ARLINGTON, Va. -- Pushing her body to the limits provides NAFCU's new Public Relations Manager Patty Briotta a sense of satisfaction in reaching the finish line, but also raising money for causes.

Briotta is the Washington, D.C. coordinator for "Las Comadres," a Latina female networking group, and through this she has addressed Latinas Leading Tomorrow, a group that helps keep Hispanic middle school and high school girls in school. When she talked to them, she talked about her marathon running and the importance of having a passion and achieving goals.

A latecomer to the sport, 45-year-old Briotta explained, "I started marathoning in 2004. It actually started because I was spinning." She met someone from her spinning class that introduced her to marathons and she's been running ever since. She has run the Marine Corps Marathon twice, the New York City Marathon, a couple of half marathons, the Cherry Blossom Race and other 10-milers.

"There's actually a great sense of satisfaction and I run for a charity most of the time. I think running for a charity always gives you a greater sense of satisfaction." She has run for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and is now a captain, who helps train the other runners.

"Actually, as a captain you enjoy it even more," according to Briotta, because you are also helping others achieve their goal.

Race day is exhilarating. "I think it's amazing how much people support you, not only in training but especially on race day," she said. Briotta's whole family comes out on race day to cheer her on.

Briotta trains mostly by running and spinning; the New York Times actually interviewed her for an article on the combination last month. She loves her spinning classes, which typically last about an hour. "They will push you harder than you push yourself," she said. Briotta also enjoys having an instructor and different types of music as well as the group mindset.

All that training, Briotta said, gives her "an extra sense of discipline" that she said "extends into other areas of your life, so it's also an ego booster too."

Even leading up to a big race though, she emphasizes that she is careful not to "over-train" and gives herself one day a week off. Briotta was quick to add that she just tries to better her time with each run. "I run for fun. I really do. I enjoy it."

[email protected]