102: Carried by Community: Fundraising, Representation, and a First NYC Marathon w/ Karina Chiqui

This week, I’m chatting with Karina Chiqui, whose first marathon story is layered with community, culture, and a whole lot of heart. Karina started running at 12 after getting cut from her middle school soccer team, which led her into a lifelong relationship with distance running and eventually a collegiate career she accidentally signed up for. After graduation she moved across the country, rebuilt her running community, and later found her way back to New York where she pitched a charity partnership that ultimately secured her spot in the NYC Marathon. Her journey to the start line was shaped by representation, fundraising creativity, and the people who showed up for her again and again.In this conversation, she walks through the highs, lows, ankle mishaps, and the emotional moments that carried her through all 26.2 miles. Karina’s story is a reminder of how powerful it is to be surrounded by people who believe in you and how deeply running can connect us to our roots, our why, and each other.Follow along with Karina - @karinaachiqui on Instagram!Follow along with the show: 👣 Personal IG/TikTok: @tay.says / @taysays 🎙️ Podcast IG/TikTok: @myfirstmarathonpod 📺 YouTube: @MyFirstMarathonPodcast 🌐 Website & extras: myfirstmarathon.co & myfirstmarathon.co/resourcesBook a free 1:1 Coaching Call with me! -> https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=37408473&appointmentType=85354440