Susan Mynatt grew up on a farm between St. Joseph and Urbana, and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Accounting. She has worked for the University for 18 years, currently in the School of Chemical Sciences as a Sponsored Research Business Analyst (she helps take care of the financials for the grants in the Chemistry and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering departments). Susan is also an active volunteer with the Junior League of Champaign Urbana – and is one of the primary organizers of this weekend’s community shoe drive at the Illinois Marathon. Susan’s husband, Doug, teaches and coaches cross-country and track at University High School. The couple has one son, Knox, who will turn 8 this June.
The family that runs together … meet Susan Mynatt and her husband Doug, and son Knox. Photo provided
See why we think Susan is a Chambana mom to know.
Q: How did you get involved in running?
I got involved in running because I’m surrounded by runners. My husband is the cross-country and track coach at University High School and has been a runner most of his life. I have several friends that are runners. Trying to stay somewhat active, there was a group of us that would walk several mornings each week, but after a while, I found that I wanted to do more. I joined a Chix in Training class and that seemed to jump start things. I decided to start running and signed up for my first 5K. I followed the Couch to 5K program and was able to finish my first 5K in September 2012. I was hooked. But I also found myself injured. After several months off and rehab, I started back up because I missed it. Since then, I’ve run several 5K’s and a couple 10K’s. I’ll be out there this weekend running the 5K Friday night with our son, Knox, and then the half marathon on Saturday.
Q: What keeps you motivated to keep running?
I keep running because I’ve found it clears my mind and it’s time I get to myself. Plus, being able to set goals and push myself has shown me that I am capable of things I would not have thought were possible. I also like that Doug and I are setting an example to our son to get outside and be active.
Q: Tell me about the shoe drive you are organizing – what are the goals of the program and how many pairs do you hope to collect?
This is the second year for the JLCU shoe drive at the Illinois Marathon. We’ll be at the Expo, the 27th Mile Celebration, and at the post-race concert at Krannert accepting shoe donations that will be distributed to local charities/agencies that have the need. The United Way of Champaign County is helping spread the word that shoes are available to their partner organizations, and we’ll get the donations to those agencies. Last year, we collected close to 500 pairs of shoes, so if we could reach that number again, it would be wonderful.
Q: How can people get involved with the shoe drive – do they have to be a runner?
We’re accepting any type of shoe, from infant to adult, in new or gently used condition. You don’t need to be a runner to participate!
Q: What does the Illinois Marathon mean to you?
Over the years, the Illinois Marathon has meant more and more to me. Now that I’m out there running and can see first-hand the support that this community shows to the weekend, it’s truly amazing. I would take our son out to watch the race on Saturday and it just made me want to be out there running myself. Kudos to Jan and Mike for organizing such a great event!
Q: Tell me three things you can’t live without:
My iPhone, my car, and my running shoes (with help from Body N’ Sole).
Q: What is your favorite thing family activity to do in C-U (besides running :-)?
Besides running, we like to get to some of the great parks in C-U and then head to Jarling’s Custard Cup for a sweet treat.
Susan Mynatt was nominated to be a Chambana mom to know. Do you know of a mom or dad who should be featured? Contact us today!