You never know who you will meet traveling to races #BetterYourBest #LAMarathon @LAMarathon

So, I'm still flying high off the dream that was the 2014 ASICS LA Marathon...

I cramped at mile 22, and didn't get the time I had hoped, but it was awesome.  Still geeking out about it.

But, I wanted to write up a post about Claire Phillips.  ASICS pro athlete?  Nope.  Elite runner?  Nope.  Triathlete, not to my knowledge.

Photo from cjonline.com

At first it was a casual conversation at 6:30am on our flight to LA the Friday before the race.  She asked if I was headed to the marathon and we chatted about the excitement that awaited and her mission for the race.

She began her marathon career in 1999 at an event held at Disney World in which she raised funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She ran in the same marathon again two years later.  She has also ran in Oklahoma City and few other local Midwest events.

After reading a December story in The Topeka Capital-Journal about Breakthrough House’s Clubhouse impending transition from operating five days a week to four days a week, she wanted to help.  She resolved to run the 2014 LA Marathon for charity to keep the Clubhouse open 5 days a week.

Per the Capital-Journal, the Breakthrough House, which provides a range of mental health recovery services to its clients, sustained $350,000 in cuts during the past three years.

Claire's goal pace was 12:30 to 13:00 minutes per mile and she finished in 6:31:11, good for a 14:56 per mile pace.  But, as my personal race recap went, a lot of people had to adjust their goals this year at the 2014 ASICS LA Marathon.  It was a hot day by the end of the race.

Last I heard, she had raised $3000 to $4000 for the Breakthrough House, and they are still taking donations.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Phillips to help fund the Clubhouse may do so by pledging an amount per mile or giving a block donation. Donations can be made by check to Breakthrough House, calling the agency at (785) 232-6807, or visiting breakthroughhouse.org and designating “LA Marathon.”

All donations made in conjunction with Phillips’ fundraising effort are being designated specifically for the Clubhouse, which offers opportunities for those recovering from mental illness to participate in support groups, job training and social activities that give them opportunities to be involved in the community.