Jenni Zimlich - "Just Don't Give Up!"

10/18/23 • 37 min

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Allison Gaillard and Jenni Zimlich discuss Jenni's running journey, which started after she and her husband lost their home to a flash flood in 2014. They enrolled in a Couch to 5k program and trained for their first 5k race, the Forest Gump Run in Fairhope. This experience led them to discover Ainsley's Angels, a group of adaptive athletes. Jenni shares the importance of not comparing oneself to others and how running has positively impacted her mental health.
The conversation then shifts to Crew of Kindness, an organization formed to support adaptive athletes. Jenni shares the mission of Crew of Kindness, which is to connect with other adaptive athletes and provide them with the necessary equipment, like racing chairs, helmets, and gloves, to participate in events. She also mentions the financial challenges involved in adaptive racing and how Crew of Kindness aims to make it more accessible to athletes in Mobile, Alabama.
Throughout the discussion, Jenni Zimlich shares insights on her personal journey, challenges, and the incredible work Crew of Kindness does to promote adaptive racing and support adaptive athletes. She encourages everyone to be kind, have courage, and not give up in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of sports for mental and physical health.
Jenni Zimlich - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011077207567
Races Mentioned
Forest Gump run in Fairhope - https://www.fairhopeal.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/3215/309
Disney 5k - https://www.rundisney.com/events/disneyworld/disneyworld-marathon-weekend/events/5k-race/
Senior Bowl Charity Run - https://www.seniorbowl.com/wells-fargo-senior-bowl-charity-run-10k/
Do It In The Bush - https://runyourstory.com/event/do-it-in-the-bush-5k-trail-run-2024/
Trick or Trot at USA - https://www.raceentry.com/trick-or-trot-mobile/race-information
Boo Krewe 2 - https://runyourstory.com/event/boo-krewe-2-2023/
Shout Outs
Delaney Zimlich
Michael Zimlich
Elizabeth Birch
Ainsley's Angels - https://ainsleysangels.org/
Shandy Oliver - https://www.facebook.com/shandra.oliver.5
Krewe of Kindness - https://www.kreweofkindness.com/
Scott Crenshaw - https://www.facebook.com/scott.crenshaw.3
Adapt Focus - https://adaptfocus.org/
My Team Triumph - https://www.facebook.com/mttsouthernalabama
Port City Pacers - https://portcitypacers.com/
Julia
Lance Johnson - https://www.facebook.com/lance.johnson.5095
Blake

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Previous Episode

Bras Across the Causeway

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Bras Across the Causeway is a charity run organized by Kathy Smith. The event was inspired by a conversation she had with radio host Matt McCoy in 2016 about finding a way to give back to the community and support breast cancer patients. They came up with the idea of a 5k run with a unique twist: stringing bras across the causeway. They started collecting donated bras and have amassed thousands of them, which they string up during the event to raise awareness for their cause.
The money raised from the race entry fees goes into an account to support breast cancer patients' needs, such as gas, groceries, housing, clothing, daycare, and even covering copays and special medical tests. The funds are managed by the Providence Foundation, which works closely with patients to understand their unique needs.
The race day is a lively and heartwarming event, featuring a survivor tent, a survivor walk, a 5k run, a one-mile run, and various vendors, including Cammie's Old Dutch ice cream and Hall's sausage. The event is a celebration of community support and a testament to the power of people coming together to help those affected by breast cancer. It's grown in popularity over the years and continues to positively impact the local community.
Kathy Smith
Races Mentioned
Bras Across the Causeway
Boo Krewe 2
The Hot Trot at LuLu's
Shout Outs
Matt McCoy
Jim Brogan
Lone Palm Parrot Head Society
Parrot Heads in Paradise Meeting of the Minds
Providence Foundation
Keely Wall
Josh Foster
Carrie
Courtney
Panini Pete Foundation
Pete Blohme
Jody Blohme
Nick DiMario

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Next Episode

Dave McDonald - "Move with purpose"

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Allison Gaillard welcomed Dave McDonald, a Patreon supporter, to discuss his running journey. Dave initially started running in 2018 as part of a health journey to lose weight and be more active for his family. He lost 70 pounds within a year and decided to take on the Azalea Trail 10K in 2019, which marked his first significant running endeavor.
Tragically, Dave's best friend passed away during this time, and running became his therapy to cope with the loss. After completing the 10K, he became hooked on running and set his sights on more challenging goals.
He completed a 50K in 2022, followed by a 50-mile ultra in 2023. Dave talked about the balance between running and family life, noting the importance of effective communication with his wife, Katie, to maintain equilibrium. He also shared his desire to help others achieve their running goals, especially within his family.
Dave McDonald
Races Mentioned
Azalea Trail Run
Mobile Marathon
Mississippi 20k Trail Run
Bear Bait 50k
Battleship 12k
Peachtree Road Race
North Shore Half Marathon
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon
Cocodona 250
Satsuma 2-Miler
Holla At the Dolla
Shout Outs
Katie McDonald
Victor Stevens
Jim Mather
Lance Johnson
Logan Elliott
Trail Yeah
Steve Taylor
Catherine Taylor
Julius Lundford
Bradley Thompson
Micaiah Rockwell
Fleet Feet