Name:  Megan Sullivan 

Number of Marathons/Half-Marathons Run:  1 full & 6 (#7 this spring) halves 

How many years have you been a Chicago SoleMate:  First year!

Why do you run for Girls on the Run - Chicago?

I have coached Girls on the Run in Chicago for 4 seasons now and have seen the immense positive impact this program has on our girls! Whether it’s creating a safe space to let out some steam after school through running or learning tools that help the girls deal with self-image and friend problems, this program has it all. I am running as a SoleMate to ensure this program continues to impact many more girls for a long time. 

When did you start running? 

I began running in high school after I stopped playing soccer. It was a great outlet for the stress of senior year and college applications. I ran most often with my friends who did cross country. It then continued throughout college and my adult life.

What’s your favorite song to listen to while running? 

I actually made the switch to listening to podcasts ~3 years ago. I love listening to any podcast that feels like a fun pop culture breakdown with my friends, and makes me forget my legs feel like jell-o.

What’s the best or funniest moment you’ve had while running?

I think the best moment I had while running was completing my first half-marathon in St. Louis in college. The feeling of finishing really changed my perspective that I didn’t have to be a cross-country or track star to be a ‘runner’ and it helped me to continue running and signing up for races.

What would you tell your 10-year-old self about working toward a big goal? 

Working towards a big goal takes a lot of planning, but plans don’t always go as planned! Don’t let that get you down or stop you from finding a new way to achieve it.

What running advice do you have for the participants in our program? 

You can do anything you set your mind to! However, it is important that you do it with kindness and compassion to yourself and others. The skills you are learning in GOTR will help you to achieve this.

Any words of advice for your fellow teammates?

We have got this! Think of all the girls we meet who are trying running for the first time- we’re doing this for them.

What is your superpower?

Always being able to summon a piece of candy from my purse. Whether it’s a piece of gum, chocolate, or your favorite gummy, I probably have something on me.

If you’re inspired by Megan’s journey and want to support her run, visit her fundraising page here: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/megan-sullivan-2