Achilles CT Chapter ACT2017, Author at Achilles CT Chapter

Team Achilles CT exceeds their goals at the 2022 Eversource Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon

November 4, 2022

By Grace McGuire

It was 7am and among the tired eyes there was only clapping and cheering as Erin Spaulding’s megaphone battled the loudspeaker to exclaim that the Connecticut Chapter of Achilles International fundraised over $16,000 as an Official Charity Partner of the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon and Charity 5K. They exceeded their $10,000 goal as a Gold-Tier Charity, and also gave back to the race by recruiting 30 volunteers from the community to serve as course marshals along the marathon route.

“The Eversource Hartford Marathon is the largest event here in Connecticut in which Team Achilles CT participates each year, and it serves as our major fundraiser through our Official Charity partnership,” said Chapter President, Erin Spaulding. She and her volunteer-led Events Team started planning for the October 8th event back in July.

“We received corporate sponsorships, individual and in-kind donations, held an online raffle, and had our athletes, volunteers and charity runners fundraising together to help us hit our goal. It was a true team effort”, said Spaulding. Achilles CT athlete Tanmay Athreya single-handedly raised over $2,000 for the event, his first-ever marathon. Cheered on by all his family members, he only beamed and clapped when Spaulding announced he was the top fundraiser. She also announced that Team Ultra Possibilities (made up of Cat Aniballi, Mike Feinberg and Lufeng Zou) was the top fundraising team!

The event was more than just fundraising, though. Each Achilles athlete and guide still had to run, walk, push or crank their race distance, for which they spent months training. With 16 athletes and 20 guides participating, Achilles Connecticut had an amazing turnout of both veteran and first-time racers.

Stuart Sherman, who finished the marathon in his new handcycle (fashioned with a license plate engraved with 26.Stu) had done the marathon three times previously and was still just as “excited, happy and energized” as Heather Cohen was. Heather, a member of the Achilles Freedom Team who lives in Vermont, finished her first marathon in Hartford in her push rim racing wheelchair.

Sherman was “just grateful to be able to do this race,” and Cohen was just grateful the Connecticut Chapter of Achilles had “adopted” her a couple months prior. She had driven about three hours the day before and stayed in a hotel all so she could beat her previous marathon time of five hours and 25 minutes…which she did. Looking to help bring her luck was her racing chair named Mushu, after the Disney character, and the plush Mushu that adorned the frame as “he brings me luck,” Cohen said.

Not everyone had support from a sentimental stuffed animal; others relied on their guides to help them safely navigate the course. Mike Tubiak, who had run the half marathon several times, ran with guide Traver Garrity who had not raced with Achilles since before COVID-19 struck in 2020. She also had only a week to prepare herself to guide Tubiak as she was called to be his guide after his registered guide, Thomas Kimball, was deployed with the American Red Cross to help hurricane relief efforts in Florida.

As Garrity is training for the TCS New York City Marathon on November 6th, that Saturday was just another day of training for her.

“I am supposed to get a half (marathon) in today anyway,” Garrity said. “It’s good to be back.”

Garrity was not the only one whose weekends were full of running and training. Monte Wagner, the guide for visually impaired runner Jim McCollum, faced his third race weekend in a row.

“It’s been a good month so far,” Wagner said. He was guiding McCollum for the half marathon, and in preparation the duo ran the Hogsback half marathon just two weeks prior.

“All the training will pay off here,” Wagner said. “Running the race is actually the easy part.”

For all these athletes and guides, the running is rewarding due to the community and the support, making it impossible not to run more.

“As soon as you’re done running you say, ‘Oh, this was not good. I don’t want to do it again.’ Then a day later you say, ‘Ok, what other races are out there?” Wagner said.

But in that environment, in that happy chaos where people had awoken at 5 am or earlier, stayed in hotels overnight, watched the sun rise as they donned their bibs, clapped to keep their hands warm in the 50 degree weather (perfect racing weather),the sole focus of the day was conquering the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K.

Athletes were jumpy with nerves and excitement when the loudspeaker and rock music finally cut out for the singing of the national anthem. While they wanted to put their months of preparation to use and start, they stilled in the crowd for the anthem. After, there were the last whispers of “have fun” and “good luck,” and “have a great race.”

Then, finally, it struck 8 am and the first wave started and the race was underway. With each pounding footstep, the Achilles’ athletes made their way from the starting line to the iconic finish under the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park.

Joe Stone of Stratford, Connecticut, says he is running in the Hope & Possibility races to show other trauma survivors how being socially and physically active after injury can enhance one's quality of life significantly.

Joe Stone: Inspiring and motivating other trauma survivors

June 20, 2019

Gearing up for the 4th annual Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® races presented by Cigna, we’re talking to athletes and guides to share stories about who they are and what brought them to our Chapter. Enjoy!

Joe Stone is a multisport athlete and coach who began handcycling with Achilles Connecticut in 2018. In this interview, the Stratford resident shares the hope (and possibilities) he’s cultivated in his own life since his spinal cord injury, and explains how he continually strives to use those experiences to inspire and help others.

How did you get involved with Achilles Connecticut?

As a wheelchair rugby athlete I was looking for a physical activity to keep me in shape through my off season. My good friend and schoolmate Claudio Cabrera, who is an adaptive athlete handcyclist for Achilles, suggested I give it a try. He sent me [Connecticut Chapter President] Erin Spaulding’s contact info and she took me under her wing from there. I now race as many events as I possibly can with the continuous help of Achilles CT Chapter leaders, volunteers and guides.

What’s one thing that you’ve never done, but would like to try?

Skydiving!

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?

A lion, because I think of myself as a brave leader.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My wife’s Cool Bean Salad with tortilla chips…mmmmm!!!

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

Science. I love to research, experiment and understand how things work.

Who is your hero?

My daughter Heaven. Despite the tragedy and suffering she’s experienced in her short 14 years here on Earth, she has bounced back and become a resilient, empathic, and sweet young lady with the spirit of a true warrior!

Why are you running in the Hope & Possibility® races?

To show other trauma survivors how being socially and physically active after injury can enhance one’s quality of life significantly.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I am truly blessed to have been given so many opportunities to grow and find out who I was always meant to be since becoming a quadriplegic seven years ago. One year after my injury, I met the love of my life and moved out of my 35-year comfort zone in Florida to Connecticut just to be with her. We married June 17, 2017. I’m now the captain of a national wheelchair rugby team here in Connecticut–the Gaylord Sports Association Jammers–and serve as a peer mentor for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients at Gaylord Hospital as well. I also founded and run the first SCI support group for Fairfield County. I enrolled in Gateway Community College in New Haven and am pursuing a career in therapeutic recreation (only one more semester left!). I also landed a very rewarding basketball coaching job for Future Stars Sports Academy. Most recently, I also became a soccer dad to my youngest daughter, Joey (10). My mission is to inspire and motivate others to be socially and physically active no matter their circumstances so they can fully enjoy their own independence and autonomy.

The 4th annual Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® races presented by Cigna take place on July 21 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. To register, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/achilles-ct-hope-possibility-run/

To make a donation to Achilles Connecticut to help offset the costs of disabled athletes’ race registration fees and equipment, visit http://achillesct.everydayhero.do/

Renzo Rios Nino of Stamford, CT. I’m run-walking Hope & Possibility because I want to be active, but also just to make good and new friends.

Renzo Rios Nino: My superpower would be to cure others’ disabilities

June 12, 2019

One of the many fresh new faces to the Connecticut Chapter this year is Renzo Rios Nino. Part of our ever-growing group of athletes hailing from Fairfield County, he’s a huge fan of animals and healthy eating (as you’ll see in his response to our “favorite foods” question)! Renzo is also one of our biggest cheerleaders, frequently opting to support his Achilles teammates at the start and finish lines with plenty of cowbell, smiles and words of encouragement.

In addition to answering the questions below, Renzo shared with us a short video that he recorded at the age of 16, which explains how he lost his vision as a nine-year-old. Check out the video here, and be sure to introduce yourself to Renzo at the next race!

How did you get involved with Achilles Connecticut?

I heard about Achilles from Jordan Acevedo, a friend of mine who is a member. I’ve never done a 10k, and eventually maybe in a year or two I might be able to do it.

Why are you running in the Hope & Possibility® races?

I am walk-running because I want to be active, but also just to make good and new friends.

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?

I would pick a dog because I am loyal, gentle, friendly and just love to be around people.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I have so many favorite foods, but if I had to pick one it would be rice and split pea soup.

What was your favorite subject in school, and why?

My favorite class in school was history because I got to learn about what happened in our country and other countries.

Who is your hero?

My hero is Hellen Keller because she never gave up. She always, always strived forward. And she wanted to help others.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If I had to pick a superpower, it would be the ability to touch someone’s shoulder and cure them of all diseases, including blindness, death and much, much more.

The 4th annual Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® races presented by Cigna take place on July 21 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. To register, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/achilles-ct-hope-possibility-run/

To make a donation to Achilles Connecticut to help offset the costs of disabled athletes’ race registration fees and equipment, visit http://achillesct.everydayhero.do/

Lack of Eyesight Doesn’t Hold Back Local Runner

May 17, 2019

From the Glastonbury Citizen: May 10, 2019
(article with photo archived below)

Susanne Cesana is more than just “visually impaired.” She is, she says bluntly, “Blind.”

But that’s not stopping the 65-year-old Glastonbury resident from taking part in this Saturday’s Bill Landers Building Bridges Memorial 5K Run/Walk.

With the help of a volunteer athlete from Achilles International’s Connecticut Chapter, Cesana will participate in the annual event that starts at Hubbard Green and winds through the Buttonball area.

As if that’s not enough, after she takes part in the Landers 5K this weekend, Cesana is slated to run in the Brooklyn Half, the largest half-marathon in the country, on May 18.

The mission of Achilles International is “to enable people with all types of physical and developmental disabilities and medical conditions to participate in mainstream running events in order to promote personal achievement and lower barriers to living and active and fulfilling life,” according to its website.

Achilles provides disabled individuals with able-bodied volunteers who help them compete in races. In Cesana’s case, she runs side-by-side with a guide, connected by a tether.

Since she discovered Achilles two years ago, Cesana has taken part in about 15 races, including the 2017 and 2018 Landers 5K, as well as two half-marathons, with the help of guides.

“Somebody told me about Achilles and I wasn’t aware of them,” recalled Cesana. But they paired me with a guide, we trained for three weeks and ran the race and it was the most exhilarating thing just to be part of the community and to be out there running – and I didn’t even know it was an option.”

Cesana’s first race with Achilles’ help was the 2017 Landers 5K. “I love the Landers family and it was my inspiration; I really wanted to run it,” said Cesana.

Being involved with Achilles “has opened up a whole new world of friendships and participation that I was not previously able to be a part of,” said Cesana.

As she runs with a guides from Achilles, Cesana follows their instructions.

“We hold a tether in between our hand and my guide gives me verbal instructions as well as keeps me going in a direction, which I couldn’t do on my own,” she said. “And when the pavement is rough or we are making a turn, my guide gives me verbal instructions as to what’s coming up and what we are doing.”

Cesana doesn’t always work with the same Achilles but the group does its best to work with her as she trains for races. “Achilles will send a guide to train absolutely as often as people are able to match their schedules,” said Cesana.

She has had a positive experience with everyone she has worked with from Achilles, which she called a “great organization.”

“The people in Achilles are honestly some of the most bighearted and caring people I have ever met,” said Cesana.

“They are all athletes themselves and they give of their own personal time, when they could be out running their own race, to help people with disabilities participate,” she added.

“It’s just a very caring relationship and I have made some truly best friends since being a part of Achilles. And you’re running side-by-side so you chat the whole time you are running.”

Cesana began going blind at age 11 and became legally blind when she was in her 20s. Her vision loss is due to a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a rare, inherited degenerative eye disease that causes severe vision impairment.

While she wasn’t an avid runner prior to discovering Achilles, Cesana enjoyed staying active by walking her dog and going to the gym.

She wants other people who may benefit from Achilles’ services to be aware of the opportunities the group provides.

“There may be people in our community who would love to get out but feel shut off from participation because they don’t realize a guide would come and walk with them or run with them and I just think that’s a wonderful option for people to know about,” she explained.

Cesana won’t be the onlk person running with an Achilles volunteer this weekend. In fact, Achilles has said that 21 athletes (some visually impaired, others ambulatory or in racing wheelchairs) had expressed interest in the Landers 5K with the help of the organization.

A 45-year resident of Glastonbury, Cesana has been married to her husband Bill for 40 years. The couple has two daughters who grew up in Glastonbury and graduated from GHS; Taia, a member of the Class of 1999, and Traci, who graduated in 2003. Cesana also has three grandchildren.

Cesana is a holistic lifestyle coach and her business is called Empowered Lifestyle LLC. “I am a holistic lifestyle coach because I have a passion and belief in keeping our vitality and living a rich, full life and not disintegrating into inactivity and couch potato-ness,” she said.

Registration for the Landers 5K – which is hosted by the Glastonbury Education Foundation (GEF) – is still open. The race takes place this Saturday, May 11, at 8:30 a.m.

The race was founded in memory of Bill Landers, who was a board member of GEF, an avid runner, a Glastonbury High School graduate, Hartwell youth soccer coach and a “beloved community member,” according to organizers.

In addition, money from the 5K funds community grants from GEF “that promote excellence, innovation and creativity in education for students and the community,” according to the education foundation.

Meet Three-time Survivor and Achilles Athlete, Gail Bruno

June 21, 2018

Milford resident won’t let her new disabilities define her

Achilles Connecticut athlete Gail Bruno has earned the title “Survivor” – several times over.

As a 20-something, Gail sustained a head-and-neck injury in the workplace. Recovery involved nine months of therapy.

Flash forward to September 11, 2001. Gail had recently arrived to her workplace. The Twin Towers, on the morning that they were devastated by two hijacked airplanes. She survived, but was emotionally traumatized.

Though the Milford resident was athletic growing up (including playing on her high school’s basketball and field hockey teams) she only discovered running later in life. On her 40^th birthday, Gail made a wish on her birthday cake that she would one day complete a half marathon. That fall, she ran her first half marathon (Gulf Beach in Milford), followed by the SoNo Half (South Norwalk). Followed by a winter of training outside in snow, ice, freezing rain and whatever else could be dished up in the northeast climate.

On April 1, 2017, Gail says, “My dream finally came true, when I completed the Savin Rock full Marathon, just shy of my 42^nd birthday, with my husband, sister and children present!”

But then, just two weeks after the race, while out on a training run, Gail was struck by an SUV.

Recovery and Achilles

Gail sustained multiple, severe injuries from the accident: a traumatic brain injury (TBI), sprained limbs, a shattered wrist, neck-and back- injuries, severe bruising, and chipped knee and leg bones.

For six months, she was unable to walk. She eventually graduated to walking with a cane. In spring of 2018, she progressed to running. One positive outcome from her situation, though, was an introduction to the Connecticut Chapter of Achilles International, which strives to enable people with all types of disabilities and medical conditions to participate in mainstream run/walk events.

“My therapist suggested that I look into Achilles,” she says. “My goal was to get active again, and I had seen Achilles athletes and guides at the New York City Marathon. I’m excited that they can support me in my goals!”

Hope and Possibility

Since that introduction, Gail has finished the Milford Hospital Live Well 5k with her running partner. Her summer race agenda includes the Achilles Hope and Possibility® four-miler in New York City, and Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® Presented by Cigna in Bloomfield, CT. All on top of ongoing therapy and, with her husband, John, raising two young children and running a Milford music shop (Rt. 1 Guitars).

When asked why she’s running Hope & Possibility, Gail responds, “I don’t want my new disabilities to define me. I was a marathoner, and I can be one again.”

Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® Presented by Cigna will take place in Bloomfield, Connecticut on Sunday July 22^nd. Courses include a 5k run or walk, a 10k and the kids’ fun runs. Register here.

Achilles Member/Author Colleen Kelly Alexander Shares Her Story of ‘Gratitude’

June 14, 2018

Connecticut athlete who defied odds to speak at July Achilles Connecticut events

On race courses, Colleen Kelly Alexander prefers to blend in with the other athletes who are giving it their all. Her backstory is an extraordinary one – an athlete who, by all logic, should have died in a horrific accident on a road in Madison, CT. These days, Alexander gives back in a multitude of ways, including penning her inspirational book, Gratitude In Motion: A True Story of Hope, Determination, and the Everyday Heroes Around Us.

Gratitude in Motion

On October 8, 2011, Colleen was struck by a truck that ran through a stop sign. Run over by both the vehicle’s front and back wheels, from which she sustained serious organ damage, Colleen should have slipped out of consciousness. Instead, she fought. Having previously served as a medic, she said in an interview, “I knew that if I was unconscious, my chances of survival were much less.”

She also noted that a “hero” on the scene called 911 and spread his arms out to protect her from getting run over again. “I am alive because countless people circled my body and gave me cardiopulmonary resuscitations. I needed 80 units of blood.”

Honoring Everyday Heroes
Colleen was in a coma for more than five weeks following the accident. She flatlined twice, and required 30 surgeries. Recovery was painful, involving physical therapy and wound care that first allowed her to use a walker, and then creep up to unassisted walking.

But the prizes she aimed for were her loves: running, biking and swimming. Also, giving back, in appreciation of the “village” that had helped her at the scene of the accident, in the hospital, and during recovery. “I realized we’re all a human family, we’re all brothers and sisters,” she said. “I started to understand the magnitude of how strong I can be, because we’re all in this together.”

In 2013, with the assistance of Achilles International, a nonprofit running club that helps disabled individuals participate in mainstream sports, Colleen competed in races – including her first half-Ironman since the accident, and the New York City Half Marathon. Today, she’s a regular on the race circuit, but gives away her medals in honor of “the everyday heroes around us.”

On Saturday, July 21, Colleen will tell her story at a 5:30 PM book signing event, to be held in the Windsor Room at the Hartford/Windsor Marriott, 28 Day Hill Rd, Windsor, CT. RSVP here.

On Sunday, July 22, Colleen will be the honoree at the Achilles CT Hope & Possibility ® 5K/10K / fitness walk /kids run presented by Cigna, to be held at the Metropolitan Learning Center, 1551 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT. Register here.

Meet Achilles Connecticut’s Athlete and Volunteer of 2017!

December 17, 2017

It started with the shirts. It continues, for Achilles athlete Mike Tubiak and his frequent guide, Laura LaRiviere, with their being named Achilles Connecticut Chapter’s Athlete and Volunteer of 2017.

Ask Achilles athlete Mike and his frequent guide, Laura, how they got first got involved with the Connecticut Chapter of Achilles International, and for both, the distinctive, neon-yellow shirts played a pivotal part.

“In one of the last big races I did by myself, the New York City Marathon, I struggled visually,” says Mike. A Naugatuck resident, Mike lacks peripheral (side) vision due to retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that he was diagnosed with at the age of 14.

When he asked a runner in his pace group about the yellow shirts, he learned how Achilles provides guides and support for people with disabilities.

If you’ve ever met Mike, you know that when he says, “I got pumped about it!” he means it – in a big way.

Laura and Mike, rocking the Spartan Beast in Vermont!

Getting Involved
Likewise, Laura wasn’t looking for Achilles when she first got involved. She says it “kind of found” her, when she was running the Cheshire Half Marathon a couple of years ago.

“I saw the fan support for people in Achilles shirts, how that helped build awareness of what it was and how people could get involved,” recalls the Clinton resident. “Harry [McKinstry] was there, and had just done the 5k, and I was amazed.” (A longtime Achilles athlete, Harry has minimal mobility due to a traumatic brain injury sustained in a construction accident. But with the help of his “Team Harry” guides, he regularly competes in races throughout the year.)

After the race, Laura started talking to volunteers at the Achilles table, and later signed up to volunteer. In 2017, she’s guided Mike in the Bradley Road Race 10k, the Hartford Marathon, the Sunshine Kids Race, and the Spartan Beast Race.

The Spartan Beast is a grueling 12-plus miles obstacle course that takes runners straight up a Killington, VT, black-diamond ski slope.

On that co-endeavor, Achilles Connecticut President Erin Spaulding notes, “Laura was our first guide to run UP a mountain with one of our athletes!”

Giving Back
On a recent Friday morning in early December – the first real frost-on-the-windshields day of the season – you might have been surprised to see a duo starting off their day in a way that would make many others, well, shudder. Mike and Laura are at the Naugatuck High School track, defying the cold during intervals that include squats and crunches, and culminating in Mike carrying Laura around the track, piggyback-style.

In action!

Dirty, and celebrating!

Why the piggyback? Laura was a sponsor of Mike’s “Team Believe 923,” in support of funding equipment for athletes who are paralyzed or are amputees. Upping the ante on Relay For Life-type fundraisers, Mike had promised he’d carry his donors around the track.

As another way of “giving back,” Mike also gives all his race medals to a disabled child, who he simply refers to as his “buddy” Rylan.

On their cool down, when asked why they do what they do, Mike pauses, and responds, “Achilles is about just showing what anyone can do. Whatever the condition, there’s always a way to get things done, and there are awesome people out there.”

His final thought: “I couldn’t do what I do without Laura and the other guides.”

2017 runDisney Marathon Weekend Race Inspiration – Nicole Gaines

September 2, 2017

This year, as in several years past, Cigna is the sponsor for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. I had the pleasure of being invited to the blogger meetup event taking place this weekend. Prior to the races this year, I want to share some inspirational stories with you to give you some encouragement if this is your first race, or maybe your 50th race. Nicole is part of Team Achilles, which I also volunteer for. I hope to meet Nicole in person this weekend.

The first story I will share with you this week is of Nicole Gaines. Nicole is a Cigna customer and Achilles athlete participating in the Walt Disney® World Marathon 5K. Nicole Gaines, 33 years old from Troutdale, Oregon, is an active mother, wife, and registered nurse whose passion is caring for infant patients in the NICU and family birth centers patients. When she isn’t caring for patients or spending time with her family, you’ll find Nicole on the mountain slopes volunteering on ski patrol or teaching wilderness medicine to mountaineers and skiers.

But, on January 8, 2016 her active lifestyle came to a halt when she suffered a traumatic brain injury during a skiing accident. Nicole was also left with sustained injuries to her (left/right) shoulder and bicep tendon. In the days following, she went to an Urgent Care center and started physical therapy, but six weeks later when her symptoms of not being able to keep her balance, stay focused or have a coherent conversation persisted, she saw a concussion specialist who did an MRI and diagnosed her with post-concussion syndrome.

At work, Nicole’s injuries limited her ability to perform regular duties. Her main barriers to returning to work were vision challenges, memory issues, and fatigue as a result of her head injury. She took time off work to recover. Nicole continued with physical, occupational and speech therapy for eight months. During recovery, her husband and daughter were a huge support—driving her to and from her appointments and helping her with simple tasks at home such as cooking and cleaning.

By April, Nicole felt ready to return to work part-time doing back-office tasks and following up with patients over the phone. But, she was still unable to meet the cognitive demands of the shift, so Nicole was asked to take more time off work. That’s when in mid-June Nicole met Cigna vocational coach, Robin Randol, and the two teamed up to help Nicole reach her health and return to work goals.

Robin provided Nicole with screen magnifiers and screen readers to assist with vision issues, coached Nicole with nutritional and sleep hygiene best practices as well as computer use best practices to alleviate concussion syndrome triggers and fatigue, and provided cognitive strengthening strategies. “Robin has a deep background in working with people who have had brain injury,” said Nicole. “Robin’s expertise and the resources she’s provided helped normalize my struggle so I can worry less and stay focused on getting healthier and stronger.”

Robin also provided job placement and resume assistance to help Nicole connect with other RN opportunities, not 12-hour shifts, to help with her recovery. This September Nicole started a new RN position in employee health at a local hospital where she’s much happier working with patients again, has better hours and a better commute which support her while her brain continues to heal. To help Nicole strengthen her physical and cognitive stamina, Robin introduced Nicole to Achilles International, a non-profit organization Cigna partners with to help people with disabilities achieve their goals. Nicole worked with an Achilles personal trainer who provided a customized exercise program to help her increase physical activity gradually.

“Increasing physical stamina has made a big difference in my cognitive stamina,” Nicole said. “By doing my Achilles walk/run exercise program, I have more energy throughout the day which helps my cognitive stamina as well. I wasn’t a runner before my accident, but I love running and am making long-term health improvements.

”In recognition of Nicole’s desire and dedication to regain her health, Robin invited Nicole to participate as a sponsored Achilles athlete in the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend 5K in Orlando this January.“When Robin invited me to participate in the Walt Disney World 5K, I was excited to join Team Cigna with other Achilles athletes whose stories have motivated me along my health journey. I hope my story can motivate others too.”

Nicole and daughter Kaytlin will participate in the 5K together. After completing her 5K, Nicole looks forward to her next goals: returning to work without restrictions, volunteering and being back on the mountain slopes. “My dream is to be fit and recovered enough to climb Mt. Rainier next year. Doing this 5K is a great start in making that a reality.”

2017 runDisney Marathon Weekend Race Inspiration – Nicole Gaines

Running as a Guide for Achilles: The Shift from Self to Other

February 16, 2017

February 16, 2017 | Michael Lo Presti
Source: https://www.rundisney.com/blog/articles/Running-as-a-Guide-for-Achilles-The-Shift-fromSelf-to-Other/

In some ways, running can be considered a selfish sport. It’s all about you, and the time you personally dedicate to getting in your miles or crossing that finish line. After nearly 20 years of running races ranging from 5Ks to ultramarathons, I know how much “me” time and energy it takes to train and race year-round.

But there are lots of ways for running to be an incredibly rewarding team sport, one in which the emphasis shifts from the self to the other. I learned this the first time I met Erin.

Erin, a triathlete and mother of three, was recovering from an accident that caused a traumatic brain injury. After learning to walk again, she set an ambitious goal: To return to sports by running the Walt Disney World® Half Marathon. She was given the opportunity to run through a partnership between Cigna (my employer) and Achilles International, an organization that enables people with different abilities to participate in mainstream sports events.

Achilles athletes are matched up with one or more guides during the race. The purpose of the guide is simple: To help the athlete complete the event by providing support along the way.

I had first heard about Achilles and guiding from Cigna’s CEO, David Cordani, who had served as a guide the previous year. He inspired me: If our CEO can do it, why can’t I?

Erin and I met for the first time in December about a month before the race. We went on a practice run together in her Connecticut hometown. We weaved our way through the shoreline community streets on that cool late fall morning, getting to know each other and talking about what all runners talk about: family, relationships, politics … and, of course, running. As her guide, this practice run gave me the chance to understand her unique running needs: How I can serve as an extra set of eyes for her impeded peripheral vision, how I can give her an arm to lean on for stability around turns, and how I can give verbal warnings for bumps or potholes in the road.

During the run, I was virtually unaware of my own – suddenly minor – aches and pains. It was the shift from self to other. All that mattered was helping Erin finish that run safely, which we did.

We became friends that day, and that friendship carried us through the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. We shared an amazing race experience, along with her husband who served as a second guide. We reveled in the energy of the crowd. We cried when we caught our first glimpse of Cinderella Castle. We took lots of pictures. And we crossed the finish line hand-in-hand-in-hand.

It’s been both thrilling and humbling to be part of the Cigna and Achilles teams these past few years. I’m grateful to Cigna for being an employer that cares about my health and well-being – even encouraging me to keep up with my annual check-ups and stay on top of my important health numbers (Body Mass Index, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol). And I’m also grateful to Achilles for the racing opportunities they provide athletes and guides around the world. Both organizations help people do amazing things.

I’ve since guided many Achilles athletes, but that first experience with Erin – who has become a good family friend – marked a material shift in my running career. The shift from running being a mostly solitary endeavor to being a way to help others achieve their dreams. A way for me to give back through the sport I love most. And a way to make our community of runners stronger.

Michael Lo Presti is the Communications Director at Cigna. Cigna is the presenting sponsor of Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend and Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend.

ACHILLES CT ATHLETES AND GUIDES GOT THEIR NEW YORK ON!

November 12, 2015

Nov 12, 2015 | Erin Spaulding, Achilles CT Chapter President

In the early hours of Sunday, November 1st, 7 Achilles CT athletes (and 1 honorary) and 8 guides arrived in Staten Island to embark on a journey that would take them on foot through the five boroughs of New York City; or as guide Chris Love called it, “a 26.2 mile block party!”

The CT Chapter started planning for the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon back in March. The first call for athletes led to 10 coming forward to begin training. Guides were recruited, logistics were planned, and goals were established. Injuries sidelined some; others pushed through and kept their dream alive. Personal records were shattered on race day; medals were hung around necks as tears were shed. Families cheered along the way and celebrated together at the finish line!

In order of their finish times, here’s each Connecticut athletes’ and guides’ inspiring story of success in the NYC Marathon:

Krys Zybowski finished his third marathon in less than a month in 1:29:43, taking 5th place male in the hand cycle division (out of 72 men) and adding another PR in his quest to qualify for Boston 2016. This year, his wife and all 3 kids were at the finish chanting “good job daddy!” Up next for him is the Philadelphia Marathon on Nov. 22nd! Good luck Krys… we will be cheering you on from CT! You have proven what a world-class athlete you are!!
Tom Stearley shaved an impressive 31 minutes off his time from last year and finished his 2nd NYC Marathon in 1:57:28!!! He enjoyed the friendly competition from NYC hand cyclists Romel Palis, Ricardo Corral, and Carlos Guzman; all had fun re-hashing the race in the Achilles reunion area! Tom was greeted by friends at the finish line and planned a well-deserved post-race brunch! “Amazing day, awesome people,” were Tom’s post-race words!
Mike Loura finished his race in 3:11:08, and celebrated his return to NYCM with a large group of family and friends in the reunion area! Mike was excited not to be sidelined by a hurricane or a hand cycle wait list as he was in the past, and was all smiles coming across the finish line! Awesome job Mike…you should be proud of all that you have accomplished!
Alexia Boukoms came across the finish line in her hand cycle on the heels of Tom in 3:12:11, completing her 3rd NYC marathon with her son, daughter and other family members cheering her on. Alexia also shared street time with Meb Keflezighi, as evidenced in the NYRR video of the marathon of him running by her! Alexia, fresh off the Hartford Marathon like Tom & Krys, represented female hand cyclists in a small field of 9 (vs. the men who had a field of 77!) Way to go Alexia!!
Rob DeLuca, along with guides Olivier Chedemail and Michael Lo Presti, finished his 3rd NYCM in 5:06:29…11 minutes faster than his time last year! Wife Anja was there to drink his celebratory post-race beer with him! Both Michael and Olivier were first-time guides in NYCM. Both accomplished marathoners, Michael celebrated his 50th lifetime marathon with his wife Sara and daughters Becca and Abby at the finish line. Congratulations to Michael! Olivier, who is Rob’s co-worker from France, flew with his family from France for a vacation…and a marathon! Olivier, around mile 6, asked Rob if the crowd was going to be cheering for Achilles (like that) the while way. When Rob replied, “Yes!” Olivier said, “then I’ll be smiling for 5 hours!”
Adam Fleisher finished his first marathon (as in first, EVER!) in 5:17:33 with guides Peter Lamothe and Chris Love by his side. It was also Chris’ first NYC Marathon and he soaked in the NYCM/Achilles experience all weekend, joined by daughter Bridget at the finish line! Peter, who has run NYCM several times on his own, was an invaluable resource to Team Adam! This was Peter’s first time guiding an Achilles athlete as he joined the Chapter earlier this year! “It was great to run with Adam and Chris and to support one another along the race course… overall an incredible experience with Achilles!” Congratulations Adam…you have earned a new nickname: “The Bionic Marathoner!”
Tracy Andrews became a first-time marathoner in New York, crossing NYCM off her bucket list! Tracy, plagued by painful plantar fasciitis for the last part of her training, persevered through 26.2 miles to finish in 6:10:53 with her cousin Nina Purslow (also a first-time marathoner fulfilling her dream) and Kristin Huntington guiding her to what was a life-changing day for all on Team Tracy! Kristin, who has run NYCM 3 times on her own, summed up the day perfectly. “Running by Tracy’s side for 26.2 miles and watching her find the strength within to accomplish her marathon dream is something that will stay with me forever. This experience summarizes what we are capable of when we believe in ourselves and add dedication and determination to it. What an epic day for all of the athletes.”
Honorary Achilles CT athlete Rick Asselta (who lives in Puerto Rico and CT) finished his marathon in his hand cycle in 5:41:13. Achilles CT guide Jon Romeo accompanied him. Rick was an integral part of getting the CT Chapter started back in the ‘90’s, and was featured in the blog about the History of the CT Chapter.
Out of the NYCM due to injury but not forgotten by the Team: Julie Aresco, Dana Albrycht (with sibling guides Cory Albrycht and Ashly Nokelainen), and Tony Allegretti (whose bib was given to another hand cyclist which made it look like he did finished his 5th NYCM! J)
Other members of Achilles CT in the marathon included Kim Marchand (3:23:21), Jeanne Corey (3:41:03) Mike Feinberg (4:29:40), and Mena Shehata (4:30:01). Mike ran and raised money for Achilles…wearing his CT Chapter hat with pride! Thanks Mike for making a difference while running a marathon! Congratulations to all of our members!

The NYC Marathon is truly unlike any other event, and the energy that pulsates throughout New York City is indescribable. I worked a shift at the Expo on Friday, covering the Achilles table and checking in the athletes and guides at packet pickup. I was able to share in pre-race excitement with Mike Loura and his wife Sue, and Adam Fleisher and Chris Love! I met athletes from all over the world, including the legendary Bill Reilly and his team of guides (who is excited that our own Harry McKinstry has a new racing chair like his!!) Harry WILL be at the starting line with Bill next year!

On race day, Roberta Brown and her husband Dan volunteered with me in the Achilles Family Reunion Area. We were able to personally congratulate all of our CT Team after they finished and meet their proud families! We also helped out hundreds of athletes and guides that day….294 athletes with disabilities and 330 guides came across the finish line and needed a foil wrap, a cup of hot chocolate, their checked baggage, or a celebratory hug! Congratulations to all of the Achilles athletes and guides who were part of the Magic of Achilles at the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon, and thank you to the volunteers and Achilles staff who made the day possible!

Written by:

Erin Spaulding, Achilles CT Chapter President

12 3 Next ›Last »

Author Archive:

Connecticut athlete who defied odds to speak at July Achilles Connecticut events