Name
Holly Lynch

Where do you currently live?
Collegeville, PA

How long have you been involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
Since October 2012

How did you find out about Achilles International?
Through my son, Kinzey’s cornea specialist.

When did running become a part of your life?
HAHAHA…Running became a part of my life when Kinzey started running track/field, and cross country in middle school. I’m pretty much Kinzey and Chris’ cheerleader.

What do you gain from running?
I gain happiness from seeing my two favorite guys run and become physically fit together.

What is your favorite distance to run?
5k. I’ve only completed one 5k but I’m gearing up for a couple more.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
I can’t give you just one. First it would be Kinzey. He is such a determined and driven young man. Tell him what he can’t do and he will show you what he will do. He is kind-hearted and just a really all-around great young man that I am beyond proud of wearing the title of being his mom. Then it’s my husband; Chris. He is my Heaven on Earth! He is so competitive and tenacious. One of the traits I admire about him is his consistency. That consistency has allowed him over the past 2 years to develop his athletic skills from running his first 5k to now being able to run in half-marathons. I can’t leave out the many other Philly Achilles volunteers that go above and beyond what is often expected of them.

What quality best describes your personality?
Nurturing and extremely loyal.

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
I don’t know what spare time is! Although, I have started to take my own physical fitness more seriously, so I’m working out and running 4-5 times a week.

Do you have a favorite quote?
Not really a quote but I have a favorite Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13”

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter?
My positive spirit and willingness to help all our members…volunteers and athletes alike.

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
The friendship and love that is within our chapter. We are like big family!

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
One visit…one step is all it takes!

Name:
Claire Marie Sokas

Where do you currently live?
Center City Philadelphia…but always a Colorado girl at heart.

When did you get involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
Fall 2013

How did you find out about Achilles International?
A friend saw them on TV and thought they looked like fun, so I came to a Saturday workout!

When did running become a part of your life?
After a short-lived career as a high school freshman in the shot-put event, I switched to long distance track. Running became a social event and stress-reliever in college, and I discovered I preferred longer distances.

What do you gain from running?
Running brings me peace. My favorite runs are in the morning, when I can watch the sunrise along the Schuylkill.

What is your favorite distance to run?
The 11-mile Art Museum/West River loop from Cigna.

What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
Participating in my first (unofficial) 50K with tons of encouragement from fellow Achilles athletes and volunteers.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
For as long as I can remember, there has been a picture in my dad’s office of him running the Baltimore Marathon, wearing Ray-Bans and looking cool as can be. He still runs every day, rockin’ the Ray-Bans. He encouraged me to start running, and I have miles to go before I catch up to him!

What quality best describes your personality?
I’m a hugger!

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
I love to bake, and I make killer fluffer-nutter bars and white chocolate cherry bars.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up, it knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or a gazelle-when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.” – Christopher McDougall

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? (don’t be modest!!)
A zest for life, and come spring 2016 Philly Achilles first “official” doctor!

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
I know if I don’t show, Kinzey Lynch will kindly remind me that I haven’t been able to keep up with him lately…

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
The Philly Achilles family has truly made me feel like Philadelphia was my home. Whether you are working towards walking your first mile or running your next marathon, we look forward to meeting you!