By Bill S.
Before becoming a NORD Running for Rare coach, I was a runner for over 30 years chasing my own goals, and a coach for 10 years helping other runners chase theirs. Most of the runners I worked with were looking to improve their skills to finish and finish faster.
I was sharing some of my crazy running adventures with a friend when she mentioned she knew a group of runners called NORD Running for Rare that she wanted me to talk with and share the humorous experiences that happened to me during my years of trial-and-error running. I always jump at the opportunity to talk with a group of people about how running has made me a happier and healthier person, along with sharing the running experiences that have made me laugh along the way.
I was inspired when I sat in on my first team call. It was with runners talking about their reason for joining Running for Rare. Hearing the personal stories that connected the runners to the rare disease community was inspiring and emotional. Following that call, I met all the people involved with research, and the people who have paired their passion for running with a great cause.
After hearing all of the stories and how connected all these people are to the cause, I knew I wanted to be part of this community. My contribution started with sharing my running experiences through coaching and helping runners navigate their predictable and not so predictable experiences in training. I’ve met a lot of experienced runners and coaches in the Running for Rare community that continue to contribute today. Many have checked in with me when I’ve needed advice in training and recovery.
My involvement with NORD Running for Rare has brought me lifelong connections and friendships, both within the rare disease community and the running community. Although my running has slowed over the years, my volunteerism with Running for Rare has allowed me to stay connected to the sport and have an impact as a running coach to this inspiring team.
Want to learn more about volunteering with NORD? Attend our upcoming webinar on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET! Register at bit.ly/4aFwQhq.
Ready to make a difference? Sign up to volunteer with NORD today at rarediseases.org/volunteer-application.
Get Involved with NORD Running for Rare! Join our team to run and raise funds for NORD’s mission to drive public policy, accelerate research, and improve care for people living with rare diseases. Click here to learn more about the different ways to get involved with Running for Rare as a runner, coach, or rare disease Community Partner!
