The AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) confirmed the hiring of two new staffers who will be working on AFC's new endurance training program, Train To End AIDS ( T2 ) .
Dan Lakin worked this summer as a program representative for the AIDS Marathon Training Program and is now an endurance program coordinator for AFC. He was born and raised in Peoria, and has lived in Chicago for the past 12 years.
"After seeing a less than flattering photo from a holiday party, a few years ago I started a journey to lead a more healthy life which brought me to running," Lakin said. "After completing the 2008 Shamrock Shuffle, numerous 5K and 10K [ races ] and the Chicago Half Marathon, I signed up for the AIDS Marathon to train for the 2008 Honolulu Marathon.
"I am proud to say that I completed the course in five hours, 40 minutes, and went on to run the 2009 Illinois Marathon.
"I came to AIDS Marathon to bring the same experience I had in the program to our runners and to continue to support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. I am excited to continue that support and work with the new T2."
Lakin is now training for the London Marathon next April.
April Whitworth also is an endurance program coordinator and is a key member of the new triathlon training program.
"Endurance sports became a passion of mine in 2003 when I signed up to do my first marathon with AIDS Marathon," she said. "I made some of my closest Chicago friends that year and also brought me closer to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"The sport of triathlon had been calling my name since visiting the Virgin Islands during an Ironman 70.3 [ a race in the 70.3 series ] . I knew I wanted to be a triathlete and started out small doing the Fleet Feet Super Sprint."
In 2005, she joined the AIDS Marathon Training Program as an administrative assistant and site assistant, and completed her second marathon, in Honolulu.
In 2006, Whitworth began working on her certification in personal training with the National Personal Training Institute while working at the Center for Neighborhood Technology. After becoming certified, she went to work for Fitness Formula Union Station as a full-time trainer.
"After a year and a half with FFC, the philanthropist inside me drew me back to the AIDS Foundation," Whitworth said. "Now, three half-marathons, two marathons and eight triathlons later, I am more passionate than ever about the sport of triathlon and the work of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. I am overwhelmed with joy to bring the sport of triathlon to the fundraising world at AFC with T2. In 2010, I will be training for my first half-Ironman."
