Name
Tyrrell Schmidt

Where do you currently live?
Philadelphia with a lot of time spent in Chicago

When did you get involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
2013

How did you find out about Achilles International?
My company, Cigna, is very involved with Achilles around the globe and one of our employees started Philly Achilles

When did running become a part of your life?
Many, many years ago when I was in college (so many years that I am surprised that my knees have held up)

What do you gain from running?
A sense of accomplishment, fitness, and with Achilles, so much more.

What is your favorite distance to run?
Half marathons – though I love the challenge of an occasional marathon

What is your most significant running accomplishment to date?
The Dopey Challenge at Disney and “The Greatest Race on Earth” which was four half marathons in four months in four countries (Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Nairobi)

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
Challenge is my biggest inspiration – I’m really uncomfortable with status quo

What quality best describes your personality?
Committed – to family, friends, work.

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
In addition to spending time with my family, running and travel are my greatest passions

Do you have a favorite quote?
“It’s better to be interested. Not interesting” –by Joe Schmidt (words to live by)

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
The people – hands down, the most amazing group I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of.

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
Same as Q15. It is TRULY the most amazing group of people – generous, fun, kind and committed – to a person.

 

Name
Ali Valin

Where do you currently live?
Old City, Phila

How long have you been involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
Since April 2014

How did you find out about Achilles International?
Odyssey Half Marathon fundraiser for Achilles

When did running become a part of your life?
Senior year of high school

What do you gain from running?
Peace and freedom

What is your favorite distance to run?
12 miles

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
The athletes I meet every Saturday at Achilles

What quality best describes your personality?
Curiosity

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
Besides running, playwriting

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Life is for participating, not for spectating.” Kathrine Switzer

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? (don’t be modest!!)
Positivity

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

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
Come to one workout, and you’ll be hooked. The people you’ll meet will simply blow you away.

 

Name
Patrick (Pat) McCool

Where do you currently live?
Erdenheim, PA

When did you get involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
Co-founder of the Philly Chapter

How did you find out about Achilles International?
I was a spectator at the NY Chapter run in Central Park (it’s a long story !)

When did running become a part of your life?
In my early twenties

What do you gain from running?
peace of mind

What is your favorite distance to run?
5 miles

What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
Helping to raise two spectacular kids

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
Troy Roundtree, one of our Athletes

What quality best describes your personality?
Probably a good sense of humor

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
read ( trying to write a book)

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Sleeping in on a Saturday morning is highly over-rated !”
What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? (don’t be modest!!)
I guess it would be the ability to hopefully accomplish with whatever I’m asked to do.

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
the selfish reward that volunteering gives you….every damn week !

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
Watch our video and I’ll see you next Saturday !

 

Name
Matt Shannon

Where do you currently live?
Center City

When did you start getting involved with Achilles Philadelphia?
In 2012

How did you find out about Achilles International?
I Googled ways to get involved with charity organizations through running

When did running become a part of your life?
I ran cross country in high school

What do you gain from running?
I run to de-stress and remove myself from the hustle and bustle of life. Running with no phone or music helps me take a break and think.

What is your favorite distance to run?
5k

What is your most significant accomplishment to date?
18:06 5k

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
My parents, showing me how to live a good life and for supporting me in all my endeavors.

What quality best describes your personality?
Tenacity

What do you do for fun or a hobby in your spare time?
Run, bike, swim

Do you have a favorite quote?
“The only person I have to be better than is the person I was yesterday”

What strength do you bring to the Achilles Philly chapter? (don’t be modest!!)
Being able to run with the majority of athletes at their respective paces and distances.

What motivates you to keep coming back to the chapter workouts?
The genuine appreciation that the athletes have for everyone involved, from guides to fellow athletes to supporters.

If you were speaking to a prospective volunteer or athlete and could only convey one thing about Achilles Philadelphia what would it be?
A genuine willingness to help our athletes achieve their goals.