Waco 70.3 Finisher Spotlight: Lauren Cochran,
Volunteer and Sighted Guide
Tell us a few details about you and your story.
LC here! I was a dancer and swimmer growing up and only discovered running when I moved to Santa Monica in 2007 for graduate school. Santa Monica, a small beach town west of Los Angeles, is a particularly active community because of the perfect climate (read: always a cool 75 degrees with low humidity, an ocean breeze, and zero mosquitoes). As a student living off campus, I saw many ‘fit’ people jogging at all times of the day. I wondered to myself if anyone in this town worked, but I was also inspired! I remember the first time I ran three. Whole. Miles. down Ocean Avenue…which I later learned is the end of the LA Marathon course. I figured if I could run three miles, surely I could run four, and five, and so I signed up and ran the Santa Monica 10k in 2009. Eventually, I ran the Malibu Half Marathon in 2012 at the urging of a friend. I will never forget the feeling of gratefulness I felt during my first half and the sense of accomplishment I felt after. My body just carried me 13.1 miles. In a row. I was astounded and proud. That race also showed me how fun it can be to train with others. Although most of the time I run alone, training with friends – even if not together physically, but just comparing workouts – has brought a lot of joy to my journey. Since then, I’ve completed 10 half marathons, one full marathon, and my first triathlon with Team Catapult!
How did you get involved with Team Catapult?
I used to do the Luke’s Locker/Local Pour run on Wednesday nights and in 2016 during the “Christmas Lights Run” through River Oaks, I got separated from the pack. Luckily, I crossed paths with Chris McClendon who was guiding Alex Hordge that night. I caught up to them and kind of creepily jogged behind them because they knew the route back! Finally, I stopped being a creeper and chatted up Chris. He told me about Alex and Catapult and as they say, the rest is history. At the time, I was looking for a local volunteer role. When Chris explained Catapult’s mission, I knew Team Catapult was the something I was looking for. Likewise, Catapult had been struggling with transportation for athletes. It just so happened I was Director of Contract Operated Services for Houston METRO at the time and one of the services under my direction was MetroLIFT. I hooked Catapult up with the right people at METRO and eventually, we had a bus stop installed at Memorial Park for easier pick-up and drop-offs for athletes. We’re now working on a partnership with Lyft to provide subsidized rides to athletes.
What is your current role with Catapult?
I have been involved with Catapult since December 2016 as a guide, mostly during track and loop running practices at Memorial Park. In 2017, I guided Jessica Callahan during the ABB 5k before the Houston Marathon. I attend as many Catapult events and celebrations as I can outside of formal practices to show my support for this amazing organization! Since entering the world of triathlon, I’ve expanded my involvement beyond running and have attended two NewWave Swim Buoy open water swim clinics, a few unofficial bike rides with fellow athletes and guides, and have hosted two swim clinics at the lap pool in my building.
What has been your most motivating moment?
The number of Catapult guides and athletes signed up for Waco is motivating to me. There is strength and comfort in numbers and we’ve all stayed in regular communication throughout our training journey.
What is your funniest Catapult story?
I’ve attended spin class, but I now know that “clipping in” on a stationary bike is a totally different ballgame than on a bike that, ya know – MOVES. After a Catapult event at Memorial Park, Cat Nguyen met me at the Picnic Loop to teach me how to clip in to my new fancy bike that I didn’t know how to ride. Cat insisted that I practice this maneuver in the grass. First time – nailed it. I clipped in and took off like a baller. The second time? I clipped in…and promptly fell over. It happened in slow motion and didn’t hurt, but Cat and I got a pretty good laugh out of it.
What was your first impression of Team Catapult? Has that changed?
My first and lasting impression of Team Catapult can be boiled down to one word: empowerment. This organization empowers athletes of all abilities to grow, belong, and thrive as a member of a close-knit community.
Favorite (motivational) quote.
“What excites you and scares you at the same time? Go do that.”
Join Mind Over Matter and CATAPULT for an awesome race! All race proceeds benefit Team CATAPULT and our mission! Sing up below for the 5k or 10k option! Photography by Scott Flathouse and post-race refreshments provided by 11 Below! Thank you to our friends at Mind Over Matter for hosting and thinking of CATAPULT!
Just a reminder that CATAPULT is registered on Amazon Smile!
Amazon Smile gives people the option to choose a charity that Amazon will donate to when you shop on Amazon. There is no cost difference to you. All prices are the same, website looks the same, all items available are the same. All you have to do is click the link below and bookmark that webpage as your Amazon browser and that’s it. Then every time you shop on Amazon they will make a donation to CATAPULT. It’s that easy!
CATAPULT kindly requests your attendance at the 2019 CATAPULT Gala to be held on Friday, January 18, 2019, at The Astorian near Downtown Houston. CATAPULT relies on several key partnerships to help achieve its mission goals, and the funds raised during the gala is the driving force behind annual events, training, scholarships, education, and community outreach programs.
Like last year, our gala will be the same weekend as the Houston Marathon with a similar schedule on Friday evening. In 2018 we were able to raise more than $130,000 gross funds for the organization with the help of partners, sponsors and friends like you. The money raised funded 100% of the organization’s events for 2018 and beyond, assisting athletes in reaching the finish line of endurance events 100+ times (and counting), and providing a race push rim and multiple prosthetic running blades for athletes. Finally, CATAPULT awarded more than $28,000 in grants to 50+ CATAPULT athletes in need.
We are looking forward to even greater success at this year’s celebration. Our gala will be at The Astorian and will offer amazing downtown views, first-class dining, an open bar, along with an inspiring program from those who benefit from CATAPULT the most. The goal is to support more athletes in 2019, raise awareness, and honor our partners, supporters and cheerleaders who make CATAPULT’s achievements possible.
If you are interested in reserving a table or seat at this year's gala please email us today at hello@teamcatapult.org to learn about table options and donor levels. Space is limited. We hope you can join us for this special evening.
