Victory Gardens, Ragnar Relay, Another Marathon

How do I top starring in Bleacher Bums and running a 7th straight Boston Marathon qualifying time? These are the ways I tried in 2017.

Because of being in Bleacher Bums at pride Arts Center, I was invited to join the Artist Development Workshop at Victory Gardens. I met Calamity West, Laura Baker, and Mike Ervin. Calamity is a superstar playwright who joined Tanya Saracho and Annie Baker as three of my favorite playwrights. Laura is an amazing director. Mike is a talented writer, activist, and networker. I spent 2017 rewriting my previously produced autobiographical play.

Because of Bleacher Bums, I was offered a spot in Tellin’ Tales’ Divercity 2017 show. I wrote and performed a solo piece featuring love, lust, risk. My performances opened with What You’re Told by Liz & The Lovelies. Thank you Liz Chidester for permission to use the song. Performances took place at Prop THTR on the very stage where I performed in the world premiere production of my autobiographical play years ago. Scenes from my autobiographical play were performed at Victory Gardens for Sketchtopia. Laura Baker directed. I was in awe at how Laura knew my intension with each line, character, and storyline.

Kendra Stevens invited me to perform at Serving The Sentence at Fillet Of Solo. Next, I joined the Is This A Thing Chicago lineup for Freedom Of The Press where I shared stories of being censored for editorials I wrote in grade school and high school as well as similar stories from my days as a radio reporter and host who dared to ask questions and follow-ups till I received satisfactory answers. This One Woman invited me to write and perform a piece inspired by Martha Stewart.

Pinnacle Performance Company sponsored my racing season once again. I raced my first ever Ragnar Relay. 190 miles from Madison to Chicago on team Bad Ass Mother Runners captained by Kyna. Mark McHugh guided me for three legs over thirty hours. Thank you Meg Sullivan for connecting me with Mark less than two weeks prior to Ragnar.

Lindsey Kane graciously guided me for the Universal Sole Burgers and Beers 5K. As always with Lindsey, it was a blast.

After years of wanting to meet and run with the beautiful elite Jill Czarnik, I finally did when she guided me for the Big 10 10K. Thank you to the kind folks at RAM Racing for making it possible. It was hot and I was fresh off an injury. I was ready to walk midway through the race, but Jill did not let me. She made me run faster. After a quarter mile that desire to walk disappeared. I pushed. The faster I ran the more Jill pushed me. To run with Jill and more important, to be friends with her, is a case where dreams do come true. When they do, reality is even better than the dream ever was.

What I learned from Jill I applied in my next 10K next to Eric Robb at RAM Racing’s Mag Mile 10K. I started slow then began to build. At the midway point, I flipped my hat backwards and went to work racing home with a negative split.

Buck town 5K. Kristine raced me home to a solid performance there as we took it slow for the first half then pushed it especially in the final half mile.

A week before my eighth straight Chicago Marathon, I pulled my hamstring. I knew I would not run fast, but I wanted to finish strong to my eighth consecutive BQ. Ironman triathlete, Todd Smith took me the first 13.1. Elite marathoner, Erica Alansari took me the second half. I found a pace and sat on it. Seven miles in, I learned I was running consistent splits. Jenna Parker had always wanted me to get to the point where I could just feel my pace and not rely on a GPS. Todd, “You’re a machine, baby!” Through thirteen miles, I was running even splits. Once Erica took over, the pace continued. I rolled through the first twenty-two miles running each mile within seconds of each other. I was a machine! In fact, no one ever told me my splits. I just smile as my guides marveled at my consistent pace.

Todd Smith organizes yearly Beer Miles. I jumped at the chance to run alongside a beautiful talented athlete who is an American Ninja Warrior National Semifinalist. Runners chug beers prior to each quarter mile. Word is I set a world record for fastest beer mile by a blind person.

Thank you Pinnacle Performance Company for sponsoring my races in 2017. Thank you for sponsoring me in 2018. Thank you Jenna Parker for being my coach, friend, inspiration. Thank you Jill, Mark, Lindsey, Eric, Kristine, Todd, Erica, and Tom for guiding me in races. Thank you Calamity, Laura, Mike, Tekki, Kendra, Jake, Kyna for my theater and storytelling experiences.

Corinthians: Katherine Bellantone As Barbara

Last September, I had the great privilege of meeting the beautiful and talented, Katherine Bellantone. She truly is phenomenal in every way!

Here is a recording Katherine did in the summer of 2016. I love it. You will too.

Katherine Bellantone Sings

4 Reasons To Vote For Liz & The Lovelies

“Liz & the Lovelies is a Chicago based band formed by the singer-songwriter Liz Chidester.
With a core of sibling harmony and raw storytelling, folk and electronic instruments intertwine to marry the past with the future.”

You will see those words when you visit Liz & The Lovelies
The Deli Magazine runs a poll to determine Deli Magazine’s Artist Of The Month. One of the bands featured on Deli’s current poll is Liz & the Lovelies.

Here are 4 reasons to vote for Liz & The Lovelies.

•Liz Chidester is a beautiful and talented singer, actress, artist deserving of your vote.

•Last fall, I appeared in a play with one of The Lovelies. He is a handsome talented man who looks like Aaron Rogers. A vote for Liz & the Lovelies is a vote for packers Nation!

•Liz & the Lovelies have a winning combination of vocals and sound. Vote for a winner.

•I love delivering for my friends. A vote for Liz & the Lovelies shows I can deliver.

Please vote:

Artist Of The Month

Laura Sturm directs Phantom Pain

Laura Sturm celebrated having a new acting student unaware he would be one of her greatest challenges. The man had a goal. He had a desire. He had a cane. A student needed eyesight to make observations and perform movements. Laura had many questions, but all resulted in the same answer. It is impossible to teach these techniques to a blind person. Laura was determined to make possible the impossible. As he who benefited from Laura’s determination, I wrote about it.
Laura Sturm Movement

The beautiful and talented, Laura Sturm continues to bring the best out of talented artists. I asked her some questions about the play she is currently directing. Phantom Pain by Barbara Lhota. This world premiere production, which runs March 15-April 2 at The Greenhouse Theater, stars Lisa Herceg, Pamela White-Raines, Stephanie Sullivan, and Kristen Williams.

Q: Barbara Lhota has written 200 plays and has had 60 productions.
 Is this the first time you’ve been involved with a production of one of her pieces?
LAURA: No, I have been an actor in a couple of staged readings of her play GIRL FOUND, also set in Detroit.   I have also been an actor in her short play, 85 Billion Neurons to Forever, produced with Women's Theatre Alliance and Other World Theater's Paragon Fest.  I know she's working on developing that into a full-length, and I hope to be involved in working on the development of that with her.  

Q: What drew you to Phantom Pain?
LAURA: A number of things really - it's a play focused on a group of vibrant, interesting women who aren't just wives, mothers or sexual objects; the idea of looking back at the past and how it shapes you, both in your life and historically; reminiscing about the 70's and 80's; the exploration of different perspectives from different characters (liberal vs. conservative); and of course, the racial issues that spring up in the show and how each character reacts to them.  These conversations need to be had, and I'm not sure they are.  I don't think this show preaches, and yet watching it, you learn something and really have to think about some things.  No character is 100% good or bad - all have their strengths and flaws - Each character is very multi-dimensional, and I love that.  Plus Barb's writing feels real to me - it's how I talk, in my world, so I am drawn to that as well.  She adds a lot of humor to the tough stuff, which makes it all that much more poignant, from my perspective.

Q: Is there extra excitement or anxiety because it’s the world premiere production of Phantom Pain?
LAURA: Both, really.  We've been working since long before rehearsals started to get the best version of the script, and then each week, Barb would watch rehearsals and send changes.  We cut a lot of excess away and pared it down quite a bit.  So, it takes a little more time than just rehearsing a play that won't change at all, and you're always asking - should we have cut that?  Should we have left that in?  And yet, it's so exciting to be the first folks to really fully actualize the piece - the final script that remains will have pieces of all of us in it, and that's kind of a legacy, isn't it?  Even if no one remembers that but Barb.  :)  With a new play, there's the excitement and anxiety over how people will respond to it - you just never know, which is a little scary, but it's also really exciting when they do respond positively. 

Q: How much did you lean on Chicago based Barbara Lhota during the rehearsal process?
LAURA: She was at the majority of the rehearsals.  If I had a question about what something meant, instead of hypothesizing what the playwright meant, or researching it and making a choice, I just asked her.  Sometimes she would answer specifically and other times she'd tell me to make the choice that made sense to me.  Barb is an incredibly giving playwright.  Plus she's incredibly knowledgeable and a lot of fun!!!

5. What excites you about the performances Lisa, Kristen, Pamela, and Stephanie will give?
I feel so fortunate to have been able to assemble such a strong cast.  All of these actors are really dedicated to the truth of the moment in their acting, which is enormously important for me.  They get uncomfortable when they miss the honesty in the moment, and are constantly working to achieve that, so it really doesn't happen that often.  I feel that I'm just helping shape that honesty for the audience, so it is clear and interesting.  They have also developed into quite a lovely team - you see them each supporting each other and going out of their way to help each other out onstage and off.  I think this team of women, with their wonderful truthfulness and the intimacy and vulnerability they allow themselves to achieve, will allow the audience to fully immerse into and enjoy this very intimate piece, almost as if they were sitting in the living room themselves!

PHANTOM PAIN
Playwright: Barbara Lhota
Director: Laura Sturm
Organic theater
March 15, 2017 - April 2, 2017, Wednesday to Sunday

: http://organictheater.org/

Money Make Em Smile

I was nervous. Then I met her and my anxiety increased. Not only was I about to audition for a play, I was about to do so alongside a talented and beautiful actress. She put me at ease. After my audition, she insisted I did well. As I sat next to her, the director offered me the role. I was thrilled to be cast. I was even more excited that I would get a front seat to watch such a wonderful actress be amazing. Katie Bellantone proved to be all that and so much more. From day one, I was speechless each time she took control of the stage. I learned plenty by observing her. She was kind, warm, and charming. She inspired, challenged, and motivated me to be a better actor and person. Katie Bellantone was truly the most important and influential person for me in that production.

Katie Bellantone can currently be seen in Her Story Theater’s Money Make Em Smile at the Greenhouse Theater. This piece is theater about youth for youth. Money Make Em Smile tackles the subject of sex trafficking. The average age of a child sold into the world is twelve years old. The average number of years a young person lives this nightmare is seven years. Her Story Theater shines a light on this dark subject while educating young people. One may think sex trafficking happens to other kids in other countries. Chicago is the third largest hub for buyers and sellers.

Money Make Em Smile is must see social justice theater. Katie Bellantone is a must see beautiful, talented, magnificent actress!

Money Make Em Smile
The Greenhouse Theater Main Stage
2257 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, Il 60614
Tuesday, February 14 to Saturday, March 10
10:00A.M.

For more information and to buy tickets:

Money Make Em Smile

Freedom: Is This A Thing?

On Monday, February 13, 2017 the monthly live lit show, Is This A Thing returns to Chicago's O'Shaughnessy's Public House. Storytellers write and perform a piece based on the assigned theme for that month's show. For February, the theme is Freedom. The piece can be comedy or drama. It can be whatever the storyteller wishes. Mainly, it should entertain.

I will be one of the performers at this Is This A Thing event. You should come. Whether by yourself, with a date, or group of friends, you will have a splendid time. Here is the information.

Is This A Thing
O'Shaughnessy's Public House
4557 N. Ravenswood Ave.
7:00p.m.
FREE

Kimberly's The Selfless Mile

In 2010, I ran my first ever marathon. The Chicago Marathon. Not knowing what to expect and not having proper training, I gutted out 26.2 miles in five and a half hours. I ran the final twenty-two miles with a severely sprained ankle. In 2011, I registered for Chicago again. Surely, I could run faster. It had special significance as I dedicated my race to dear friend, Michelle. I met her while in college. At such a young age, she lost her life to cancer. Through the power of Twitter, several women who worked for Imerman Angels One-On-One Cancer Support introduced themselves and encouraged me to run on Team Imerman. As a result of being a runner and fundraiser for IA, I had access to training with NJOY Racing. Owner, pro Ironman triathlete, Kimberly Shah, welcomed me with open arms. After only twenty minutes of knowing me, she offered to guide me for the marathon.

This is Kimberly's story of that experience. Thank you, Kimberly!

The Selfless Mile

Laura Sturm Movement

After writing several short films and a full length screenplay, I felt it was best to register for acting classes. I researched various schools reading about courses, instructors, and techniques. I researched experiences and biographies of instructors, administrators, and board of directors. Eventually, I came across Laura Sturm. Almost instantly, I knew I had to meet her. I made an appointment to meet with the school’s Artistic Director. A few days later, I attended a party where one of the co-CEOs of the acting school introduced himself to me. After we spoke for a bit, he suggested I meet with Laura Sturm. He felt Laura and I would connect. Sure enough, within minutes of meeting her, I knew I needed to study with her. She felt similarly.

I struggled mightily. Laura could not get through to me. Years later, I learned she contacted mentors, teachers, and colleagues for guidance in how to best help me. All agreed that Laura had to realize there was a reason blind people did not study the Sanford Meisner Technique nor Lloyd Williamson Movement. There was not a way to accommodate the requirements to fit a blind person. Laura insisted on creating a way. Eventually, she realized that life caused me to build walls to protect myself from pain, injury, and heartbreak. To successfully connect with me, she would have to remove my wall one brick at a time. We were in this together and we would succeed together. one week, I would take one giant leap forward. The next week, I would regress. I was frustrated and angry. If she was, she never displayed it. Laura was always positive. She encouraged me placing her arm around me knowing I was emotionally fragile. She believed that one day it would fall into place and I would make my much anticipated break-through. It took much longer than I expected, but Laura did it! She broke down my walls, reached inside of me, and pulled out the artist. Artistic Director, Ted Hoerl noticed that Laura’s efforts took me from nothing and going nowhere fast to placing me on the edge of being an artist. Ted said, “Laura brought you to the edge. Now it’s up to you to believe in yourself and leap!”

I always feel so touched when Laura Sturm attends a performance of any show I do. I continue to be grateful for all her effort and belief. To this day, I live to make her proud each time I am on stage. To learn about the type of work Laura did with me, I point you to an article PerformInk published. Laura Sturm wrote the piece. This is the movement class I took with Laura.

Laura Sturm PerformInk

After The Gazebo

As a prepubescent, I wrote stories. I wrote and wrote. Page after page. I never knew the ending, but I loved watching my fingers form the letters. I kept going till my fingers and wrist hurt. I rarely shared my stories with anyone. I sat in class hoping the teacher’s next assignment would be to write a short story so I could submit, but the teacher never did, so I never did. By high school, I had a computer. I missed and still miss the tactile feel of forming the letters with my hand. I wrote poems. I printed out seven of them and gave them to one of my English teachers for feedback. She told me they were all bad, but had potential because I had talent which needed some nurturing. She felt I would eventually be published. In my senior year, two of those poems were.

While in college, I wrote my first screenplay. A thirty minute short film. After a couple screenplays, I tackled plays. Friends asked why I did not write plays sooner given my love for dialogue. I missed writing short stories. I returned to them, but quickly discovered I could not write them. I started a novel. Two pages into it, I deleted it. I immediately opened another blank file and began writing it as a screenplay. I had become more comfortable with slug line, action, dialogue. Eventually, that idea for the novel became a screenplay and stage play. The theater piece was in development, but something went sideways with the theater group. Along came the talented Jen Knox. She and I became friends. I read her blog and stories. She was amazing. She wrote an entry on her blog about flash fiction. I wanted to write those. Jen encouraged me. She offered to help where she could. I asked if she would read my work and offer feedback. She told me I was great at sensory description. I had a way of painting a picture and evoking a response. I was moved that a talented writer whom I respected thought so highly of my work. Jen breathed life back into my love for short stories. She inspired me to tackle writing a novel.

Jen Knox’ latest book, After The Gazebo is available for download for the low price of $6.95. If you have not heard of the award winning wonderful, Jen Knox, please visit the link below to familiarize yourself with her work.

AFTER THE GAZEBO

Look Back At Sweet '16

At the start of 2016, strangers continued recognizing me from the Chicago Athlete Magazine cover featuring Wendy and me. Attention and praise make me uncomfortable. This year, I received plenty of both. Instead of discomfort, I found joy.

In February, I joined Keri Serota, Melissa Stockwell, and Levi Kane presenting at a Francis Parker school assembly. 1,000 students and administrators watched in awe as we shared stories of personal triumphs through national and international elite level Paratriathlon and the Dare2Tri Paratriathlon Club. Principal, teachers, and administrators told me how inspiring I was. Keri, whom I have known for seven years, said, “Wow! I had no idea you were such an amazing storyteller.”

In April, Ryan Nord guided me through the BOA Shamrock Shuffle 8K. In June Lindsey Cook was my eyes all weekend at the Dare2Tri triathlon camp. The camp ended with a triathlon where I front crawled the swim finishing in minutes. We hit 26MPH on the bike. A photo of Lindsey and me racing to the finish line appeared in a local newspaper. In August Dan Tun guided me for the Chicago Triathlon super sprint. It was our first race together since Dan guided me to my second straight regional title in 2014. Thanks to Cynthia Shur Petts and Kyna Lenhov for offering me a slot at the August This One Woman variety show. I brought down the house. Having the audience roaring throughout gave me confidence I could do stand up.

September was life changing. Director, Nich Radcliffe, asked me to audition for the role of Greg, a blind character, in a production of the hit classic, Bleacher Bums. Fifteen hours after receiving the sides, I did. I had the great privilege to audition alongside beautiful and talented, Katherine Bellantone, who was part of the cast. I was anxious, but she insisted I did well. Nich offered me the role on the spot. I accepted. The experience was more than I ever dreamed. I was in awe of each actor and crew member on a daily basis. From day one, I felt overwhelmed and out of place. Opening night. Katherine initiated the most significant conversation I have had since Jenna Parker encouraged me to qualify for Paratriathlon Nationals. Katherine inspired me to embrace my greatness and magnificence. She looked into my eyes down into my core and brought me to life. I will forever love and respect Katherine for all she has said and done to change my life in ways she may never realize!

Because of Bleacher Bums, I was interviewed by Janet Davies of ABC7 and Chris DeRosa of WCIU. Doors have been opened for me at Victory Gardens, Prop THTR, Telling Tales Theatre, and 16th Street Theatre to write and perform.

I made my Serving The Sentence debut in September then brought down the house at Is This A Thing Chicago in October. Erica Alansari and Mike Casey guided me for my seventh Chicago Marathon and seventh Boston Marathon qualifier. I inspired grade school children at a assembly and company managers at a corporate gig.

Thanks to Pinnacle Performance Company for sponsoring my marathon and triathlon dreams. Thank you to triathlete, surfer, writer, actress, model, director, Jenna Parker, for being my coach and friend. Thank you for reading this post. Whatever comes my way, in 2017, I hope you will come along for the ride.

special $10 Cash Tickets Open Space Theatre Bleacher Bums

The Chicago Cubs lead the National League Championship Series three game to two. The team has two chances to clinch a birth to the World Series at Wrigley Field. If you can not get enough of Cubs related material, you should check out Bleacher Bums now playing at the Pride Arts Center in Chicago. Open Space Theatre presents Bleacher Bums every Thursday to Saturday at 7:30p and Sunday at 3p.m. Open Space Theatre is offering a special deal for anyone who walks up tonight or tomorrow night without reservations. $10 cash tickets at the door.

If you hear people complain that high price tickets prevents them from taking their family to a show, game, or concert, then tell them about this special $10 cash ticket offer. Bleacher Bums at Pride Arts Center presented by Open Space Theatre. 4139 N. Broadway in Chicago.

Here is some information about the show:

Bleacher Bums

Open Space Theatre Bleacher Bums On WCIU You And Me This Morning

On a Thursday prior to a performance of Open Space Theatre's Bleacher Bums, I had an opportunity to join Amy Sunshine and David Zak in being interviewed by the talented, Chris DeRose of WCIU You And Me This Morning. A few days prior, the Bleacher Bums cast ran through a few scenes giving a camera crew a chance to get some B-role. This footage accompanied the segment which appeared on WCIU.

If you missed it or wish to watch it again, here is a link to the piece on Open Space Theatre's Bleacher Bums now playing at Pride Art Center at 4139 N. Broadway in Chicago. Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30p and Sunday at 3p. Performances run through November 6.

Thank you WCIU. Thank you Chris DeRose.

Bleacher Bums WCIU You And Me This Morning

Bank Of America Chicago Marathon Honors Me?

A few weeks ago, Abby Best of the Chicago Marathon Social Media Team reached out to me requesting a blog post. Meg Sullivan had contacted her about sharing Israel's story with the marathon running community. Lily Homestead followed up with a short interview then mentioned the social media team would post various items across Chicago Marathon platforms. Yesterday, the Facebook page featured a blurb and photo of me.

Thank you Meg, Abby, and Lily. Thank you to the many people, some of whom I do not know, who have shared the post and who have called me an inspiration. I am grateful to Jenna Parker for her friendship, support, and coaching as well as to Pinnacle Performance Company for always being there as my sponsor. If you missed it, here is the URL to the Bank Of America Chicago Marathon Facebook page. You can scroll down to find yesterday's post about me.

Chicago Marathon Facebook

I Was Just Cast In Production of Bleacher Bums!

On Saturday evening, my long time dear friend, Rani, contacted me to say her friend, Nich, was looking for me. Nich Radcliffe is an accomplished talented director who is casting his next project. After Rani contacted me, I read Nich’s note and called him immediately.

Nich is casting the role of Greg in the play, Bleacher Bums. It first premiered in the 1970s and was updated in the 1990s. It has had many productions in Chicago and around the country over the last forty years. Just in time for the Cubs 2016 playoffs and World Series push, Bleacher Bums gets another production from September to November.

I auditioned this afternoon. Apparently, I “wowed” Nich and the producers for they offered me the role of Greg on the spot. I accepted! Cast read-through is tonight. Rehearsals begin Tomorrow morning. If it means eight hours in rehearsals on Labor Day in order to learn my lines and get to start building a relationship with my cast mates, then yes, sign me up for that.

Here is a quick blurb from Morgan Green of the Chicago Tribune. I can not wait to get started. I hope you will come to this.


Bleacher Bums Production

Jenna Parker Stars In Syfy Ice Sharks

I have been lucky to know the beautiful and talented model, actress, triathlete, Jenna Parker for many years. When I needed to improve my marathon and triathlon training, I reached out to her to coach me. She turned me into a paratriathlon elite and USA national champion. Jenna helped me run even faster to start qualifying for Boston Marathon each time I run 26.2 miles.

Tonight, Jenna Parker will star in a feature film to air on Syfy called Ice Sharks. 9p.m. eastern/8p.m. central. She will be live tweeting during the airing. You can follow her on Twitter at:
@JennaParkerLive

You can also read this piece on the fabulous Jenna Parker which posted a week ago.

Jenna Parker

Wanda Cobar At Chicago Made Marketplace

Are you planning on attending this year’s Taste Of Chicago? You can have food and drinks to your heart’s content. You can enjoy Chicago Made Marketplace. A section devoted to hand-crafted art, poster, clothing, jewelery, and other products made by talented Chicago artists

Wanda Cobar of Wanda Cobar Design Studio will be featured at Chicago Made Marketplace. Please stop by her booth, check out her designs, and purchase your favorites.

For more information, visit the city of Chicago at:

Chicago Made marketplace

RAW Artists Presents Wanda Cobar Ziggy Stardust Collection

On Wednesday, May 18, the Metro Chicago will host an artist showcase presented by RAW Artists. One of those artists is the beautiful and talented, Wanda Cobar. I had the privilege to speak to lovely, Wanda about this upcoming event.

Q: What is RAW Artists?
A collective started by fashion designer, Heidi Luerra to showcase independent designers, filmmakers, performance artists, visual artists, musicians, and others.

Q: Who is Wanda Cobar?
Designer of fashion, wearable art, and costumes for fashion forward women, dancers, and anyone wanting to make a unique fashion statement.

Q: How did Wanda get connected with RAW Artists?
Serena, director of RAW Artists Chicago, discovered Wanda’s work on Instagram and invited Wanda to join the collective. Wanda was then selected as one of the artists whose work would be a part of the May showcase.

Q: What Wanda Cobar Design Studio work will be on display at Metro Chicago?
Wanda’s David bowie inspired Ziggy Stardust collection. Nine female models and three male models will wear designs from the Cobar line.

Q: Where can people check out Wanda Cobar Design Studio work?
Wanda’s Instagram www.instagram.com/wandacobar_designstudio
Wanda’s website www.wandacobar.com

Q: Where can people buy tickets for RAW Artists Chicago?
www.rawartists.org/wandacobar

Tickets are $20. To ensure Wanda receives credit from the collective for tickets sold, please purchase your tickets from Wanda’s assigned URL

Melissa Stockwell Races Towards Rio

In the fall of 2010, Keri Serota, then Program Director for Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, invited me to join a new organization she, Daniel Tun, and Melissa Stockwell had founded. Dare2Tri. This would be a a groundbreaking nonprofit which works to organize events and assist wounded military veterans, individuals with physical disabilities, and people who are blind/visually impaired. After reading about how Stockwell was the first American woman in history to be wounded in combat when she lost her leg while serving in the Iraq War then worked her way on to the 2008 Paralympics Games, I was inspired to join Dare2Tri just so I could meet Melissa and tell her thank you for serving this country and being an inspiration.

Not only did I meet Melissa Stockwell, I am beyond lucky to call her a friend. This weekend, Stockwell looks to join the beautiful and talented, Hailey Danisewicz on the Team USA Paratriathlon squad which will represent the United States in Rio this year.

Pleas take the time to read how Melissa Stockwell defines herself and life while showing how One Inspires many.

Dealing With Wind, Cold, And…Pants? Universal Sole Twilight 10K

In August, I learned Chicago Athlete Magazine selected three photos as finalists for the October issue cover. One of those was of Wendy Jaehn guiding me through the 2014 Chicago Marathon. In September, I learned the picture of us was the runaway winner. To celebrate, Wendy and I took part in Universal Sole’s Twilight 10K on October 2. I registered with the intention of breaking forty minutes not realizing the challenges I would encounter in training nor considering a 7p.m. race on an October evening along a not so well lit lakefront would present problems for Wendy navigating me through the course.

Race night was cold and windy. I worn my Pinnacle Performance Company race top over my Pinnacle Performance jacket. I opted to wear my pants over my Pinnacle Performance shorts. As Wendy lead me to the start line, a man approached. “You’re Antonio. You’re on the Chicago Athlete cover, right? both of you are. You’re inspiring.” The 10K was my second run of the day. Jenna parker said to run strong, but do not be a hero. It was dark. Wendy planned to ease us into the run to finish strong.

Gun sounded. Wendy found some space for us. I ran out fast. Wendy had me slow down. Footing was bad. We ran by the lake. Wind howled. Waves crashed down. Sand piled up on the course. Wendy masterfully moved me through the sand. Screaming wind made it colder. three fourths into the opening mile I reached behind my back. Wendy, “Are you okay?” In disbelief, “My pants are falling down.” she laughed. My warmups were looser than I realized. One more challenge with which to deal. The opening mile was the fastest mile Wendy and I had run together in a race or training. Miles two and three. I hated the cold, but I ran strong. My pants slipped down again. I raised it on the fly. It was so dark Wendy could not inform me of our pace as frequently as she would otherwise do. I felt a side stitch starting. I felt winded. Wendy had me increase the speed. I stepped in crack almost twisting my ankle. I caught my other foot in a tree branch laying on the path. I shook it off within a few steps. Final mile. Wendy estimated we were in the top third of runners. Cold, wind, and pants bothered me. Wendy could see the finish area. We veered off the path on to grass. One final hill. It was steep. Wendy encouraged me to power through. Apex. Time to fly down hill. It was steep. I almost fell over. I clutched to Wendy’s elbow. My pants slipped down. Wendy’s elbow in one hand back of my pants in the other. Flat ground. Finish shoot. Race announcer called our name. I could no longer keep my pants up. Final sprint. Finish! Wendy and I finished in the top third.

Thank you Wendy Jaehn for guiding me. Thank you Jenna Parker for coaching me. Thank you Pinnacle Performance Company for sponsoring me. Thank you Joel Feinberg, Universal sole owner for ensuring I ran in this event. Thank you to Universal Sole social media manager and store employees for always engaging with me when I reach out.

Caroline Combines Passion And Purpose For Others

I first met the beautiful and talented, Caroline Gaynor in July of 2008 in New york city. I have always been a runner, especially a sprinter, at heart, but Lokelani McMichael becoming the youngest person to complete an Ironman triathlon at age eighteen inspired me to do triathlons. Besides spending a weekend in NYC with my long time dear friend, sexy, Sunshine, I walked away from that weekend excited from finishing a triathlon and meeting the fabulous, Caroline Gaynor. A month later, I saw Caroline in Chicago during the Chicago Triathlon. Caroline was and remains so beautiful, sweet, funny, kind, and magnificent. Over the years, I have posted and raved about how magnificent Caroline is, so permit me to step aside and allow someone else to sing her praises.

Please take some time to visit the following link where Kelly Krause, Camille Styles’ Contributing Editor, praises lovely, Caroline as well as providing a Q and A section.