PTPI Blog

As part of Team HALO, Karen Hoch and Sarah Houston will run in the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30 to raise awareness and much-needed funds for our landmine eradication efforts. Did you know that for only $10, we can purchase the tools needed for a deminer to safely remove landmines? For $50, we can clear more than 500 square feet of minefield. Imagine what we can do if everyone would donate something. On your mark, get set…GIVE!

We introduced Karen a few weeks ago, so now it’s Sarah’s turn. Sarah serves as PTPI’s Managing Director of Student Programs. Learn more about Sarah here and then please make a donation. Remember, your next step makes their next step possible.

 

Sarah Houston

1. What made you want to start running?

My dad started running long distance in the 1970’s running boom and I wanted to be just like him.

2. So when exactly did you start?

I entered my first race when I was around eleven and was thrilled that I placed and got a trophy! I ran track all through middle school and then cross country in high school. I realized that I was much more of a long distance runner than a track runner. I wasn’t much for going around in circles.

3. When was your 1^st marathon and how many have you run?

My first marathon was Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN in 2000. I absolutely loved the experience—especially when I was finished! Now, I have this strange need to do marathons. I love having a goal and doing the training. The Marine Corps Marathon will be my 11^th marathon.

4. Do you have any superstitions or carry “lucky charms” with you on the day of a race?

No lucky charms – although I do need all the luck I can get so maybe I should try that.  I do, however, put stick-on letters on my shirt to spell out my name so people can cheer for me when I run by. Hey, it helps!

5. What made you decide to join Team HALO for this marathon?

After my last marathon I said, “no more,” but when I found out about running in a team for The HALO Trust, I reconsidered. Working for PTPI, I have learned about how deadly and devastating landmines are to countries such as Cambodia. I have become passionate about this cause and couldn’t think of a better way to combine my love of running with helping make people’s lives better through this effort. My coworker and friend, Karen, decided to do it too, so it will be a  great time in D.C. on race day with Team HALO! (After, apparently I “beat the bridge” just before mile marker 20 on the race course – all runners must maintain a 14-minute per mile pace in order to do so. I’m a little scared…)

6. How do you feel about running with the US Marines?

One word: honored.

7. What is your favorite post-race snack or beverage?

First, Gatorade & a banana; then I crave a turkey burger and fries and a nice cold beer!

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org

As part of Team HALO, Karen Hoch and Sarah Houston will run in the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30 to raise awareness and much-needed funds for our landmine eradication efforts. Did you know that for only $10, we can purchase the tools needed for a deminer to safely remove landmines?  For $50, we can clear more than 500 square feet of minefield.  Imagine what we can do if would donate something.  On your mark, get set…GIVE!

First up our introduction of Karen, who serves as PTPI’s Managing Director, Americas Region and Conferences. Learn more about Karen here and then please make a donation for this important cause.  Remember, your next step makes their next step possible.

1. Karen, when did you start running?

I was always involved in sports (never track though as I thought it appeared too boring!), but it was at the end of my freshman year in college and a few pounds heavier I decided to start running to lose weight.  Over the years my interest in races and longer distances evolved and now I love having a challenge ahead to focus on.

2. Do you have any superstitions or carry “lucky charms” with you that day (like a lucky pair of shoes)?

I didn’t think so, but after looking through some pictures, I realized that I always wear my black running hat!  So perhaps that is my lucky charm…

3. When was your 1^st marathon and how many have you run?

My first marathon was with Team in Training for the Walt Disney Marathon in 1999.  I didn’t run another one until 10 years later in 2009, which was only for the purpose of qualifying for Boston – a goal I had for many years (coming from there, I felt I needed to at least run it once).  Somewhere I got hooked as the Marine Corps Marathon will be my sixth one (in six different states).

Karen Hoch

4. What made you decide to join Team HALO for this marathon?

The timing was perfect as I was looking for a fall marathon and about the same time I came across a post from The HALO Trust on Facebook that announced they were forming a team for the Marine Corps Marathon.  I love that the money raised will go towards helping to eradicate landmines and especially help the victims and their families.  HALO has been a longtime friend of PTPI and I couldn’t be more proud to support this effort.

5. How do you feel about running with the U.S. Marines?

I’m thinking it will be kind of fun! Also, it will be quite remarkable running with those who serve our country – a very proud and patriotic affair.  I’m sure I’ll cry when they sing the national anthem before the gun goes off!  When I reach a tough point in a race, I try to think of how little my suffering is in comparison to many others around the globe.  For this run, I’m almost positive it will be thinking of all the courageous men and women who sacrifice so much to protect us and our freedom.

6. What is your favorite post-race snack or beverage?

After a race, my favorite beverage is an ice cold beer!

7. Are there any other thoughts or comments you would like to share?

I hope that those interested in supporting a wonderful cause will consider donating to our fundraising efforts in conjunction with The HALO Trust!

Thank you, Karen, for your commitment to 26.2 miles for landmines!  Next month we look forward to featuring Karen’s teammate, Sarah Houston. Donations may be directed to www.ptpi.org (Global Landmine Initiative Fund).  Questions may be directed to Cindy Spake at +1.816.531.4701 x110 or cindyspake@ptpi.org.

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org