Isioma Chukwu is very excited for race day on April 17th! A Team Dimock alumna, she ran her first Boston Marathon last year as our inaugural team member. Isioma's training and fundraising achievements in 2016 were outstanding, helping her realize a long-held dream to run a marathon and provide critical support to an organization dedicated to improving health and education, particularly for women and children. "Knowing this second time around, what lies ahead is somewhat daunting," Isioma says, "but the knowledge I've gained about training and preparation has been invaluable!"

Isioma is a Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis / Strategy at Tufts Health Plan, one of The Dimock Center's most dedicated partners. She learned about the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon last year from her colleague Juan Lopera, Vice President of Business Diversity and member of the Dimock Community Foundation Board. Her participation on Team Dimock for a second year, joined by Kate Iannarone, Senior Analyst of Corporate Strategy, at Tufts Health Plan, is a wonderful way to expand our partnership.

From last year's Boston Marathon and other races she has completed, Isioma has learned the critical role of stretching and nutrition. Stretching is playing a bigger part in gearing up for this year's race. It's helping her feel better during her longer training runs and is shortening her recovery time. Thanks in part to a stretching clinic she recently watched "live on Facebook" with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), Isioma understands what stretches work best and when. She's planning to take advantage of other B.A.A. clinics, including a pacing group on race day, which she hopes will help her stay on track during the race.

 

As most of us recognize, nutrition also has a big impact on our performance. For Isioma, this has become a priority, not only in training for the 121st Boston Marathon, but also in her everyday life. Isioma is making healthier food choices to maximize her energy and feels light on her feet (a wonderful feeling!), which is motivating her to improve her overall time this year.

Isioma is an engaging and skilled fundraiser, who raised more than $12,000 last year for Dimock's comprehensive programs, more than doubling her initial goal. This year Isioma has honed her skills to raise dollars for a cause she cares deeply about. While fundraising for a second year has been challenging, she is so grateful for the opportunity to be able to give back through The Dimock Center. Isioma is passionate about promoting access to affordable health care for all people. This determination is clear, and inspires family, friends and colleagues to generously support her efforts.

We are incredibly proud of Isioma and deeply grateful for her enthusiasm, perseverance and generosity for The Dimock Center. Please consider supporting Isioma in her remarkable feat on Team Dimock as she strives to exceed her tremendous success by donating to her CrowdRise page!