News and Knowledge

The cooler temperatures of fall are quickly approaching.  In the minds of most people that means pumpkin spice lattes, changing of the leaves, and spending a little more time outdoors.  For runners, it means its marathon season!  The RUN FOR AUTISM looks forward to the fall marathon season every year as it brings together three of our biggest events all within a few weeks of each other.  The RUN FOR AUTISM Fall lineup includes; Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon/MCM10K, and the TCS NYC Marathon.  These three fall marathons will bring together over 260 RUN FOR AUTISM teammates and will raise well over $400,000 for autism research. 

All of our fall marathons garner a lot of attention from runners all over the world.  These marquee events are on every runner’s checklist.  So much so, that occasionally we have team members that will run two of the three in the same year, with only a few weeks’ rest in-between.  This year one of OAR’s very own staff members will be taking on all three fall marathons.  Senior RUN Coordinator, Sarah Rodis will be running all three fall events as a coach for the RUN FOR AUTISM teams. We asked Sarah to share her background in running and what motivates her to run in the three races this fall.

“Sports, fitness and especially running have always been a huge part of my life.  Growing up I played a lot of sports and traveled all over to watch my mom run marathons.  I’d help decorate her marathon shirts with her name and we’d find her on the course to give her high fives.  I thought she was like a pro athlete and I wanted to be just like her!  We ran small 5K’s together when I was young and eventually we moved on to 10K’s, 10 milers, half marathons and when I was 17 we did our first marathon together (it snowed, ugh!).  We’ve run countless half marathons together and many marathons including the Marine Corps Marathon, the Boston Marathon and the Outer Banks Marathon a few times.   

A few years ago I needed another challenge and started running ultra-marathons, both the 50K distance and 50 mile. Since my first marathon 17 years ago I’ve completed 31 marathons and 10 ultra-marathons.  I love running so much and the joy it brings people that I became a certified distance coach through the Road Runners Club of America and have helped train many people for 5K’s up to marathons.  I’m looking forward to running the three fall marathons in a less than a month with all of the RUN FOR AUTISM team members! 

Working at OAR the last 2.5 years I have met so many amazing families, friends and professionals that know someone on the spectrum.  The stories you all have about why you run and fundraise is inspiring and motivates me.  I’m proud to say that I’m a part of the RUN FOR AUTISM program and I’m excited to run with my OAR singlet on in just a couple weeks in Chicago!”

• What motivates you to run three marathons in a month?

Three marathons in a month sounds crazy when you say it out loud!  The challenge of it motivates me.  I’m always looking for new ways to push myself.  I’ve done two marathons back to back, and two 50 milers in two weeks, but never three marathons in a month…so bring on the new challenge, haha!  

• What are you most looking forward to while running as a coach for OAR?

The opportunity to run with and support as many RUN FOR AUTISM team members I can find out on the course!

• What advice can you give to a first time marathon runner?

Don’t take it too seriously.  Training is the hard part, race day should be fun!  Once you cross the start line and your nerves calm down, relax and enjoy the race.  Put your name on your shirt so spectators can cheer for you.  You’ll be surprised the boost it’ll give you to hear strangers cheering for you.  It will be tough, your legs will hurt, you’ll want to stop, but trust your training and once you cross the finish line you’ll be wondering when can I do it again!  

• What are some event specific tips that you have? 

Chicago – I’m excited because I haven’t run Chicago since 2007 when I ran my first Boston qualifier there.  The course is flat, fast and great for PR’s, but still remember to pace yourself appropriately.  They don’t call Chicago the Windy City for nothing, if you’re feeling strong headwinds on race day draft like a cyclist and run behind a taller person or group of people running at your pace.  You’ll be surprised how much energy you save running in a draft.

MCM – Don’t start out too fast!  All the hills in the MCM are in the first 9 miles (except that pesky one right before the finish line!).  Pace yourself and save your legs to be strong for the second half of the race.  

NYC – Soak it up!  Unless this is if your first marathon don’t expect to PR because there are SO many runners.  Don’t waste energy zooming around everyone, take your time, watch your footing, and just enjoy the sights/sounds of the NYC crowd.

• All-time favorite race that you have run

Boston is hard to top, but of the 31 marathons I’ve run, Big Sur has been my absolute favorite!  The scenery is incredible!

• Final thoughts/advice

My mom always told me, “brain off, legs on” and it’s helped me push through a lot of races.  Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience.  You got this!