Training with Purpose: Robin Arian and Her Journey Running for LUNGevity

Robin Arian has been running on and off since she was a young girl. Although she's explored a variety of sports over the years, she always finds herself returning to running. It gives her the space to clear her mind, process her thoughts, and work through life's challenges. More than anything, it's the unmatched sense of accomplishment after a run that keeps bringing her back.

Robin's favorite part of training is the structure and challenge it provides. She loves setting a goal, putting in the work, and seeing it pay off on race day. For Robin, there's nothing more rewarding than crossing the finish line of a race she's dedicated months of training toward, especially a marathon. 

Training for a goal is never without its challenges, but that's exactly what Robin enjoys most. She embraces both the mental and physical demands of the process, knowing that each obstacle makes the accomplishment even more meaningful. As a lung cancer survivor, Robin has an even greater appreciation for running, recognizing that not everyone has the ability to experience the sport. While training isn't always easy, the sense of achievement that comes from overcoming those challenges makes it worth it.

To prepare for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Robin is training as a virtual participant with Fleet Feet Training. She values the structure and guidance the program provides, along with the variety it brings to her training. Workouts like intervals, tempos, and speed sessions aren't ones she would typically do on her own, so she appreciates the opportunity to incorporate them into her routine. 

Robin's favorite memories from this training block so far have been the Tuesday workouts. She enjoys how they challenge her to step outside of her comfort zone and push herself in new ways. For the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Robin's primary goal is to cross the finish line. She also has a time goal in mind, one that would qualify her for even more races in the future.

Robin will be running the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a member of Team LUNGevity, representing LUNGevity in support of their mission to transform what it means to be diagnosed with and live with lung cancer through research, advocacy, and community.

As both a breast and lung cancer survivor, Robin feels a deep connection to LUNGevity's mission. She was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer following her breast cancer diagnosis, which she otherwise may not have received. 

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have their cancer detected so early. By running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team LUNGevity, Robin hopes to raise awareness and funding for lung cancer research and support services. Robin feels incredibly lucky to be able to be a part of a community that is dedicated to bringing awareness to and combating lung caner.

If there is one thing Robin could let everyone know about LUNGevity, it would be that lung cancer could happen to any of us. LUNGevity is helping pave the way to transform the experience of being diagnosed and living with lung cancer. Everyone is connected to lung cancer in some way. By supporting organizations like LUNGevity, we all have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for those impacted by the disease.

Support LUNGevity all July long at any Fleet Feet Chicago location.