family, friends, pets, and travel.
Do you have a favorite quote?
constantly changing
What is your disability?
3x cancer survivor… losing arm and part of a lung.
What strength do you bring to the Philly Achilles chapter?
Other way around: Philly Achilles brings me strenght to get out and keep running.
What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
Although Im now comfortable to run solo, I like the supportive group, meeting new people that inspire me, and maybe in some small way I might be able to motivate other runners.
If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Philadelphia Achilles what would it be?
Check it out… you will feel better after a run and to have met new people that you might not otherwise of had the opportunity.