Why I Run for the Parks: Alicia Leja
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon since 2014 with our charity team, Team ChiParks. Each year, our runners make their marathon extra meaningful by fundraising on behalf of CPF. Since our start, Team ChiParks has raised $550,000+ for the parks!
Here on our Seeing Green Blog, our 2020 Team ChiParks runners share why they run for the parks. This week we hear from Edgewater resident Alicia Leja about her second year as a member of Team ChiParks.
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“I am running for Team ChiParks because I value open community spaces that hold no judgement to your background, belief, sexual orientation, or economic status.”
Alicia upon completing her virtual marathon in April
Will 2020 be your first marathon?
No, this will be my third marathon after Chicago 2019 and the Milwaukee 2020 Virtual Marathon.
Why are you running on behalf of Team ChiParks?
I am running for ChiParks because I value open community spaces that hold no judgement to your background, belief, sexual orientation, or economic status. Whether it is relaxing, exercising, or finding a place to enjoy the outdoors - the parks are a great resource to the Chicago community.
What is your favorite park memory?
Movies in the parks! So many to choose from but I did love when they played “10 Things I Hate About You” at Millennium Park last summer.
What are your tips for staying active during this “stay at home” time?
Aside from running, I also started other cardio workouts such as Zumba. The music and moves always lift my mood! Yoga also feels very good for sore glutes and hamstrings, and it is a practice in which I learned some of my most effective stretches.