Why Rachel Pospisil Runs for the Parks
Meet the runners of our Team ChiParks charity team in our ongoing ‘Why I Run for the Parks’ series!
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud Bank of America Chicago Marathon charity partner since 2013, and this year we’re excited to also add the new Chicago 13.1 half marathon to our roster on Chicago’s West Side.
These dedicated runners choose to make their miles extra meaningful by running on behalf of a charity. In the last eight years, Team ChiParks and their supporters have raised nearly $1 million for the parks - vital park projects, community and teen programming, our citywide volunteer efforts, and more.
Meet Rachel, a first time Team ChiParks runner and first time marathoner!
A Chicago native, Rachel grew up with important memories of the city’s parks and green spaces. She still loves our parks today, and uses them daily as she trains for her first ever big race!
What does running the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon mean to you?
It means doing something I've never done before and testing my limits and my will power.
Why are you running the Chicago Marathon on behalf of Team ChiParks?
If I can do something for myself and uplift my community at the same time, why would I do it for any other reason? I grew up in Chicago and in Chicago parks so I'll be proud to wear the Team ChiParks shirt across the finish line!
What do you love most about Chicago parks and how do you use them in your life?
I don't think there's anything not to appreciate, and yet I think the parks are taken for granted a lot. We would be a completely different city and community if we didn't see green areas everywhere that are clean and inviting.
I can't even begin to list the ways I loved Chicago parks as a kid; the list would go on forever. As an adult, I escape to Foster Beach and the lakefront parks everyday either to clear my head, to train for the marathon or spend time with friends. It's an invaluable part of my everyday life and I know that goes for many others.
What is your favorite thing about training for the Chicago Marathon?
Pushing myself! I'm learning more and more about myself everyday. I keep thinking, "If I can do this, what else can I do?" My days are always better after my morning runs. I can say with certainty that even after the Chicago Marathon, I'll probably still be out running in the mornings!