Tag Archive for: Charlotte Running Group

Testing the Limits of the Human Heart

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“The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race.  It’s to test the limits of the human heart.” – Bill Bowerman, track and field coach and co-founder of Nike, Inc.

Geo Neto, Isabella’s Dream Team

Geo Neto, a new member to the ISF Dream Team, knows what it feels like to test the human heart.  In 1988 at the age of 14, he was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).  He knew this diagnosis wasn’t good –  but he was young, naïve, and didn’t truly understand what would happen to him.  30 years ago, information on ALL wasn’t as readily available.  He was sick.  He was scared.  And it scared his entire family – parents, siblings, uncles, and grandparents.  Everyone felt the pain, fighting together to save Geo.

Geo fought for his life and he has gotten to the other side.  Through this journey, he has learned how important it is to remain healthy, so he challenges himself to stay active.  In 2017, he ran the Isabella Santos Foundation 10K.  At the race, he learned more about ISF and the mission of raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer.  As he was setting his fitness goals for this year, he was also motivated to make a difference in our Charlotte community.  So, he joined the ISF Dream Team.   

Geo is making a difference . . . running, raising funds for pediatric cancer, and honoring those who are battling cancer.  His human heart is also honoring his family. “There is nothing that I can do that will ever thank them enough for everything that they did for me” when I was fighting for my life.

What an honor, Geo, to have you as a part of our ISF family.

Let’s all put our hearts together and support Geo.  Please click here to make a donation to his ISF First Giving page.

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

Bring Your Friends & Breakfast Run

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There are friends.  And there are running buddies.  Sometimes the two intertwine.  Sometimes they don’t.  But both are equally important when you are determined to train and run the race of your dreams.  So what’s the difference?

Running buddies.  They run with you.  They hold you accountable.  They celebrate your accomplishments.  They sympathize with your aches and pains.  They know just what you need for a race.  They plan trips around races, and relax with you afterwards.  They push you to succeed.  It’s an unexplainable bond that everyone should experience.

Friends are just as important to help you finish a race.  When you run, it’s incredible to see your friends on the race course, cheering you on.  Nothing keeps you more motivated to keep going.  They provide you with support, and they are your cheerleaders. They are your friends, through thick and thin.

Every runner needs a running buddy and a friend during any run.  It will help you get from the start line to the finish line.    

The ISF Dream Team is celebrating our running buddies and friends.  This Saturday – BRING A FRIEND to our Saturday run and enjoy some ISF Swag, on us.  Afterwards we plan on having a team breakfast/social at Crispy Crepe on South Blvd.

  • Who: ISF Dream Team
  • Where: Charlotte Rail Trail
  • Meet at Bland Street Station — 1511 Camden Road, Charlotte, NC
  • When: Saturday, August 4 at 7am
  • Why: To be a friend and a running buddy!

See you Saturday!

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

The “C” Word

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Ashley & Brian, Isabella’s Dream Team

The “C” word.  Cancer.  All of us have been affected by cancer . . . . someway, somehow in our lives.  It could be your best friend.  Your neighbor.  Your colleague.  Your mom.  Your brother.  Your wife. Your child.  Regardless of how you have been affected by the “C” word in your life, it isn’t easy.

Ashley Allred has been affected by cancer in her life.  Her first grade teacher was diagnosed with cancer.  Her second grade teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer and unfortunately lost her battle when she was in third grade.  Her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  And then Ashley became a teacher herself… her student was diagnosed with cancer.  It has affected Ashley too many times to count.  She decided it was time to find a way to give back and help find a cure.

Ashley found out about the Isabella Santos Foundation through her elementary school student.  Not only was it a way to support her student, but she could also help raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer. She joined the Isabella’s Dream Team in 2017, training to run a half marathon while raising money for pediatric cancer.  Now, she is helping lead the ISF Dream Team, training to run another race, raising money for pediatric cancer through her connections and creative partnerships, and she is making a difference.  

If you want to honor someone in your life who has been affected by cancer, you can help make a difference too.  It’s not too late to join the Dream Team. 

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte pediatric cancer community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

Making Goals Together

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“I never knew the benefit of running with a group until I joined the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team.  I started running 5 years ago when a friend challenged me to run a 5k.  When I realized I could do it, I had the desire to improve.  However, it takes a lot of self-motivation to stay on track.  And it kind of gets boring when you are running by yourself and achieving a goal when no one else is aware of it.  

I “ran” across the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team 3 years ago.  I decided to attend a group run one day, and the rest is history.  I was pushed to be healthy.  I was motivated to run and cross train.  I learned how to properly train for a race.  I could not let anyone down so I tried to attend every Saturday morning group run.  I looked forward to the reward at the end of our Saturday runs –  Clean Juice with a new group of friends. But most importantly, it was incredible to see everyone cheer each other on when you are accomplishing your goals.  You celebrated together.  You laughed together.  You smiled together.  There’s no better feeling than to accomplish a personal goal and share it with others. 

I achieved a personal record on a half marathon in Fall 2017, and I never ever thought I could do it.  I owe it all to the ISF Dream Team.  There is no way I could have achieved this goal without everyone’s support, pushing me to improve my performance, and cheering me on.  I am forever grateful that I am a part of the ISF Dream Team.  

It’s not too late to join the Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team.  I promise, you won’t regret it.” 

– Tammy Lowry

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.

We Will Train Together. Run Together.

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Keith & Jackson, Dream Team Week #2

The Isabella Santos Foundation Dream Team, a Charlotte running group, has officially started training for 2018.  Members of our team run with purpose and heart… we always enjoy hearing about why they run, what inspires them and their goals to get them to the finish line.  When it kicked off a few weeks ago, we learned that two of our Dream Team members set a goal together for this year.  Jackson Lowry, at age 13, accomplished his second half marathon last year with a personal record time.  Keith Brent accomplished his third half marathon since training with the ISF Dream Team.  As they both were looking back on their accomplishments, they were trying to decide what was their next dream.  Jackson admires Keith, and he said “one day I want to be able to run a full marathon.”  Keith without hesitation said “I will do it with you.  You pick the race, we will train together.  Run it together.” 

And the bond was created. They have set their 2018 goal – the Rock ‘N Roll Savannah Full Marathon in November.  Training is officially underway.  This past Saturday, they ran 8 miles in step together as they planned out their training schedule for the upcoming week.  Daily texts, running together, and high fives – – they keep each other motivated.  They are already talking about how excited they are going to be when they cross that finish line together on November 3rd.  They have 108 days to finish their training, and they do it all for Isabella and other kids fighting cancer.

These goals and uncommon bonds are what inspires us at the foundation!

A little about Jackson…

Jackson Lowry, at age 12, started running with the ISF Dream Team in Summer of 2016.  When he became diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in November 2015, he understood how it felt to be diagnosed with a disease that had no cure. He was determined to not let his diabetes stop him from following his dreams.  He has trained with the ISF Dream Team, accomplishing several races including 2 half marathons.  This year, he is training for his very first full marathon while raising money for the Isabella Santos Foundation.  Jackson’s mission in life is to inspire more kids to give back.  You can support Jackson and cheer him on by making a donation to his fundraising efforts.

And Keith who has been supporting ISF since the beginning…

Keith Brent, and his wife Christine, both personally knew Isabella Santos.  When ISF was formed in 2007, they immediately became involved with the foundation.  Three years ago, Keith joined the ISF Dream Team.  Keith loves the challenge and fitness benefits of running, all while raising money in memory of Isabella.  Keith and Christine Brent have raised over $14,000 through the ISF Dream Team, directly crushing cancer in the Charlotte community.  Keith has accomplished three half marathons while being a part of the ISF Dream Team, and his goal for 2018 is to complete a full marathon.  You can support Keith and high five him on by making a donation on his fundraising efforts.  

ISF Dream Team

The ISF Dream Team, created in 2014, is a running group that assists you in training to run the race of your dreams.  You can train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, full marathon relay, or a full marathon.  You are provided a training schedule, invited to group runs, and inspired by a phenomenal team of people.  Not only will you meet a dynamic group of people, but you will also be inspired through your friends and family as they support you through the training.  The ISF Dream Team has raised over $400,000 to date, with the funds contributing to our local Charlotte community.  If you want to join the ISF Dream Team, we would love to hear from you.  Please email us at info@isabellasantosfoundation.org.