MEMBER RECOGNITION

Congratulations FRAN SCHNEIDER – our 2023 Carolyn Engelken Live the Way You Run award recipient! Generously provided by New Balance.

This recipient is described as someone who encourages and supports runners of all ages and abilities. She is an example of someone who lives with appreciation, enthusiasm, and courage. She regularly calls, texts, and emails others to join in upcoming races, Columbine scheduled events, or when she is just going out to exercise. She suggests many impromptu runs as well as attends races in near and far destinations. She is described as social, outgoing, and a great addition as a traveling companion. She is confident, competitive, passionate, and productive. She is also described as fearless, respected, admirable, and opinionated. She is not only an an accomplished runner, but an avid cyclist, swimmer, and artist. She is always willing to help, is fun to be with and has a positive outlook on life. 

This recipient has been a long-time member and volunteer for many different Columbine and non-Columbine related events. She was on the bucket brigade for Distance Divas, has coordinated water stations for the Platte River Half, and The Revel Marathon water Mile 2 water station. She has helped provide snacks and helped as a running buddy for Girls On the Run practice races. An important race to her is the Evergreen Freedom Run that supports the Mount Evans Hospices. She has recruited others to join her in these volunteer efforts and support this cause.  She has been known to volunteer at her local church and help with folks’ gardens.

This recipient is an Ironman. One might not know that, as she is modest in what she has accomplished athletically. Although she has suffered from some recent back issues and surgeries, she is a proponent of forward motion. I have heard her on multiple occasions say something along the lines of, “Well as long as we’re moving, we’re good.” She welcomes new members and is approachable whether she knows you or not. She is known to stop and listen and then encourage forward motion literally and figuratively! Her own personal goals inspire others to want to be the best version of themselves too. 

This recipient goes above and beyond running. As many likely have guessed already, this recipient faced an unimaginable loss of her life partner. Her strength has come from having to face a life without her spouse and take on more challenges as a widow. She has been there to help others who have faced similar losses. She has given airport rides, helped tackle handyman projects, cleaned homes, and run errands. This recipient has been amazingly supportive through tears, conversation, and silence. She has been there to support others though the long road to healing. One person noted, “She helped behind the scenes doing tasks and supporting me when my son was struggling with alcoholism and suicidality.” She listens when others need to talk and offers help when those are ready to accept it. She truly understands how precious life is and the blessings that we have and should embrace as strong women. She is an inspiration and role model for what it means to be women of strength through any life challenges: the good, the bad, and the promising. 

It gives me great pleasure to present the 2023 Carolyn Engelken Live The Way You Run Award to Fran Schneider.
~Julie Berland, 2022 Recipient