Passionate about Helping

By: Stephanie Milot

Name: Cheyenne Richards
Age: 26
Hometown: Mustang, Oklahoma
Event: 2011 ING New York City Marathon

"I find running invigorating and exciting," says Cheyenne Richards. "It's a great way to start every single day." Richards, 26, will be starting her Sunday morning with a run --26.2 miles to be exact -- on November 6, 2011 at the ING New York City Marathon, as a member of Team Reeve.

Sports and support
Richards and her husband James, 33, currently live in Austin, Texas. They have a love of sports and are aware of sport-related spinal cord injuries. Their enthusiasm and knowledge has developed into devotion for supporting spinal cord research. Richards and her husband also have acquaintances that are living with spinal cord injuries.

"We feel very passionate about making a better life for those living with paralysis," says Richards.

An early start
Although she was a high school athlete, Richards did not develop an interest in running until she was in her early 20s. She joined an early morning running group at a local gym. "They [members of the running group] were all training for a marathon," says Richards, "and I realized that I would be ready for one myself."

Richards's first marathon was the Las Vegas Rock ‘N' Roll Marathon in 2010 to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. She also participates in local races. Austin is, in the words of Richards, "a very health-focused community." "We have a bike race or a run almost every weekend," she explains.

Morning wake-up
Richards trains six or seven mornings each week, ranging from an hour to an hour and a half. She trains even longer on Saturdays, the time depending on the length of that week's "long run."

"Running gives me confidence for the rest of the day," says Richards. "I think that you make room for things that are really important to you."

Less time, more money
Her dedication to running is surely revealed in her previous marathon finishing time. Richards's personal marathon record time is four hours, four minutes. More impressive, she is striving to finish New York City in less than four hours!

Different time zone, same plan
Before joining Team Reeve, Richards and her husband had searched online for organizations focused on spinal cord research. "We really wanted to raise additional money, but we didn't know what we might be able to do," says Richards. "Team Reeve seemed like the perfect match."

Despite living in Texas, a time zone away from the Foundation and the marathon, in New Jersey and New York, Richards stays connected with the Team Reeve manager, Leigh Alspach. "Leigh is an awesome person who brings everyone together," says Richards. "She definitely provides good updates and keeps everyone in the loop."

Team Reeve excitement
The support of the Foundation during the marathon training period helps Richards stay motivated, focused, and excited for Sunday, November 6, 2011 to arrive. Her motivation for running the marathon is "a combination of the cause and the love of the sport," says Richards. "It will be fun to meet people once I get to New York. It's amazing and to make it a big event is always fun."

If you would like to support Cheyenne Richards and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, check out Cheyenne's donation page.

Learn more
Inspired by Cheyenne's story? Want to join Team Reeve? You don't have to be an athlete to become a member. Click here. 

Get to know some more of our Team Reeve athletes.

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