This month, we decided to interview a DelMoSports athlete as well as IM70.3AC volunteer as this month's highlight. Meet Linda VanOcker!
Each month, we sit down with a DelMoSports athlete and ask them a few questions.
Meet Linda!
1. What are your race goals for the 2019 season?
To be healthy... physically, mentally and spiritually to complete: Escape the Cape, Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon, and finally IM70.3AC, a race that will show me, once again, that anything is possible!
2. Best racing advice?
Enjoy the entire journey. Be humble. Have fun!!! Seriously... Have fun!
3. Favorite pre-race meal?
Sunflower seed butter and Polanar All Fruit (cherry) on a slice of cinnamon raisin bread.
4. What is your race mantra?
For now, there is a favorite quote, of a beloved fellow runner, who died this year, at a July 4th race: “One day I won’t be able to do this. Today is not that day.”
5. Which event is your favorite to volunteer?
That’s a tough one, as I have been volunteering at every level of races, (5k’s to IMLP) for over 10 years! No lie, though, volunteering at IM70.3AC, for the past two years, has been the bestest!!
6. What is your favorite volunteer experience with DelMoSports?
I don’t have enough time or page space, to list every wonderful experience I have had with Steve, the staff, fellow volunteers and most of all, the athletes!
But, one experience, that had a huge impact on me, happened this year at IM70.3AC.
An athlete, flying in from Denmark, landed without his luggage! Airlines screwed up, and all he had was what was with him, and his helmet. No kit, no bike, no shoes. Nothing.
He posted this on the Facebook page, and every athlete was immediately helping.
I mentioned it to the volunteer working next to me, at registration, who said he could supply everything. And he did. I mean everything!
Our international athlete finished the race, in the pouring rain, with a smile, and love in his heart!
7. Tell us three things we should know about you.
Founder of Facebook running group: RUN610.
After a lifetime of pain, struggles, (I’m a two time suicide survivor), and depression, I completed my first marathon, last November, in Philly, in 7:16. The impossible became possible.
I am a 13 year volunteer, with Bethesda Project, helping the homeless of Philadelphia.
