Anna Lisa Somera
 Occupation/title/what
you do:
Senior Analyst at IllinoisVENTURES, LLC (a venture capital firm)
What motivated you to
join the PAWS Chicago Marathon team?
I felt that I needed to run for a reason beyond a sense of accomplishment. I
looked into a number of charities to run for and wanted to select one that hit
close to home. So PAWS was a likely choice since I’ve had dogs around me all my
life. The unconditional love I’ve received from my dogs throughout the years
goes much further than 26.2 miles. This is my way of saying thanks for all of
the love that I’ve been blessed with.
Is this your first
marathon?
Yes, but I’m no stranger to racing. In fact, I’m an addict! I’ve got 40+ races
(running races and triathlons) under my belt including 2 half marathons and 1
half ironman triathlon.
On mile 20, what will
you think of to keep going?
My beagle, Marky -- I ALWAYS think of him towards the end of a race to give me
an extra push. Shortly after I got him as a puppy he was diagnosed with a kidney
disease. It broke my heart, but I needed to be strong for my little guy. He sees
a kidney specialist twice a year and is on a couple of different medications,
but is doing fine. He’s been so spunky all of his life; you’d never guess he had
something wrong with him. So every time I need more energy during a race, I
think of him. I tell myself, “if I push myself and give it all I got in this
part of the race, his condition will get better.” It’s kind of a stretch, but he
has gotten healthier over the past 2 years. Medication probably has a lot to do
with it, but faith doesn’t come in a bottle and that is what has gotten me
through all of this.
What
obstacles/fears/challenges are you overcoming by running the marathon?
A couple of
things – 1) getting my nutrition/hydration absolutely right during the long
event. 2) running a sub 3:50hr. I’d love to qualify for Boston with a 3:40hr,
but I won’t punish myself if I don’t.
Why PAWS Chicago?
I love the organization’s mission. I couldn’t have picked a better charity to
run for. I wish I could adopt all of the dogs available, but I can’t. So this is
my way of helping out. The entire marathon charity team speaks volumes for our
furry friends who can’t speak for themselves.
How did you find out
about the PAWS Chicago Marathon Team?
At a race.
To support
Anna's marathon quest, click here.
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