Happy to share that I successfully ran the Bank of America Chicago 13.1!
The only races I've ever been a part of are quick little 5k's, so this one was a huge step up from anything I've ever done. My goal was to finish in 2 hours 15 Min, and I finished at 2:16, so I'm very proud of being so close to my goal despite the powerfully hot sun, knee pain, and other physical discomforts I was experiencing during the race. It was amazing to see the West Side so energetic, showing up to cheer for us runners; it reminded me of the reason I even started running in the first place: COMMUNITY!! This race definitely casted doubt on my ability to even perform at the Chicago Marathon, especially during the harder moments of the race. At the same time, the runners, my community, and Chicago Run/coaches, continue to inspire me and push my limits. I'm extra motivated, as today is the official start of our 18 week training, and although I am starting training with soreness and extreme fatigue I can't wait to begin the journey. Thank you all for your donations, kind words, and support, the road to Chicago Marathon 2026 starts NOW!
Fancy Nancy's Fancy Marathon Fundraiser
Nancy Ceja
Nancy Ceja
If you love running/sports, if you are a mental health advocate, if you are passionate about supporting childhood education and development, if you support women athletes, if you love CHICAGOOOO, join me in investing in our city's youth through Chicago Run!
Since I was young girl, I had a passion for childhood education and childhood development. I started as a babysitter and camp counselor, then a nanny for several families in the Chicagoland area and out West during college, and finally elementary and 9-12 education as a mentor and leader. These experiences shaped who I am today; a strong advocate for our youth, and firm believer in providing all our children with equal resources, so they can build confidence, friendships, and strong foundations within their communities.
During those 12 years working with K-12, I spent hours leading my kids through:
kickball
soccer
running/track
baseball
football
swimming
volleyball
hiking
biking
rugby
dance
These moments of fun were so much more than that; they were opportunities where the kids built connections over their shared love of sports, learned how to manage conflict and stress, and how to build relationships with their peers and other community members. All of those moments reinforced something I had learned in the classroom about childhood development; kids need movement, community, and adults who lead and advocate for them, environments that make them feel children safe and a strong sense of belonging.
The culmination of these experiences are what drew me to this organization. Chicago Run empowers thousands of young people from Pre-K through high school with equitable access to inclusive running and physical activity programs. Through the power of sport and running, Chicago Run builds resilience to stress and trauma and develop social and emotional skills.
As a past CPS student, Girls on the Run participant and mentor, I know first hand how impactful these programs are to young children trying to find their strengths and passions, while building social and emotional skills. I want to use my passion for movement to give to programs like Chicago Run, that add so much value to our amazing city.
I am so excited to be a part of the Chicago Run Marathon Team and I'm looking forward to working together with our sponsors to invest in our physical and mental health, through running, movement and community!
Since I was young girl, I had a passion for childhood education and childhood development. I started as a babysitter and camp counselor, then a nanny for several families in the Chicagoland area and out West during college, and finally elementary and 9-12 education as a mentor and leader. These experiences shaped who I am today; a strong advocate for our youth, and firm believer in providing all our children with equal resources, so they can build confidence, friendships, and strong foundations within their communities.
During those 12 years working with K-12, I spent hours leading my kids through:
kickball
soccer
running/track
baseball
football
swimming
volleyball
hiking
biking
rugby
dance
These moments of fun were so much more than that; they were opportunities where the kids built connections over their shared love of sports, learned how to manage conflict and stress, and how to build relationships with their peers and other community members. All of those moments reinforced something I had learned in the classroom about childhood development; kids need movement, community, and adults who lead and advocate for them, environments that make them feel children safe and a strong sense of belonging.
The culmination of these experiences are what drew me to this organization. Chicago Run empowers thousands of young people from Pre-K through high school with equitable access to inclusive running and physical activity programs. Through the power of sport and running, Chicago Run builds resilience to stress and trauma and develop social and emotional skills.
As a past CPS student, Girls on the Run participant and mentor, I know first hand how impactful these programs are to young children trying to find their strengths and passions, while building social and emotional skills. I want to use my passion for movement to give to programs like Chicago Run, that add so much value to our amazing city.
I am so excited to be a part of the Chicago Run Marathon Team and I'm looking forward to working together with our sponsors to invest in our physical and mental health, through running, movement and community!
JUN
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