Heidi-Hahn Schroeder: Runs With Her Sister to Remember Their Father

Heidi Hahn-Schroeder, 45, instructor, Columbia Nursing started running as a way to spend more time with her sister. The siblings signed up for the marathon as a bucket-list item, but the goal has grown more meaningful after the death of their father.

When did you start running, and why? And what iss the longest distance you have run? 

I am very close with my sister.  As we got older and had our own families the time we were able to spend together became more  limited. She started running and encouraged me to run with her so we could spend more time together. The longest distance we have run to date is 20 miles for a training run for the NYC marathon. 

Why are you running the NYC Marathon? 

Initially, my sister and I decided to run one marathon as a bucket list item. Since then our motivation has changed. Our father, Roy Hahn, battled Parkinson’s Disease for three years and died this past June. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hike.  We watched and sat helpless as Parkinson’s disease took away out father’s ability to hike.  We are running because we can in memory of him.    

 What is your goal on race day?  

Our goal is to finish! 

What gets you through your long training runs?  

My sister. I actually look forward to long runs to catch up with her on everything that has happened since our last long run.  We stay connected this way.  My husband also helps to get us through long runs.  He is our support and keeps us running. We couldn’t do it without him. 

Have you had any particularly special moments during your runs? 

 Since the passing of my father I have used running as therapy to help me with such a great loss.  Because my father loved the outdoors. I feel connected to him when I am outside in nature running.