C-VILLE-athon

Thank you, Leah Connor, for managing everything for the C-VILLE-athon from 2015-2020.



LEAH CONNOR | C-VILLE-athon Streakers

I'm very proud of my volunteer work promoting the C-VILLE-athon from 2015-2020. I created logos for the finisher shirts as well as managed all registrations, checklists, website, digital marketing, and social media. Learn more about my nonprofit work at twinsrun.com and agoodgroup.com. THANK YOU!

My favorite race in the C-VILLE-athon is the Montalto Challenge. It's the only race that I've completed every year since it started! My second favorite event is the All-Comers Summer Track Meets. Not only is it the oldest running event in Charlottesville (started in 1975), it's also the cheapest! You can run two events that count in the C-VILLE-athon (The Mile and the 5K or 2 Miler) for just $2 (only $1 if you're a CTC member).

Supporting local non-profit organizations in the community is one of the main reasons I love racing. When Mark Lorenzoni approached me with the idea for the C-VILLE-athon I was excited to help promote the challenge because I knew it would help encourage runners to register for races they might never have participated in before.

I've always been obsessed with racing because it's the fun way to get in some speed work! Having a checklist to monitor my progress throughout the year has been fun and motivating. I might not be setting any PRs anymore, but I like to challenge myself to get out there and compete. In 2015, I ran 98 miles in C-VILLE-athon races, in 2016 I completed 82 miles. In 2017 I was injured and couldn't run or race for 2 months, but I still managed to log 62 miles. Phew! :) I ran 21 different events in 2018, but I still have a few races I've never entered that I need to add to my checklist in 2019. My goal is to run every race in the C-VILLE-athon at least once! I wish my identical twin sister could make it from Philly to Cville to complete the C-VILLE-athon too, but I always bring my "flat twin" with me to the races!

Obsessive running and racing data can be found on my website!
agoodgroup.com

The Haven 8K Run for Home by Leah Connor

The Haven 8K Run for Home
3/20/2022

I felt like there was a lot of symbolism in my experience running The Haven 8K Run for Home on Saturday, March 19. I experienced compliments and rejection, recognition and invisibility, joy and sorrow, hope and despair. Pretty intense stuff for a fun run and my first “race” of 2022.

I was fortunate to receive a ride to the race with my friend and frequent trivia teammate, Hernan. He was a few minutes early (which I love), but it put me in a panicked scramble to get myself out the door so I forgot my race bib. #RookieMistake

I realized I didn’t have my bib as soon as I got out of his car. I didn’t want to be "that person" who has to admit they messed up and then beg for a new number at the registration table, but there I was in that exact situation.

I expected this race was going to be challenging because my running pace has slowed significantly and I anticipated seeing people in the running community for the first time in 6 months. Having to start the day by asking for a new bib was not exactly what I had planned in terms of just "laying low."

Luckily, Audrey Lorenzoni Sackson was at the registration table and was more than willing to help me with a new bib. When I saw her husband, Stewart, I asked them how married life was going. I remembered the best recommendation I ever got from a couples therapist was to read How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It. I recently gave that book as a wedding present to a close friend because I found it to be so useful and insightful.
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I ran a couple miles before the race and smiled every time I saw a Ten Miler or other race shirt that I designed. It's the little things that lift my spirits and I felt pure joy when I saw the designs I created being worn by my fellow runners. I greatly appreciate this continued connection with our local running community.
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My identical twin sister, Malinda Ann, came with us to cheer the runners (and entertain the spectators) as an inflatable T-Rex. I was excited to snap a few photos of her proudly displaying her sign, "You'll be Dino-SORE tomorrow!!" and her "TWINS RUN in our family" tote bag.

I started the race off slowly and tried not to pressure myself or worry about my performance. Lately, I’ve been running 12-14 minute miles so my only goal was to run faster than that. It felt good to see familiar faces along the course, to hear personal shout outs (“Go Leah!”) and to receive compliments on my sparkly running skirt (a version of the asexual flag in honor of my daughter). My playlist (RUN FOR HOME PLAYLIST) kept me going and I even passed 5 or so people in the second half of the race which is always great for a boost of confidence. As I approached the finish line, I saw my twin cheering and it made me smile.

Mark Lorenzoni called my name as I crossed the finish line and I kept running because it has been very difficult since he walked away from me. I miss his presence in my life and I am sad I had to end my volunteer work with the Charlottesville Track Club. Even though the transition has not been easy, I am grateful for the opportunities I had to help him with the Charlottesville Track Club for more than 13 years and Ragged Mountain Running Shop for over 6 years. While I know it can be uncomfortable, difficult or painful when friendships, partnerships or collaborations end, I understand and accept that some relationships cannot continue for reasons beyond my control.

I was lucky to see my friend, Marti, after the race and I got a great photo of her standing beside my twin, the T-Rex. I’ve always appreciated Marti's warmth, compassion, and willingness to lend a hand, especially with the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon. I thanked her for all she’s done and for being the light when I’ve seen a lot of darkness. I gave her a huge hug and went to get a mocha with extra chocolate and whipped cream at Mudhouse.



After the race, I checked the results and saw that I wasn’t listed. At first, I thought it was a blessing in disguise because my time was so much slower than my performance two years ago, the last time the race was in-person. However, I did use the online form to report the issue because I am not ashamed of my time. I’m actually proud of myself for still getting out there when I know I’m not in my best shape and nowhere near my PRs from 2012. Although I’m no longer competitive, I’m still showing up because running has been and continues to be such an important part of my life. I can find happiness and connection in being a part of the communal race experience even when I know I won’t take home an award. I always want to appreciate the joy of running and to support important causes in my community.

The Ten Miler is next week. It’ll most certainly be my slowest time ever on the course and I’m looking forward to enjoying every minute I have on the streets of Charlottesville with other runners and community members.
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RUN FOR HOME PLAYLIST

St. Patrick's Day 2022 - Running Together in Memory of Michael & GG

Michael, Leah's Irish brother-in-law, died from relapsed childhood leukemia on St. Patrick’s Day 2003. 

Ten years ago today, Leah and Malinda Ann joined Team Lemon so we could run our first Bank of America Chicago Marathon together in his memory to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. 

Over the years, we’ve continued to run together (Boston Marathon, runDisney, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, Charlottesville Women's Four Miler) and solo (Twins Run 50K, Philadelphia Marathon, Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Charlottesville Track Club, Charlottesville Speedsters, Charlottesville Ten Miler, Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon, The San Francisco Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon) to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. 

As of today, we’ve raised over $7,000 in memory of Michael and our Irish grandmother, Aileen, affectionately known as GG. 

We’re extremely grateful for your ongoing support and generous donations over the years. 

Thank you. ☘️

https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1121983

Revolutionary Love - An Update from Malinda Ann HIll

Over the past two years, it has been difficult for me to share my experience when I feel unwell and hopeless. I continue to share my experience to raise awareness and encourage compassion for those suffering with mental illness.

On March 23, 2020, I entered treatment for an eating disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD exacerbated by the pandemic and the stalking I experienced for over 11 years.

On June 30, 2020, I left treatment too soon because I couldn’t afford to continue.

On March 15, 2021, I re-entered treatment for an eating disorder, depression, anxiety and PTSD exacerbated by another stalking incident.

On October 1, 2021, I lost my job of nearly 20 years because the organization could no longer hold my position while I was on medical leave.

On March 15, 2022, I remain heartbroken that I can't return to the position that was meaningful to me.

While this has been a challenging year of treatment and transitions, I am grateful for the support I've received and continue to receive from family, friends, and people who care.

Thank you to Ani DiFranco for "Revolutionary Love" - a song I listen to whenever I need inspiration to continue on my road of recovery.

Revolutionary Love

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I will tend my anger

I will tend my grief

I will achieve safety

I will find relief

I'll show myself mercy

I'll show myself respect

Yes, and I'll decide when I'm ready

To forgive but not forget

And I will ask you, I'll ask you questions

And I will try, try to understand

And if you give me your story

I will hold it in my hands

Yeah, I will bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

I will bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

I will bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love

(Revolution)

(Revolution)

(Revolution)

And even if you hurt me

I will not shut down

No, you can't make me hate you

And carry that hate around

Yeah, I will see no stranger

Only parts of myself I don't yet know

Yes, and I'll see right through evil

To a wound, too scared to show

Yeah, I have the power to stay open

Oh, I have the power to be

The one that I've been waiting for

The one who sets me free

Yeah, I can bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

I can bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

I can bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love

(Revolution)

(Revolution)

(Revolution)

Oh, well I will tend my anger

Yes, I will tend my grief

I will achieve safety

Yeah, I will find relief

Yeah, I'll show myself mercy

I will show myself respect

Yes, and I'll decide when I'm ready

To forgive but not forget

And I'll ask you, ask you questions

And I will try, try to understand

And if you give me your story

I will hold it in my hands

And I will bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

I will bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

Yes, I will bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love

Yes, I could bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

I will bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

I can bring the love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love (the love, the love)

The revolutionary love

TWINS RUN UPDATE ⏰ by leah connor

 

Thank you for helping me and my twin celebrate our 50th birthday last year with a donation to Alex’s Lemonade Stand and/or a selfie with Flat Twins Run.

Our 50th year doesn’t end until May 18 and we’d love even more photos to share in our #TwinsRun50 montage. Take a selfie or, if you're camera shy, set up a photo in a place that's special to you or with your pet!

A lot has changed in the past year and you can read about most of it on my blog.

* Ann (aka Malinda/Mindy) has been living with me for the past 6 months as she struggles with her eating disorder.

* I’ve interviewed with 50 companies since I’ve turned 50 and am still trying to figure out what I want to be in my second act.

* My volunteer work with the Charlottesville Track Club ends with the Ten Miler on March 26.

Two years ago I had my last normal day before COVID-19 changed everything. It hasn’t been easy for anyone. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and I’d love to hear from you about how you’re doing. If there’s anything I can do to support you, please ask. 

Love and peace,

leah

linkedin.com/company/twinsrun

linkedin.com/in/leahannconnor

twitter.com/leahcville

facebook.com/runleahruncville

instagram.com/leahcville

Visit my blog to learn more about what's been going on in my life!

agoodgroup.com/blog

twinsrun.com