I discovered my passion for running over 20 years ago while living in my hometown, Chicago. I moved to Austin 9 years ago and feel very fortunate that Austin has such a huge running community, amazing trails and amazing running coaches. I have been training with Rogue Running for the last 3 years and have been a member of ARC for 3 years.
On June 16, 2015, I had brain surgery to remove a brain tumor. I had no symptoms and was very fortunate that the tumor was discovered accidentally when I fell and busted my head in my bathroom and ended up in the ER. I was fortunate that the tumor was benign and I had an amazingly quick recovery. I lost strength in my left foot dorsiflexion as a result of the brain surgery, but with a lot faith and determination, after 12 weeks of physical therapy, I was able to learn how to walk and run again and was able to run and pace the Chevron Houston Marathon in January, 2016. I ran my first 50K Ultra marathon a month later, just 7 months after brain surgery.
I have been a pacer for the Chicago Marathon for the last 15 years and have paced the Houston Marathon & Austin Marathon. I truly enjoy volunteering and helping other runners reach their running goals. Pacing marathons is my way to give back to the running community.
I had the honor to be an official guide for Team With A Vision, MA Association for the Visually Impaired & Blind. I successfully guided a visually impaired runner during the 2017 Boston Marathon and continue to guide local visually impaired runners in shorter races. I’m also a volunteer for Kayleigh’s Club, a local group that encourages physical fitness and running for children and adults with special needs.
I have learned to have faith and never give up through running, and hope that by pacing and volunteering for Kayleigh’s Club and ARC, I can pay it forward to others.
Thank you for sharing your story, Sara! Sara will be helping ARC write up and share more stories through this Member Spotlight feature on our blog. If you have an inspiring story or race report to share, please email secretary@austinrunners.org and let us know!
