I managed everything for the C-VILLE-athon from 2015-2020. A new team is now in charge. Good luck, runners!
The C-VILLE-athon is the brilliant idea of coach, volunteer race director, and running store owner Mark Lorenzoni. Created as a way to encourage runners to try a variety of local not-for-profit races as well as to track one’s progress over the year, the C-VILLE-athon allows participants to design their own racing experience by running at least 26.2 miles in charity events in a calendar year. I worked behind the scenes to create logos, flyers, website, and social media presence for this initiative and it has been a huge success. During its first year. Of the 243 people who signed up for the challenge in the inaugural event, 83 runners submitted their checklists, running a total of more than 2500 miles for worthy causes! When I created the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon in 2014, it was my goal to make the “perfect race” that included everything that was important to me as a runner and avoided all the things that annoyed me about other events. I’ve enjoyed how the list of what makes something special and what frustrates me has evolved over past 8 years. One of my favorite additions in 2021 was to include an adapted version of the Boston Scream Tunnel by devising my own version of “Chalk the Walk.” I asked participants and their supporters to submit their favorite running mantra, motivational quotes, or special messages of encouragement. My identical twin sister and I then spent hours chalking those messages on the course. I want to find more ways to use art as a tool for spreading joy, optimism, and inspiration in my events. I’ve seen success with contests for t-shirt designs (especially kids races!). I’d love to create more swag using unique approaches to make motivational messages visually appealing. I also hope to commission original pieces from local artists, especially those from diverse backgrounds. I love mascots! When I watch the Olympics or any track and field event on the global stage I’m looking for the mascot. Nothing makes me smile more than a giant mascot cheering on the sidelines or racing in an event. If you have something iconic and cute, people will remember it and might even buy it. I’ve got 4 mini plush Spike the Unicorns from each year I ran the Boston Marathon. Sadly, I never got a photo with the costumed mascot, but I love my stuffies and took plenty of photos of Spike having pre- and post-race fun in Boston. I’ve applied the mascot effect to the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon & Half Marathon with the introduction of “Coney” (inspired by Dumb Runner satirist, Mark Remy). I started by giving out a mini Coney instead of a medal. Then I was able to find an affordable traffic cone costume that became perfect with the addition of googly eyes and a mouth! I love stories, especially a personal story about someone’s journey into the sport of running and what it means to them. why they choose to run a particular event, or what relationships have emerged from a love of running. People are already sharing these gems on social, we just need to find them and harness that energy and passion! I know there are a lot of “ambassador” programs out there. That’s not exactly a term I’m comfortable with because it’s become synonymous in my mind with paid relationships and, for me, when money is involved, you lose some authenticity by turning loyalty into a commodity. My three favorite races (besides my own Rivanna Greenbelt Series!) are the Chicago Marathon, Boston Marathon, and Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run. CUCB has an Ambassador program. I've tried to be one, never got it. I think it's a lost opportunity not to use everyone who wants to brag about how much they love your race. I understand that you can only give special perks to so many people, but I also think the people who are saying the best things about your race with no financial benefit or personal gain are the ones you want to tap into... not to take advantage of them, but to appreciate and support them with attention and acknowledgement. It's all about building relationships and brand loyalty. If you treat participants like they matter that will be worth money in the end (if that's your aim). Research and dig for people you want to collaborate with and don't necessarily rely on the right people to apply for a program or fill out a form. That being said, I always ask my participants to share their stories and photos every chance I get. I have used post-race surveys and online forms to encourage runners to submit photos of their training, details about their race routines, and how they celebrate their accomplishments. Music is such a huge motivator for me and so many other runners that the thought of running a race without headphones is unheard of :) Curated playlists for both training and race day celebrations is a great way to connect with participants.
A dream of mine is to have a “theme song” for the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon. Although I can’t compose music, I know I can write the lyrics. I’d love to have a funny, catchy song about the quirky aspects of my race. I’d also like to have an ode to running, a song I can sing that describes my love for everything this sport has brought into my life. Finally, creating a special “Twins Run” podcast about running has been on my to-do list for awhile and I’m hoping to finally start producing it by 2023. If you’re a twin who runs or know any twins who like to race, let me know in the comments. The Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon started in September 2014 as an opportunity for local runners in Charlottesville to have a last chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I designed the course to follow the flattest section you can find in a town full of HILLS, a paved trail that follows along the Rivanna River. Because the trail is just 2 miles from the start to the end, participants need to complete 6.5 “loops” of the course. Some people thought it would be boring or crazy to run a marathon on such a course, but I found more than enough runners who were up for the challenge!
When I created the race I wanted to make it low-key and no-frills. There were no shirts or swag. The only people who got a medal were those who did not finish (DNF). I wrote a blog once about how hard it is to quit a race even when it’s the right thing to do (i.e., if you feel like you’re developing an injury or if you don’t think you’ll hit your goal, etc.). I joked that we should give medals for dropping out. I took that idea and put it into action at my own race. I actually earned a medal myself in October 2014 when I dropped out of my own race. Having the race in September in the Mid-Atlantic was quite challenging in terms of weather. We had heat waves and thunderstorms. I decided during the pandemic that I would change the timing of the race. We adjusted a few things for safety and had our race in November 2020 on a perfect day. I directed three races in 2021 (March, October, and December) and added a half to the mix. As both a runner and a volunteer, I wanted my race to have everything that I think is important for an amazing experience. We have medical support from the UVA Runners’ Clinic, volunteers from the running community, chalk messages and signs along the course, free course photos, and chip timing with finish line video. Our race mascot is “Coney” - a funny addition inspired by satirist and writer Mark Remy (The Dumb Runner). It’s fitting because you need to run around cones multiple times. In 2020 I started to give out mini traffic cones with googly eyes and hand-drawn mouths to finishers. Also, by adding a half marathon and raising the entry I was able to donate almost $2,500 this year to three charities. I’m really proud of my quirky little race. There are runners who come back every year (when they aren’t injured) and I’ve heard so many amazing stories from participants about what motivated them to pick my race. I always send evaluation surveys to both runners and volunteers so I can keep improving the event. We had a panel of local runners talk about Lessons Learned with Joan Benoit Samuelson and I spoke about the importance of giving back to the running community by volunteering at a race. That inspired a few new volunteers to show up my November 2020 event! I really love talking about my race because it’s been a labor of love for me and my identical twin sister. There’s been a lot of ups and downs - during the 2nd race I had to disqualify a friend because she turned around before the course marking twice and it was on video. For the first 6 races we did all the timing old school (no chips!) with Time Machine and lap counters. That was labor intensive to compile the results, but it was always a thrill to submit them to the B.A.A. We’ve had people complete their first marathon and first half marathon with us and it means so much to be part of someone’s important running history. Necessity is the mother of invention. I banged out a lot of creative work for the running community that I'm very proud of over the past 14 excruciatingly difficult months because somehow I knew deep down that there was no path forward for me working with the CTC if all of the current board remained in place. If anyone thinks I left because of my new job or that I wanted to pursue other projects that's not the truth. I won't publicly name names or explain the absurdity of the situation except to say that I wanted to do the work and avoid the drama and although I was uncomfortably transparent about my vulnerable state and my own faults, at every opportunity I was triggered into anxiety, depression, and paranoia. It's no way to live. So I choose optimism and life and I'm going to throw my creativity, passions, and drive into other things that will give me purpose and meaning. Spoiler Alert Ladies: Menopause is no joke. Turning 50 is no joke. I've not been my best self the past year, but I've tried my best to seek help. I've tried to always be there for anyone when they needed something from me. When you reach out for a hand and it's not there you have to make the choice to accept the situation and carry on with the relationships that have weathered the storm. Thank you to everyone who has made an effort to make me feel that I matter. That I'm valued and appreciated. I'll pay it forward! I promise. For reminders that things can get better, sign up for The Depression Project's daily quotes. P.S. Writing this post finally motivated me to update my resume. I never thought I'd see some of the changes I just had to make, but I'm so excited about my new position. "To find peace, sometimes you have to be willing to lose your communication with people, places, and things that create all the noise in your life."Wed, Jul 29, 2020 at 4:38 PM "I'll pass." Mon, Sep 20, 2021 at 12:31 PM "This needs to stop." Fourteen months ago when I was in the middle of a mental health crisis and had to take FMLA in an effort to get healthy and decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, I reached out to a therapist with whom I had a longstanding relationship. He replied right away and offered me an appointment in person. I struggled with what to do, but when I asked if we could meet virtually instead because of COVID-19, he responded with "I'll pass." At the time I thought that was the most hurtful and dismissive email I could ever receive from anyone. It took courage to reach out, ask for help, and put the necessary boundaries to protect my health in my request. When I was rejected from a professional who I had a 13 year relationship with I was devastated. It took me 40 days to write a reply and report him to the Department of Health Professionals for the unethical behavior he exhibited over the course of my "treatment." Although I spoke with an investigator on September 17, 2020 regarding DHP Case #206870, I'm still waiting for resolution. I was on the phone with someone very important in my life when I got that email from the therapist. I burst into tears and could barely speak. He was so supportive and I will never forget that. It meant everything to me. For the past 6 months I've been struggling with another decision, whether or not to leave the Charlottesville Track Club, an organization that I have dedicated my passion and talents to for 13 years. I won't describe in detail what lead to my choice to step away, but the people closest to me know the story. I had already started separating myself from my CTC responsibilities and shared access to various resources I created before I received the "This has to stop." email, but to say I was gutted when I realized I no longer had the support from the person who was there for me when I was rejected from the therapist was heart-wrenching. Once again, I felt abandoned after sending an email with the subject line HELP. I've struggled so much over the past 14 months. I have experienced the huge loss of both friends and positions that I had clung to define my identity. Even though it was incredibly painful, I feel like I'm finding peace now because finally I have my best friend, my twin sister with me to share both the burdens and pleasures of life. Tonight we are going to our first concert together in Charlottesville. Ani DiFranco's music has been in my life since college and has gotten me through some very difficult times. I'm so grateful that I now own a home (with FRAN!) that I can welcome Malinda Ann into so we can be spinster twinsters together and create beautiful memories and art with Twins Run and A Good Group. Listen to my latest playlist created during this difficult transition: FUNGE ME. (Yes, I'm OBSESSED with HBO's Succession!) Date: Wed, Sep 22, 2021 at 6:03 AM
Subject: My apologies and my thanks This will be my last message regarding my departure from the CTC, so please bear with me. First of all, I am encouraging all of you to attend the CTC Membership Meeting on Thursday at 7pm. Join the CTC Board Elections Membership Meeting via Zoom Secondly, I give my eternal, sincere, and heartful thanks to everyone who has called, texted, or talked with me about my struggles in making the decision to step away from the CTC. I know it's the right decision and the healthy choice for me, but it's been unbearably hard .... I only wish I left CTC before I started this new position so I wouldn't put this amazing opportunity in jeopardy. Finally and most importantly, I am so very sorry for any discomfort, stress, or anxiety that this situation has caused anyone else. If any of you are feeling just 1/100th of the pain I am and it's because of my words or actions, I promise I will make it up to you. Please let me know how. I am an open book. My life is on social media and my website. I am brutally and sometimes abrasively honest about my struggles with mental health, asking for help, and quitting. This has been the most difficult year of my entire life, but I have survived and I will continue to knowing I've made it this far. Thanks again, leah agoodgroup.com This weekend I was thinking about everything I've done for the running community in Charlottesville. I've designed logos, medals, t-shirts, and so much more, but I am most proud of the creation of the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon & Half Marathon. I have long wanted to do a Barkleys Marathon style documentary about my race because there are so many amazing stories from this event. From an unexpected DQ in 2014 to my identical twin sister winning in 2016 to holding 4 events during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2015 I met Dave McGillivray, the Boston Marathon race director, and told him about the 50% BQ rate for our inaugural event. Back then I never imagined what the race would become and all the lives that have been touched by it. It's rather humbling especially to have such a wonderful and dedicated group of volunteers including Ryan Looney, who's helped at each event and plans to finally run it in December. Go Ryan Go!
I've set a goal of getting this "movie" project done by September 2024 which will be the 10th anniversary of the inaugural race and when the race certification expires. :) Then I counted up the past and upcoming races and realized that December 5th will be the 10th running of the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon (and the 3rd edition for the half). Wow! So if you've run the race or registered for the events this fall, expect an email from me. I would love to interview you via Zoom for my documentary! Also, we could still use some volunteers for the fall races. THANK YOU! |
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