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Pittsburgh Marathon Runner Profile: Nina Barbero
Welcome to our first Pittsburgh Marathon runner profile featuring Nina Barbero, or “Miss B” as her health and physical education students know her. Nina agreed to an interview all the way from snowy Rochester, NY where she trains regularly and is a member of Rochester Area Triathletes (RATS), her hometown’s triathlon club.
Get to know Nina through her interview here:
Hey, thank you for deciding to run for Autism Connection of PA! Tell us about your experience supporting people with disabilities in your community.
I have been supporting people with disabilities for as long as I can remember now. In high school I helped my mom with a family friend Meg, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and is dependent on others for care which we provided on a regular schedule. Once my mom got me into racing I was able to run a 5k with Meg where we pushed her in a stroller.
Once entering the multi-sport community, I met the Peck family and Onni. Onni has a progressive muscular disease but her family doesn’t let that hold her back. She races triathlons with her dad who swims with her in a boat then attaches a stroller to his bike to ride with her in tow and then pushes her on the run in the stroller. I am always there cheering her on at all the races where we are both competing.
Most recently, I was able to get one of my former elementary students who uses a wheelchair, to participate in a splash and dash event by my triathlon club. I knew she could do it and she did! In my current position I support our adapted PE classes where we recently started our own event “Northwood Olympics” for our students in APE classes to compete in track and field events.
Tell us about your own fitness journey. What drives you? What have other people done to support you that has been most beneficial? And what do you do to motivate others in the tri or run community?
My own personal journey is all about having fun and enjoying the races I compete in. I also love the community and friends that I have gained through my experiences in running and triathlons. My biggest support is my mom. We frequently train, travel and compete in almost every race we do together. I could not do these events without her! I hope I’m still moving like her when I am her age. The next biggest support is my tri club. RATS has been a driving force in keeping me involved in the sport, every workout we do and event we host shows what an amazing community of people we have. No matter the pace or experience a person has, everyone is welcome and that is something I love about being around the club members!
As for how I motivate others in the community, I just continue to work and push myself to compete in events. When I am racing I’m cheering people on as they pass me or I pass them. If I’m not racing I am volunteering at events or just showing up with my camera to get action shots of those I know and sharing the photos on our Facebook group.
What was your first full marathon experience, which was here in Pittsburgh, like for you? I heard you cried throughout the race, but not for the reasons people might expect. Can you tell us about that?
It was an incredible experience! It’s a hilly course that is similar to my hometown so I was ready for that! I did find myself in tears for the last few miles of the race. It was a big deal for me to be able to complete the race. I wasn’t even sure I would be able to as I was going. Every time someone would cheer me on or give me a compliment I would just burst out into tears, not because my feet hurt (they did), but because of how overwhelmed I was by the support and kindness of others!
I know you are related to someone at the Autism Connection of PA – did anyone in your family twist your arm to run on May 4, 2024? What else are you excited for about that day – what are your after-race plans?
No one ever has to twist my arm to sign up for an event like this! I was telling my aunt and cousin that I was planning to come to Pittsburgh May 4th for the Pirates game. I am a big fan of the Pirates (Let’s go Buccs!) and a big Star Wars fan too! So when I saw it was Star Wars night I had to plan a trip for the give away! When I mentioned this my cousin told me it was marathon weekend so I figured why not sign up! So I will be doing the 5k Saturday and the half marathon Sunday! Calling it a training weekend for my second half Ironman I will be doing in July. After the race I’ll hop back in the car and head home so I can be ready to teach my littles bright and early Monday morning!
Nina Barbero, or “Miss B,” has shared an inspiring journey of dedication and support for people with disabilities, emphasizing the power of inclusivity in the running and triathlon community. As she gears up for the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 4, 2024, running for Autism Connection of PA, we invite you to join her cause.
You can support Nina by clicking her Marathon Race Roster page.
Or, if you feel the call to action, why not lace up your running shoes and participate in the Pittsburgh marathon for a cause close to your heart? Nina’s story exemplifies the transformative effect of running for a purpose, and your involvement can make a difference.
Whether through donations or by taking on the challenge of a marathon, let’s rally together and make strides towards a more inclusive and supportive community. Thank you for considering and being part of this incredible journey.
Gingerbread Man Running Company’s Labor Day Run for Autism Connection
Gingerbread Man Running Company presents the Labor Day Half Marathon on MONDAY September 4, 2023, that will benefit Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. A portion of the race proceeds will benefit ACOP.
They have events for the whole family. Runners can take on our half marathon course, 10k, or 5k.
Registration and parking will take place at the Youngwood Fire Department, with a short walk to the race start.
Race day registration will be through Run Sign Up only. No paper registrations accepted the day of the event.
Register Here!
The course will take place on the 5 Star Trail, connecting roads, and the wooded trail near WCCC.
Half Marathon Course: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7388658
10k Course: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7388726
5k Course: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7388688
There is a 3 1/2-hour cap on the half marathon and 10K, so both courses are a run-only course. Participants may walk or run the 5k course. Awards will go to the fastest time for runners. There are no separate awards for walkers.
The Half Marathon begins at 7:30, followed by the 5k and 10k shortly after. You must be registered by 8/15/2023 to be guaranteed race materials. Late registrations will be offered a water bottle or a shirt from previous year events. Half marathon participants will also receive a finisher medal. Awards will be given to the overall male/female finishers and the top age group finishers for each event.
Packet pickup information will be emailed a week before the race and posted on the Facebook event page.
Gingerbread Man Running Company Hosts Run for Autism Connection
The Gingerbread Man Running Company’s Run for Autism Connection of PA is open for registration and volunteers. Autism Connection recently visited the new GBM store location in Shadyside, where sales associate, Aaron and store manager, Luke, showed us the process of finding the right running shoes. We also talked about the Labor Day Run for Autism Connection, and why it is important to Gingerbread Man Running Company.
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- GBM Shadyside
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- Aaron (right) and Luke
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- Wall of running shoes
GBM Shares Some Memories from the First Run for Autism Connection
One of our store employees, Justin, won first place at the very first Race for Autism. This was before Justin was an employee and he did so well at the race it really sticks out in our minds. The first time Luke ran the Autism Connection half-marathon, Luke finished the race and ran back to help other runners get past the hill…he even brought them water and encouraged them to keep going! We think this is a great illustration of the spirit that the Race for Autism carries every year.
Luke “The Bike Guy” at the 2022 Labor Day Run for Autism Connection
Why We Support Autism Connection of PA
The behavioral and social boundaries that exist for autistic people can often make participating in events, like a race, feel daunting. Autism Connection reflects GBM’s goals to make exercising more accessible for everyone, by acknowledging the barriers that folks with autism face and working to eliminate those barriers.
Exercise accessibility is something GBM takes seriously and the benefits of steady movement and spending time outside can benefit anyone. We all know the physical benefits of consistent exercise, but it’s been shown there are several long-term mental health benefits of spending time outside and consistent movement. This race not only encourages holistic health, but also a sense of community.
Inspirational Words for the Runners
Any of these races- the 5k, the 10k, and/or the half are ACHIEVABLE! We all have different goals, but at the end of the day, just showing up is a win.
Artisan Gingerbread Man Cookie Visits GMB Running Company
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- Gingerbread Man trying on gear
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- Measuring the right fit
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- Trying on shoes and testing gait
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- Finding the perfect running shoe
This gingerbread man artisan cookie was part of a batch created by self advocate and professional baker, Rachel, in Pittsburgh.
Autism Connection of PA looks forward to this year’s Labor Day Run, and we welcome runners and volunteers to join us this September. We had a wonderful time at the 2022 Gingerbread Man Run for Autism Connection, and we can’t wait to see everyone in the upcoming event!
For those interested in running 5k/10k/Half-Marathon (or walking the 5k): Register Here
For those interested in volunteering: Sign Up Here
We Got Your Back, Jack! 2023 Pittsburgh Marathon Runner Runs for a Reason
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 43. I always knew that I was different from my peers. Looking back, that difference created barriers and annoyed people at times. My non-stop chatter and impulsivity would lead to fights, self medication, and forced isolation during adolescence and early adulthood. I reflect now and I realize that physical activity helped regulate me; you may say it saved me. The structure and expectation of sports was key in my day-to-day success and when it was missing, the consequences were unpredictable.
Having a daughter with the same observable traits led me to encouraging physical activity and we experienced the positive outcomes of those daily challenges. That is how we live our lives together. As a family we participate in 5ks, competitive dance, competitive powerlifting, soccer, and terrain races. And now at age 50, I myself am training for my first Marathon!
This journey has already led to some meaningful moments in my life. I am thrilled that I can fundraise for a vital cause, and neurodiversity is now an open part of my personal life as much as it has been part of my professional life.
Jack Butler exudes passion for his work.
I have chosen to raise funds for the Autism Connection of PA, part of Achieva family of organizations where I have worked for 28 years. Autism Connection relies on fundraising to fulfill its mission to promote awareness and advocacy for and with autistic people. People who like me, may identify with being on the fringe of societal norms. Autism Connection is not focused on fixing people, but welcoming people to the table, supporting their goals, and valuing all perspectives.
Inclusion Matters!
By sponsoring me to run the Pittsburgh Marathon, you will help Autism Connection continue their good work and help all people lead lives of personal significance. What started as a therapeutic way for me to self-regulate has now turned into a way I can help meet some of the support needs of others. Please join me in this effort – I could use your encouragement every step of the way!
We got your back, Jack! Visit Jack Butler’s 2023 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon page.
Pittsburgh Marathon 2023 Run for a Reason
Autism Connection of Pennsylvania is excited join the celebration of sthe 15th year of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon in 2023! The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003, and following a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field. Show your support for Autism Connection at the 15th running of this awesome event this May!
Autism Connection’s Race Roster
Gingerbread Man Running Company’s Labor Day Run for Autism Connection
We met up with some friends from the Gingerbread Man Running Company, who so generously donate proceeds from their annual half marathon to support you, the autism community in PA.
Distance events – the rolling, swimming, bike, or running kinds – and autism may have more in common than you might imagine. They require practice, repetition, a slow building of endurance and technique to accomplish things over time. Sometimes we fall, get a sprain, strain, become overheated or freezing cold. We can be out on a course when suddenly it starts lightning – and we need to tap into adrenaline and get to shelter as fast as possible. Sometimes we misjudge the depth of a puddle, catch a wave in our face, or slip on painted lines or ice we cannot see.
The race begins with Gingerbread Man’s support
Back to Labor Day 2022 – we turned out before dawn to see what we as volunteers needed to do, set up camp at the start/finish line, chatted up the Gingerbread Man himself along with his coworkers, and got ready to greet and cheer runners in their various distance races. At around 90 minutes in, we got ready to hand out medals to finishers, and counted how many people were left on the course when we were down to about ten. The bike guide finally rode up and let us know “there’s the party group and one person left.” We got the right number of water bottles and a medal ready to hand out to them. I wondered what “the party group” was – maybe some new kind of birthday tradition?
What we didn’t know is that the “party” was a group from Victory Multisport who came out to the race just to run the Half with the intent of supporting the last person running. They joined him along the way, and got to know his story. They just kept him going.
That’s it.
No major advice, no drama, no big deal was made, but by providing companionship, encouragement, and listening to his personal motivations and life experience, they got him over the finish line in fine form.
The Bike Guy
Lots of people live with disability and grind it out, one step or one roll at a time, like the half marathoner. They do this if they are the person disabled by society’s barriers, or if they are a loved one trying to help out, possibly with the majority of care responsibilities. Like a distance athlete, they may have coaches or observers yelling advice, saying things like “You Got This!” or “God knew what he was doing…” and other things which may or may not be helpful at times of worry, stress, or downright despair when we feel like quitting.
Distance athletes sometimes think “I can’t do this anymore – how can I slow down, pace myself, or just quietly stop – will anyone see me? Judge me? Will I judge myself? Am I a quitter?” Often, they just put mind over matter and make strides to move past that next pebble, landmark, or tree they see ahead. And they get where they are going, experiencing some success, often with pain or exhaustion as their main companions.
There’s nothing heroic about living a disability life. It is what it is – not a choice, not a game, not an action movie, but a fact of life. There are certainly no medals being handed out. If we are in more of a spectator role, how can we provide water, practical encouragement, and physical or emotional support to those who are grinding it out?
Using the distance athlete metaphor – some want to be left alone to focus, some look up and smile when there are cheers, everyone needs the water, and lots of people need nutrition without even realizing how low their resources have gotten.
The “party group” was super cool to show up and support a complete stranger. If you find yourself in a support role, think about the value of doing concrete things like dropping off a lasagna, or helping with yard, shopping, or household chores. The last runner stuck it out and finished with confidence and style, accepting the help that was offered and made it easier.
Successfully Determined Runner
If you have a disability, or are a caregiver with needs, are you able to accept support that’s offered and to be specific about telling people what you need? Maybe you have done this and been let down; maybe it worked and it got you closer to a goal you needed to reach. Or maybe, you helped someone else cross their own finish line when you reached out for help.