Angi Semler
Age: 34
Occupation/title/what you do:
Marketing/Business Development
What motivated you to join the PAWS Chicago
Marathon team? Training for and running the marathon will
be an amazing experience on its own. Coupling that with fund raising for a cause
I truly believe in takes it to a whole different level -- and gives it that much
more meaning. Now, I'm not only running for the bragging rights. I'm running to
make a difference in the lives of cats and dogs who need a loving home.
Is this your first marathon?
This is my first! I've run 2 half marathons and will have completed two more
before we head out Oct. 12.
On mile 20, what will you think of to keep going?
I'll be thinking about the glory at the finish line and the heaping plate of
pasta (and beers) I'll have when it's all over, and I'll be making sure my iPod
is playing only my highest energy running songs...Basically, I'll be pulling out
every trick I can to make my legs ignore that little voice telling me I'm tired.
What obstacles/fears/challenges are you overcoming
by running the marathon? Even though I've been "running"
since high school, I didn't become serious about it until last year. (I hadn't
ever run more than 5-6 miles at once.) The turning point was signing up for a
half marathon at the suggestion of two friends. I trained all last summer, and
my goal was very simple: "Finish
the race. It doesn't matter how long it takes." Not only did I finish, but I
surprised myself by crossing the finish line with a respectable time. From that
moment, I was hooked. Now, I want to keep challenging myself so that I stay
interested and motivated. For the first time ever, I know I can do a half
marathon and I'm fairly confident I can do a whole marathon. So now my goal is
to prove it.
Why PAWS Chicago? Growing up, we
always had rescue and foster dogs, and my Mom was very frank with us about the
fate of dogs and cats in kill shelters who weren't adopted quickly. She always
volunteered for no-kill organizations, so it's something that rubbed off on my
sister and me. I think PAWS Chicago does a wonderful job of promoting its cause
throughout Chicago, and I want to support their efforts. Last fall, I raised
$1,000 for their 8k run in September, and I had a blast doing it. Now I have a
chance to raise money in conjunction with a marathon, and I can't think of a
better combination.
How did you find out about the PAWS Chicago
Marathon Team? From your email blast.
To support
Angi's marathon quest, click here.
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