Annie Portner- Volunteer

Where do you currently live? Center City Philadelphia

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

How did you find out about Achilles International? I saw Achilles athletes and guides running one day on the trail while I was training for the marathon and looked them up online.

When did running become a part of your life? I started running track back in 2008 but only short distances. I started running longer distances in college.

What do you gain from running? Stress relief & ability to eat lots of donuts

What is your favorite distance to run? 5 miles

Who/what is your biggest inspiration? My mom & how she balances all things in life.

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time? Listening to podcasts/ walking around the city/running…that’s a given.

Do you have a favorite quote? A Pooh Bear Quote: “I just wanted to be sure of you”

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? I hope to be a guide any athlete can run with comfortably. I am not extremely competitive, I like to just go out and run for fun. I never want to push someone too hard, I’d rather athletes have an enjoyable time running & having conversations & enjoying the time spent together.

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts? It gets me out and running and promotes a healthier life style for me. I know how great I feel while/after running and I like knowing I’m helping someone else have that feeling.

 

Name:

Nate Russell, volunteer

Where do you currently live?

Wynnewood, PA

When did you first get involved with Achilles Philadelphia?

October 29, 2016

How did you find out about Achilles International?

Lin Rosenzweig

When did running become a part of your life?

I started to run when I was sixteen, but I became serious about running in college after I tore my rotator cuffs.

What do you gain from running?  

It provides a feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes with knowing that your legs and body are strong and capable.

What is your favorite distance to run?

5k and Half Marathon

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?

My source of inspiration is my family who have aided me to become a good person.

What quality best describes your personality?

Perceptive

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

I like to play chess, read books, and ski

Do you have a favorite quote?

“What makes any act extraordinary is doing it with heart. What makes any life extraordinary is doing it with love.” – The Fred Factor

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? 

I bring with me optimism and enthusiasm for learning from some of the best runners I have ever met.

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

The athletes who I make friends with and the volunteers that I look up to.

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

Achilles is a family of volunteers and athletes with a mission to help each other reach their goals. If you want to run with an objective, joining Achilles will give you intent.

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.