333 for DIPG
I’m running across Iowa (40+ miles/day for 7 days!) to raise funds for the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground in Monticello, Iowa. I will begin this feat on March 5th, 2022.
My Mission:
Besides attempting a challenging feat, my goal is to help fundraise for the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground, in my hometown of Monticello, Iowa. The ability to play is something all children should have the right to enjoy. I have been truly blessed in my life and I want to give back to those who are not able to experience the opportunities that I had. The Austin Smith Inclusive Playground has the opportunity to make every child feel as free as I do when I run.
My name is Anthony Kinley. I currently work as a Facility Manager for a software development company in Ames, IA. I also am an Assistant Cross Country and Distance Track coach for a local high school. In my free time, I love spending time with my wife and two dogs, enjoy reading and podcasts, and am always open to new opportunities or adventures.
I started running when I was 13 years old in middle school track and cross country. I always wanted to be a football player but fortunately, I was a little too small however running – that was something I excelled at and loved doing from the start.
I ran on a championship team in high school and continued with a running club at university. Although I found a great group to be involved with, running was not the same as it used to be. I somehow found myself dreading runs, races and everything that I thought came with running.
I still pushed myself to do it every day.
This ultimately led me into a tough state of mind. I came to the realization that my ego was way more powerful than I imagined and I was doing so many things that did not truly matter to me or did not come from me trying to be authentic.
I began to realize that it does not matter how far I run or how fast or with who, it was simply an accomplishment to be able to just run. Since then, I have been evolving into the man and runner that I am now.
Over the years, I have completed multiple marathons (including the Boston Marathon), half marathons and smaller road races and this past April I tested myself by running across the Grand Canyon and back (R2R2R).
I may not always have running as a part of my life but I do know that taking the time to work on myself has helped me become a much better person for those I have the chance to be around.
I now enjoy a plant-based lifestyle, which makes me feel my best and completes a holistic approach to my health, for my mind and body.
The ability to run, stay healthy and have the time to commit to running is a blessing and I want to use that blessing for more than myself. This is why I am going to help fundraise for the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground.