Meet Cecelia, a program officer and runner in the ING New York City Marathon for Team Robin Hood. Support the team here.

Robin Hood: How long have you worked at Robin Hood?

Cecelia: I’ve worked at Robin Hood since February…just shy of nine months. 

RH: What is your role at Robin Hood?

Cecelia: I’m a program officer in the Jobs & Economic Security portfolio. I work with grantees that offer job placement services—these groups provide soft skills instruction, rather than training or certification, but can get people into employment faster (on average). I also work with Grameen and Accion, two of our microfinance/financial literacy grantees.

RH: How long have you been training?

Cecelia: I started training right after July 4th weekend—July 7ish. 

RH: What has been the hardest part of training?

Cecelia: Not having immediate access to food when I’m famished—hunger comes on quickly and STRONG. My husband has started carrying Luna bars in his pockets “in case of emergency.”  The first month of training was the worst. My body felt very fragile and as if certain muscles/tendons were on the brink of total collapse.

RH: Have you ever run a marathon before?  If not, what’s the most you’ve run so far?

Cecelia: First-time marathoner. Before training, the longest I’d run was 8 miles (in high school, so not sure if that really counts).

RH: Is anyone coming to cheer you on at the race?

Cecelia: YES. My mom is flying in for the event. She’ll be at mile six and the finish line with my husband and some friends. Other friends are strategically placing themselves at miles eight and 13—and of course, the ever-important mile 20. Thanks to all who can come!