As a part of the USATF Week of Thanks campaign, we are spotlighting some of USATF's most dedicated members with a short feature (Humans of New York-style) on USATF.org and our social media accounts. Here is our fifth feature with Deborah Green, a 36-year-old athlete, certified USATF Level 2 Coach and founder of Grace Beauty Speed from Baltimore, Maryland and a member of the Potomac Valley Association. "I remember vividly my journey began with USATF when I was 14-years of age sitting at home on the couch watching television and my dad asked me to get dressed and be a training partner for my sister on a run as my dad drove in his car as our gator. From that day back in 1998, I fell in love with running. That summer my dad signed me up for summer track and in the fall as a freshman in high school I tried out for the cross country team. I always try to build community by encouraging others, serving as a mentor to youth female athletes or just giving a simple wave back or hello to fellow walkers and runners who are inspired by my running during my workouts. It's so important to show that you see them and appreciate them because that's how my journey began because someone saw me-my talent. My involvement with USATF is truly a love for the sport with a purpose to use my gifted legs to reach others and break barriers one stride at a time. In addition to my running, I am also a certified USATF Level 2 Coach, Cross Country Specialist Coach and a Certified USATF Official who enjoys coaching and officiating to empower, educate, and give back to an association that has helped me become the runner I am today. I am thankful for the empathy, sportsmanship, and pure love for the sport my USATF community embolds. Being a part of such a positive community is a gratifying experience. A community that inspires and helps you reach your potential. I am forever grateful to be a part of this community and with gratitude I am so thankful. In my spare time I love to write movie scripts and childrens books for fun. I'm currently writing a cookbook. I love cooking, gardening, doing interior decorating and occasionally playing golf. A cool talent about me is that I can sing and I'm a good chess player. My favorite flower is the lily. During challenging times I remind myself to look ahead with a positive outlook. I always say "write it down" to remind myself that in the midst of adversity if I can accomplish just one goal or task then that is a step in the right direction. So when feeling burdened during these times try my write down method and use an index card or legal pad and place it somewhere you can daily read it. I've been doing this since I started running and it encourages and inspires me to see all the things I have accomplished just by writing it down. Gosh, so many memories over the years with USATF. I think competing in my first international competition in Canada representing and winning gold for Team USATF is a memory that showed me that a small town girl like myself from Baltimore can compete on any level, if I believe in myself and have the right mindset I can accomplish anything anywhere. I see running as an opportunity for all no matter your ability or age. If you put your mind to it, do it, and stick with it, the sport of running presents endless opportunities to discover the runner you can become. I see running as an opportunity for all no matter your ability or age. If you put your mind to it, do it, and stick with it, the sport of running presents endless opportunities to discover the runner you can become." Be our next Member Spotlight! Share your USATF journey here for a chance to receive a complimentary annual VIP adult membership courtesy of @teamtoyota! Whether you’re new to the sport or a long-term veteran, click the link in our bio to submit your story. The second Tuesday of each month, check back for Tuesdays with Toyota when we will share that month’s Member Spotlight.