Meet the Marathoners: This Mother-Daughter Duo Is Taking on the Chicago Marathon to Support Other Athletes with Disabilities
When Samantha Rodriguez, a 20-year-old runner and Team Achilles U.S.A. member from Orlando, FL, was first diagnosed with Autism, her mother Karina was unsure of how the diagnosis would affect her daughter’s future. With doctors, friends and peers telling her that her daughter would be unable to accomplish much, Karina felt defeated.
Being a single mother, Karina quickly began to feel some of the pressures of parenting, and decided to take up running as a way to cope with stress. “It was like a form of therapy for me,” Karina says. “Running gave me a new way to clear my mind and reduce my stress.”
It was in the crowd of one of her mother’s races, cheering her on along with hundreds of other spectators, that Samantha realized that she wanted to be a runner like her mom. “I wanted to run in a race and earn my own medal,” Samantha says.
Karina discovered Achilles and learned how to run as a guide as a way to help her daughter experience the joy of running and support her on the course. They have been racing and training together for the past six years, and now this mother daughter duo is using their passion for the sport to help support other athletes with disabilities by racing the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as Team Achilles charity runners.
“It was so important for us to get involved with Team Achilles,” Karina says “Achilles has done so much for my daughter and for myself, and to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has impacted our lives in so many ways is so important and special to us.”
Read a short Q&A below about Karina and Samantha’s journey with Achilles.
What is it like competing in races together?
“My mom takes care of me while we’re running on the race course. It makes me feel really proud of us when we cross the finish line together!” says Samantha.
“Getting to do all of these races with my daughter is such an incredible experience, and it’s all thanks to Achilles. When Samantha was first diagnosed with autism, I was told over and over again that there would be many things in life that she would not be able to accomplish because of her condition, so getting to watch her push herself and challenge herself to reach all of these goals is so inspiring for me. I am so proud of her!” says Karina.
How has Achilles impacted your life?
“Being with Achilles has been such an incredible experience for us both. It gave my daughter and I a community of people who include us and support us. Samantha is able to be herself and she always feels included and accepted with Achilles. I became a guide runner with Achilles because I wanted to help my daughter, but I also wanted to help other athletes who might feel like they can’t accomplish the things they want to because of their disability,” says Karina.
Why is being a part of Team Achilles and supporting the mission so important for you?
“Achilles helps me run and has done so much for me, so I want to help Achilles support other athletes like me so that everyone can run!” says Samantha.
Do you have any pre-race or post race rituals that help you stay focused?
“I always eat oatmeal in the morning before a race because it’s a healthy breakfast and a great way to start the day. Afterwards, we get Starbucks as a treat to celebrate!” says Samantha.
What advice do you have for other athletes living with a disability?
“Work hard and don’t ever give up. You can cross that finish line!” says Samantha.
“I would want them to know that there are resources out there that are available to them that they can take advantage of. So many people out there don’t know that there are organizations like Achilles that they can get involved with, but the truth is that there are resources,” says Karina.
What’s next for you guys? Any other races on the horizon after Chicago?
“My goal is to complete all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. I would really like to train hard and run in the Boston Marathon next year!” says Samantha.
Help support Karina and Samantha on their journey to Chicago by making a donation to support athletes with disabilities.
