For many, running is an individual sport. One person, one path, one goal. But for Samantha Rodriguez, running has always been more than that. It was a way to connect, create community, and create opportunities for those around her.
the Special Olympics Florida The athlete first started running seriously at age 13 after watching her mother, Karina Rodriguez, complete the New York City Marathon in 2016. As Samantha watched her mother complete 26.2 grueling miles, cross the finish line, and earn a medal, she got one and thought: She wanted to do that too. Fortunately, she had the perfect teacher in her mother, who already understood the benefits of running on physical and mental health.
Raising a child with intellectual disability It can present a unique set of challenges, but factor in Samantha’s younger sister and being a single mother, Karina was looking for something to help her cope.
“The mental health benefits have been huge for me,” Karina explains. “I wanted to do something for myself. Running relieves stress, and I was able to meet people along the way and make friends.
She felt strongly that her older daughter would benefit in a similar way, specifically in helping to alleviate some of the anxiety symptoms Samantha experienced on a daily basis. But more than anything, running has brought valuable lessons and joy to Samantha’s life.
“When I run, I feel happy,” says Samantha. “I’ve learned to work hard.”
No one will argue that training for a marathon is anything but hard work. With Taylor Swift get rid of With her ears ringing out, Samantha trains for up to 5 months before each race, running several days a week, logging dozens of miles a week.
But she didn’t do it alone. Local running clubs welcomed Samantha with open arms, including helping her with training, her favorite part of the sport.
“My favorite race was the New York City Marathon (in 2021) because I loved the crowds and running with my mom,” Samantha said.
The feeling is mutual.
“When we finished that race, she hugged me, and it was a real hug. I’ve waited so many years to get that special hug,” Kareena shares, the emotion evident in her voice. “I didn’t think I would ever be able to experience this because when she was first diagnosed, they (doctors) didn’t give me any hope for her.”
Just like that: Solo sports turned into so much more for Samantha, bringing her closer to her mother and her community. But she’s not finished yet: She’s going to expand the overall running community one step (and a mile at a time).
This year marked the first year of the Arbor School Achievers Running Club: a running club created by Samantha to serve her classmates at the Arbor School in Central Florida.
With the support of Karina and Arbor School teacher Michael O’Shaughnessy, a marathon runner, 10 students with intellectual disabilities came together with one goal in mind: to cross the finish line in the OUC Orlando 5K race on December 7.
“A lot of friends wanted to join me in running and I wanted to help them train,” Samantha says. “I wanted them to feel proud of themselves.”
It’s her mother who couldn’t be prouder.
“She’s actually thinking about others. She wants to help others experience the same benefits that she experienced. She wants to be included and reach a milestone like she was. That means being a leader,” Kareena said.
Arbor School Achievers meet twice a week and begin with stretching, proper nutrition and hydration before starting that day’s mileage. While many still do a combination of walking and running during their training sessions, the effect has been noticeable. Friendships are formed, connections are made, and trust grows.
“I come to this prepared to share my distance running experiences with the students and encourage them,” O’Shaughnessy said. “But we do it together!”
The official running club will be taking a short break over the summer break, but the work won’t stop.
“At our Arbor School summer camp, we can continue our running program for all-around fitness and encourage students to swim and bike for strength and conditioning,” O’Shaughnessy explains. “When school starts on August 2, we will be ready to start school again.”
A 26.2-mile marathon, or even a 3.2-mile 5K, may seem isolated. But as Samantha Rodriguez learned, every shoe tap on the sidewalk is just an echo of the entire community cheering for her.
