1. How long have you been volunteering with Atlanta Track Club?
I have been volunteering with Atlanta Track Club for over 5 years. I started with the In-Training program as a run lead, then branched out into many other Atlanta Track Club events.
2. Do you remember your first time volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? If so, what event was it and what brought you back again?
My first volunteer assignment was with the In-Training program for the 2018 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, Fleet Feet, and John's Creek as a run lead. I had just completed the In-Training program for the Publix Atlanta Marathon and was encouraged by my then run leads to apply for the upcoming In-Training for Peachtree as a run lead. The In-Training program was a great experience and was very rewarding. As an avid runner, I was excited to help new and returning runners identify their goals, and work with them to dissect them into achievable portions, enabling them to meet and/or exceed their goals on race day.
3. What is your favorite Atlanta Track Club event? Why?
My favorite Atlanta Track Club event would have to be the Publix Atlanta Marathon. In 2017, I signed up to run the 2018 Publix Atlanta Marathon as a check the box item. After joining the In-Training program and completing my first marathon, I fell in love with the 26.2 marathon distance. Publix Atlanta Marathon is a challenging course given its variable terrain, so completing this 26.2 mile course is a testimony to a runner's (and non-runner's) dedication, determination, willpower, and grit to complete this event.
4. What is one of your best memories from volunteering at any race?
There are so many memories from volunteering, but two of my most talked about ATC volunteer assignments are the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials and the 2023 adidas Atlanta City Games & Running City Mile. At the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, I was assigned to the Red Zone- a bicycle operations support team, and at the adidas Atlanta City Games I was assigned to the block/back drop crew. At both events I was fortunate to have had a front row seat to witness world renowned athletes in competition and happily participated in opportunities to engage in conversation with some of them, namely: Steven Gardiner, Erriyon Knighton, Oliver Baker and Ajee Wilson.
5. What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? What brings you back?
My favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club is the community, the ease of volunteering and of course the swag. As a true fan of the sport since high-school, it is encouraging to be with others who share the same passion. Volunteering with Atlanta Track Club has many advantages, including: opportunities to meet people from diversified backgrounds, sharing running/life journeys, helping each other achieve goals, learning best practice from other runners who provide continued support, motivation and act as accountability partners.
6. Do you have a favorite volunteer assignment? If so, explain.
I enjoy being a pacer for the long distances and a run lead/crew chief for In-Training. Both roles have afforded me an opportunity to engage with runners and assist them in achieving their goals. This year, I had an opportunity to be a course hydration station crew chief at Mile 3(West) for the 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. Being on the other end of the spectrum handing out hydration and not actively running was exhilarating on a different level. This year, my company's Employee Resource Group, John Whitaker Group, volunteered to help set up and breakdown the water station, pass out water to runners, and cheer on runners as the flew by. It was exciting and fulfilling to work with co-workers while volunteering at the 54th running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
7. Do you do any volunteering in the community beyond Atlanta Track Club?
Yes. I volunteer at my church, with several running organizations throughout Atlanta, and have contributed and spearheaded community events within my organization's Employee Resource Group (ERG).
8. If so, what other organizations do you volunteer for and why?
John Whitaker Group- an Employee Resource Group: we volunteer throughout various Atlanta communities. Pace member with Jeff Galloway, Runningnerds, Beast pacing and Alien 13.1. Packet/bib pick up - Miles for Cystic Fibrosis (Big Peach Sizzler 5k/10k) and Runningnerds
9. How many Atlanta Track Club events do you typically volunteer at during the year? How many events outside of Atlanta Track Club?
I typically volunteer at over 12 events during the year, excluding the In-Training programs. Also, I usually try to volunteer at Atlanta Track Club races I am participating in, and I usually look for participant-friendly opportunities prior to racing. Outside of Atlanta Track Club, I volunteer at over 10 events throughout Atlanta.
10. What do you do for a living? Do you work? Are you retired? Professional volunteer?
I am a Systems Verification Analyst at Norfolk Southern Corporation.
11. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for any new Atlanta Track Club volunteers?
Stay involved! Your volunteer presence is noticed and appreciated and goes a long way with the fulfillment of being able to selflessly help others. You may not be initially aware of your impact on your first or second assignment, but it will become apparent within the community with continued growth. Ultimately, this is an invaluable experience which leads to personal growth and physical/health development.
12. Tell us something interesting about yourself - an interesting fact or story that will help us get to know you…
My Father introduced me to long distance running and soccer at an early age and I have been running ever since. My father continues to run, and in January 2024 we will run Marathon Bahamas together. I have run 5 marathons, all being Publix Atlanta Marathons except for the 2023 Chicago Marathon. I am now on my quest to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors. I am a member of the Atlanta Track Club master's team and certified as an In-Training Coach at Atlanta Track Club.
"Volunteer of the Month" began in March of 2015 with the launch of our new website as a way to honor and recognize our amazing Atlanta Track Club volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Congratulations to our Volunteers of the Month and thank you for all that you do!