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An Athlete’s Perspective – Issue 12

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An Athlete’s Perspective is a blog series of event and/or training experiences written firsthand by the athletes themselves. An Athlete’s Perspective is a completely unscripted and raw look into the mind and daily life of an athlete as they prepare for their next race. Readers will discover training regimens, eating tips, gear recommendations, and an uncut perspective into the lives of people like you and me.

Beyond 26.2 Miles with All Blind Children of Texas

By: Cheryl Austin

Image of co-captains Janet Bean and Paula Willson (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

ABCTX co-captains Janet Bean and Paula Willson (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

“Unimaginable.” If I had to describe my experience with the 2018 Austin Marathon and Austin Gives Miles in one word, it would be “unimaginable.” I had run marathons before–four, in fact: one in each state I had lived–but this one was different. This time, the extent of my accomplishments reached far beyond myself, and would potentially impact the lives of the 9,000 legally blind children statewide.

As an individual with a congenital visual impairment (oculocutaneous albinism) and a teacher at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, I know well the unique educational needs of this population, and was pleased to learn about the efforts of All Blind Children of Texas (ABCTX). ABCTX is “a resource for the optimal physical, mental, emotional and social development” of these children, with a mission to fund and facilitate their participation in programs and activities that “provide hands-on learning experiences that help to master the skills needed to work alongside sighted peers.”

So, when I had to drop out of the Austin Marathon in 2017 due to an injury, I made myself a promise . . . If I ever ran another marathon, it would be for this charity, and I would not do it alone.

Image of ABCTX aid station at Mile 15. (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

ABCTX aid station at Mile 15. (credit: Chrissy Cowan)

Convincing the All Blind Children of Texas board to support my idea was easy, and the Austin Gives Miles application was straightforward and simple. What happened after we were accepted as a first-time Official Charity Partner was nothing less than remarkable. Under my leadership, a team of 59 runners and walkers came together and, with additional support from the Moody Foundation and Qualcomm, raised $33,500, more than double any previous ABCTX fundraiser. Some were experienced athletes; others had never participated in a road race before, and most had little to no fundraising experience. Local businesses opened their doors to host events and their hearts to donate goods and services, raising more dollars and building awareness of our mission and camaraderie within the community.

On race day, the miles seemed shorter and my legs less fatigued, as I reflected on this significant journey. With the support of more than 75 volunteers at Mile 15, my parents on the sidelines, and my husband at my side, I crossed the finish line with a sense of pride that I cannot describe. I had already won, so to learn that I had placed first in the female VI (B3) division was just icing on the cake!

For more information about All Blind Children of Texas, please visit www.abctx.org.

Austin Gives Miles Enjoys Another Successful Fundraising Campaign

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Fundraising and enhanced awareness efforts positively impact 31 Central Texas nonprofits

AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2018 — Austin Gives Miles, the Official Charity Program of the Austin Marathon®, raised $670,802. The 31 Central Texas nonprofit organizations accepted into the program worked tirelessly to exceed the program’s fundraising goal while increasing awareness of their organization and recruiting race day volunteers. All Blind Children of Texas, a resource for the optimal physical, mental, emotional, and social development of all blind children of Texas, was the highest fundraiser, raising $33,500.

“When I approached the board of ABCTX last May, I never imagined the impact our participation in Austin Gives Miles would have,” said Cheryl Austin, Residential Teacher at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, ABCTX board member, and 1st place female in the Austin Marathon VI division (class B3). “Our team of 59 runners and walkers raised $33,500 to support educational programs for students with visual impairment statewide.”

Austin Gives Miles

Ghisallo Cycling Initiative group photo at Mile 20. (Image courtesy of Ghisallo Cycling Initiative.)

For the third year in a row, Austin Gives Miles was the beneficiary of a Moody Foundation grant that matched donations for each organization, up to $10,000. The money raised significantly impacts Central Texas and the communities the charities serve. Review the 2018 Austin Gives Miles charities and their fundraising efforts on the Austin Marathon website.

“Donations topped $670,800 in yet another record-breaking year for the Austin Gives Miles program, further exemplifying the generosity and giving spirit of our community,” said Carly Samuelson, Austin Gives Miles Charity Manager. “From everyday runners who gave their miles, to the Moody Foundation and their gracious matching grant, our community continuously comes together to generate a positive, long-lasting impact in Central Texas.”

The Austin Marathon will celebrate its 28th year running in the capital of Texas on February 17, 2019. Austin’s flagship running event annually attracts runners from all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. Having start and finish locations just a few blocks apart, being within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants, and finishing in front of the picturesque Texas State Capitol makes the Austin Marathon the perfect running weekend destination. Participants can register for the marathon, half marathon, or 5K starting on June 1st.