theCauseCoach

I discuss why I took the last two weeks off and how marathon runners can find balance in their busy lives.

John Jaeger, board member and long-time supporter of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls has challenged himself to run marathons in all 50 states! He is almost to the half way point having run marathons in 22 states and has also raised a whopping $152,000+ toward his $250,000 goal. He shares what inspired him to do this, what keeps him going, and lots and lots of fundraising tips for all charity runners. This episode will motivate you on your charity marathon journey for sure!

Lydia Nader, registered dietitian nutritionist, discusses the importance of nutrition for optimal heath and performance, especially for marathon runners. We also talk about her experience growing up with Girls on the Run and how she continues to give back to this organization that shaped her lifestyle.

American Cancer Society Director of Development, Christoper Bowles, talks about ACS, how they navigated the pandemic focusing on the needs of patients, volunteers, and survivors, and the benefits of running with DetermiNation, their charity team. He shares his very unique first marathon story, and has lots of ideas and motivation for all charity runners.

Jamie Hershfang ultra runner with DW Running discusses her running journey from 0 to 62, creating challenges to stay motivated during the pandemic including raising money for COVID Solidarity, her team, Fleet Feet Chicago, the Bank of America race series, and her personal cause: the National Eating Disorders Association.

Carrie Cihasky represents Team PAWS. We discuss the mission and impact of the largest no-kill shelter, the benefits of running for Team PAWS runners form, overcoming the "fundraising is out of my comfort zone" fear, and her own journey as a charity runner. 

Today's episode comes from "down under" with Chicago-Area native, Dale Erdmier, currently living in the the Sydney, Australia. As a runner, running coach, personal trainer, and yoga instructor, Dale is one-stop-shopping for her clients. We talked about the Chicago Area Runners Association, her move to Australia, life and running in Sydney, and getting married during the pandemic.

Valerie Jencks discusses coming back to running after cancer, battling "long-haul COVID", training for her first marathon at 60, and why she's running for Gilda's Club Chicago.

Coach Denise Sauriol - 127 time marathon finisher, author, and coach - talks with us today about the importance of the first marathon, having a coach, and over coming obstacles. We discuss giving back to running, Girls on the Run (she's a founder of the Chicago chapter), the power of charity running, and the diversity among the shared experience as a runner.

Jim Marrese, Director of Business Development & Strategic Initiatives with Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, discusses the 135-year-old organization's critical mission, their "Heroes," and my new role as manager this 250+ member strong endurance sports fundraising team.

This is the last installment of my 8 Steps designed to set you up for success as a charity runner. If you haven't listened to Parts 1 & 2, please go back and do that before continuing with this episode. Today we discuss the final three steps - the doing part! 

On the podcast my sister and I talk about life and running in Ireland, her fundraising activities, and her Irish Travel vlog. There isn't a finer way to spend St. Patrick's Day! Find Jacqueline at...

Today Brandy Freeland Kuhl and I talk about all the wonderful attributes offered by Chicago Parks, the Inaugural Chicago 13.1, and all the benefits and perks of running that event in June or the marathon in October as a charity runner for Team Chi Parks. She shares her first marathon story and advice for charity runners.

Three-time cancer survivor, Dave Dubin and his wife Robin Dubin are the founders of AliveAndKickn. They kick-off Colorectal Cancer Month with me talking about what they are doing for Lynch Syndrome patients, what everyone needs to know about this genetic mutation, and how peer-to-peer fundraising is helping this cause.

Today we continue our discussion about the how-to of successful charity running.

My "8 Steps" is designed to set you up for success.  We started with the first 3 steps last month (episode 4 of season 1). If you haven't listened to that, please do so before continuing with this episode. Today we discuss Steps 4 & 5.

Please tune in and follow along.  Subscribe so you get an alert for Parts 3 which will be the final 3 steps.

As always, your feedback, comments, and questions are welcome.

If you are a runner or charity team coordinator and have a charity running success story that you would like to share, I would love to hear from you!

Please join us today as I welcome Dana White the founder of Jersey Women Strong. This phenomenal organization "empowers women to improve their own well-being through fitness and exercise while strengthening our local community through philanthropic outreach and volunteerism." We discuss origins and impact of the 150+ member Jersey Women Strong team and also her Unweighed Project. Dana is building a strong community of life-long runners and athletes who also care about their community! You can't help but be inspired by her!

Bill Nugent is running for Project Purple, a running-focused  organization dedicated to improving the lives of pancreatic cancer patients through support, hope, & compassion. Join us to learn why this organization's work resonated with Bill and where his charity running journey is taking him this year. We talk about over coming donor fatigue, the Abbott World Majors, and our favorite "ridiculously supportive" New Jersey running group.

Emma Walsh is the Development Manager and marathon fundraising team coordinator for Chicago Commons. Join us as she discusses the impact this 128 year old organization is having in Chicago and how their marathon fundraising team is assisting in funding those efforts. She talks about best practices in charity running and team management, and her own first-time marathon experience.

Mark Zenobia is the Head Coach for Team Reeve, the charity running team for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. He shares the organization's mission, team goals and strategies, and steps for getting involved.