As the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon approaches, we’re thrilled to celebrate two of our own from Au Pair in America who are gearing up to run the iconic annual race. Marli Meier and Shana Wiswell — who support our au pairs and host families in Lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and parts of Westchester County, New York — are not only incredible Senior Community Counselors but also passionate runners. Their dedication to the au pair program and to training for the marathon is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to cheer them on as they conquer 26.2 miles through the heart of New York City.
We caught up with Marli and Shana to learn more about their connection to the NYC Marathon as Au Pair in America Community Counselors. Read on for details.
You’re running in the NYC Marathon this year. Is this your first Marathon experience? Please tell us how you’re feeling!
Marli: This will be my 3rd NYC Marathon, and 7th overall. I’ve run a marathon in all the countries I’ve held residence – Cape Town, London, Singapore, as well as the Marine Corps Marathon in DC (even though I did not live there, and it was an AMAZING experience, particularly because it was my personal best time of 3.55.52) Over time I have become more realistic about my expectations: I know I can and will complete the marathon and trust my body, so I am very relaxed about it!
Shana: This will be my first NYC Marathon and first marathon. To complete a marathon has been a personal goal of mine, pretty much my entire adult life. As we approach the training homestretch, I’m feeling nervous and excited — but also ready. I’ve put in a lot of time training! I’m fortunate to be running alongside my colleague, Marli, who is a veteran marathoner. Above all else, I know we’ll have fun, push ourselves and be proud to represent APIA!
How have you balanced training for the NYC Marathon with your role as an Au Pair in America Community Counselor?
Marli: Fun fact: running is what keeps me sane! For me it is not another chore or something I have to fit into my schedule. I often plan my days around my runs and I am lucky enough that I am more flexible with my time now that my 3 boys are older.
Shana: Not only am I an APIA Community Counselor, but I am an APIA host mom. There’s no way I could fit in the training time required without the support of my au pair. She inspires me too! She’s a runner and has her own goal to run a 20K for her 20th birthday! I’m hoping we get to do that together!
Do you currently host an au pair and, if so, how has that impacted your ability to run in the Marathon?
Marli: My children are older now and more independent. We hosted au pairs with Au Pair in America when they were younger and it provided me with great flexibility then to fit in my runs (and marathons!).
Shana: I think I answered this above. 🙂
How has Au Pair in America as an organization supported you on this journey?
Marli: I was lucky enough to get my first entry to NYC Marathon through the lottery system. Once I heard that I could earn a place by volunteering at the event, I did not hesitate to sign up to volunteer at the 2022 NYC Marathon and so earned a running spot for the 2023 marathon.
Shana: Last year, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the marathon, an experience I didn’t really know about until APIA encouraged us as counselors and our au pairs to participate in. It was one of the most inspiring days of my life and I tell the au pairs in my cluster that when I encouraged them to volunteer this year. Now, looking towards the 2024 race, as a runner, it’s no secret that getting a bib to run the NYC marathon is tough! It’s one of the most coveted marathon starts in the world! I’m grateful to represent APIA and grateful that APIA has provided me this opportunity! I hope I make my colleagues, the au pairs in my group and host families proud!
Each year, au pairs in the Tri-State area gather to volunteer for the NYC Marathon. How does it feel knowing the organization you work for and its participants are cheering you on and rooting for your success?
Marli: To be honest, on the day one gets swept up in the excitement of running and staying focused on completing the race, and don’t notice the APIA volunteers as much. The fun part for me was telling au pairs in the tri-state area about the opportunity, encouraging them to sign up to volunteer, and telling them how fulfilling it is to volunteer at the event. This year, I am hoping Shana and I can run together – we are planning a little dress up and “spot the running CC and win a prize” competition.
Shana: It makes me feel really proud to be part of an organization that sees the NYC marathon bringing the world together just like we do as an organization and shows up to show our support. I was proud to be a volunteer last year, I’ll be proud to be a runner this year and probably cry when I see the au pairs in my group and colleagues along the way cheering me on!
Any advice for future runners in the NYC Marathon?
Marli: Running a marathon is not in the lungs, it is not in the legs, it is all in the mind! You are stronger than you think, and you can do anything you set your mind on. One foot in front of the other.
Shana: A friend once told me, “anyone can do it!” And I think that’s good advice. Set the goal, put one foot in front of the other. Start walking/running 1 mile at a time until you’re running that whole time and build up mile by mile. It’s what makes NYC so special I think. You have the elite runners, of course, but you also have normal people like us, just setting a goal and working hard to achieve it step by step.
We’re passionate about supporting our team so they can go the extra mile.
Community Counselors are an integral part of the Au Pair in America global community. Learn more about current openings across the United States and joining a team of passionate, inspiring individuals.
