Philly Achilles

Athletes helping Athletes

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Deborah Groeber

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Deborah Groeber- Achilles Athlete

Where do you currently live? Glenside, PA

When did you first get involved with Achilles Philadelphia? October 2015

How did you find out about Achilles International? Through the adaptive ski community about 20 years ago but I thought it was only for runners. I didn’t consider myself a runner.

When did running become a part of your life? November 2015
What do you gain from running? A sense of freedom and independence
What is your favorite distance to run? 5K

Who/what is your biggest inspiration? Adam McAvoy who is a young man who chooses to come to Achilles to volunteer his time. He focuses his energy on helping others as he betters himself and others around him. He is always in a good mood.

What quality best describes your personality? Persistence

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time? I volunteer and do Sudoku puzzles

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? I bring an opportunity to run with an athlete at a slower pace.

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
The opportunity to run outside and the friendliness of the other Achilles volunteers and athletes is what keeps me coming back to workouts.

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be? Come out and give it a try; it will make you feel great!!!

JT Stevens

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Name: JT Stevens

Where do you currently live? Ardmore

When did you first get involved with Achilles Philadelphia?

January 2017

How did you find out about Phillies International?

My mom found out about Achilles Philly through one of the other visually impaired runners.

When did running become a part of your life?

I started running regularly with my mom when she started the cross country team at my school Regina Angelorum Academy when I was in 5th grade. I’m currently in 8th grade.

What do you gain from running?

I gain fitness, fresh air and exploration as well as meeting new guide runners.

What is your favorite distance to run?

My favorite race distance is currently the 5k but I’m working on training to move that up to a longer distnace.

My favorite training distance is 5 miles.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?

My mom as she is a Paralympic athlete

What quality best describes your personality?

Hard working and fun

What do you do for fun or for a hobby in your spare time?

Reading, Lego’s running, and working with electronics

Do you have a favorite quote?

Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint Isaiah 40:31

This quote represents the virtue of fortitude and I turn to it often for strength

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly Chapter?

I don’t know.

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?

It’s fun and i get to meet new people who understand my need for guide runners.

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?

It’s a fun family environment.

 

Lin Rosenzweig

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Name Lin Rosenzweig, volunteer
Where do you currently live? Media, PA
When did you first get involved with Achilles Philadelphia? October 2015
How did you find out about Achilles International?  Caitlin Nelson who believed I could do this even when I had my doubt.
When did running become a part of your life?
In 2014 when Caitlin Nelson made me. I struggled running my first mile; then suddenly 13.1 miles seemed possible.
What do you gain from running?
Friendship, mental toughness, the ability to clear my head, increased caloric allowance via My Fitness Pal.
What is your favorite distance to run?  I’d call myself a 5K specialist.
Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
My students who come to class everyday with a zeal for learning
What quality best describes your personality?
#Determined
What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
Read books, ski, photography, watch baseball games at stadiums all over the country, travel, and sample new foods
Do you have a favorite quote?
I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are lead to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Wicked- The Musical
What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter?
I think I need Achilles more than they need me
What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
Defying norms
If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
Since you are going to run anyway, why not run with a purpose? You need the mileage; you can run as a guide with someone who needs you. There is no greater feeling than crossing the finish line with your athlete.

 

Andrew Wrigley

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Athlete/Volunteer Bios

Name: Andrew Wrigley, volunteer

Where do you currently live? Philadelphia

When did you first get involved with Achilles Philadelphia? July 2016

How did you find out about Achilles International? From my brother, Hal Wrigley, who was a volunteer

When did running become a part of your life? Ive been running for ten years but became a lot more serious and dedicated the last three years

What do you gain from running? Peace, clearness, accomplishment, friends and community, fitness, health meditation and beauty

What is your favorite distance to run? 8-12miles

Who/what is your biggest inspiration? Meg, Matt, Hal, Cedric, Rick, Melissa, Pat and some others too. Basically the dedicated athletes and runners from Achillies and FBR

What quality best describes your personality? Encouraging, intense, jubilant, high spirited

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time? Art, run, cook, make things, hang out, sleep

Do you have a favorite quote?

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter?(don’t be modest!!) I am there consistently and usually running the longest distance every time

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts? The awesome people make for a good time

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be? You’ll get more out of it than you put in, it’s a positive, inspiring experience volunteering for Achilles.

New members, please bring your completed form to your first workout:

Member Athletes or Volunteer Guide!

Saturday Workouts

Philly Achilles meets at 9AM every Saturday at 1601 Chestnut Street.

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