Celebrating Achilles Dynamic Duos on Valentine’s Day
Achilles International is known for building special bonds and a tight-knit running community. Athletes connect with their volunteer guides over a walk, ride or run in the park on their way to a future finish line. Join us in celebrating dynamic duos below on this Valentine’s Day, including even a few who traded in race cow bells for wedding bells.
Achilles Houston
Power couple Adessa Nolan & Toai Nolan recently placed 1st overall in the 2022 Chevron Houston Marathon. With her PR, she set a new course record for a female handcyclist. Toai was right behind, as he finished 1st amongst the male handcyclists.
Achilles D.C.
Philip Ashley, president of Achilles D.C. started running with his guides Samantha Cinnick and Lucy Wang early last fall. They will be running the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on March 5.
Achilles Boulder
“We have so many dynamic duos in our chapter that it was hard to isolate a single pair! Many lovely friendships have been nurtured at our weekly workouts at Wonderland Lake in Boulder, CO,” says Annette Kissinger.
Achilles St. Louis
Liam McCoy and his volunteer guide Gabe Enz recently participated in the St. Louis Track Club’s Frostbite Series. Liam had PR's while running in the series of races thanks to Gabe. They attend all Achilles workouts twice a week and regularly participate in local races. They run well together using a tether.
Achilles Connecticut
Adam Fleisher, from Glastonbury, CT, stayed focused on his running goals during the pandemic by running an ultramarathon around his town in 2020! His wife and number one cheerleader Debbie ran operations and aid stations for Adam.
Stu and Celeste Sherman and Swanson, Stu’s service dog, completed the 2021 Eversource Hartford Marathon. Stu recruited his wife Celeste to guide after joining Achilles CT. His service dog Swanson is also faithfully by his side at every workout and race.
Dali and Edgar Machicote are former Achilles CT athletes who lived and met in New Haven. They are pictured here with Grenada at the Achilles NJ Hope & Possibility race in 2019. They recently moved to Texas and had a beautiful baby girl!
Athlete Ally Sega and her guide Ben Wyckoff had an extra special bond after the 2019 Gaylord Gauntlet Obstacle 5K. The two first met at the Connecticut chapter and CT Masters Swimming and married last year!
Long-time Achilles athletes Sharon and Peter Geltner are from Stratford, CT, and were the co-recipients of the 2021 Spirt of Achilles CT Award. The couple recently completed the 2021 Pantry 5K in Glastonbury, CT.