For Tuesdays with Toyota, we are spotlighting some of USATF's most dedicated members with a short feature on USATF.org and our social media channels. Here is our feature with USATF athlete Megan Kossar, member of the Pacific Association from San Francisco, California. "I have two passions: one is running and one is my work. Both swing like a pendulum encouraging me to succeed in each. I’m a 51-year-old USATF PA member and I belong to the Impala Racing Team. My racing spark began my senior year of college, breaking the track mile record. My coach stated, “Where were you the last 3 years?” Earlier, I played field hockey and made the Massachusetts Allstar Team. At Columbia University, I attended graduate school and learned to keep my life in balance. As a tool for self-preservation, I learned running was my lifeline to success. For over 20 years, I have worked as a Senior Social Worker with isolated home bound veterans earning a Super Star Award from the Department of Veteran Affairs. During COVID, I offer sliding scale psychotherapy for clients suffering from substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and trauma. During the pandemic, work and life acuity increased, so I elevated my training and racing intensity for a healthy outlet. Since joining USATF in 2012, I am grateful that running continues to provide internal motivation to reach goals beyond my dreams. Every year, despite adversity in my life, I race faster. This year, I raced my best performances nationally and regionally. In my first pandemic USATF PA race, The Morgan Hill 5K, I won my age group scoring a PR and an elite time. Hard training led to my age group win at the Clarksburg Half Marathon scoring a 2:30 PR, clocking a 1:27:01. And the week after, I won 50+ at the USATF 35th Annual PA XC Championships. Overall, I completed USATF Pacific Association racing with a Top 50 Overall Performance and 2 Top Age Graded Performances. And, after racing two Grand Prix National races, placed 3rd in my age group. For 2021, my team named me Runner of the Year for 50+. Like the lives of veterans and clients who inspire me, USATF and The Impala Racing Team mirrors this. My two kids have seen me, “Make lemonade out of the lemons life brings.” Like a race, it’s all about mindset, perseverance, and never giving up. Running keeps me focused to strive to reach clients in a world that is ever changing globally, environmentally, and health-wise. My goal is to inspire those suffering to exhale and embrace all possibilities. In turn, I have the passion to run because of the rewards from giving to others has brought. Yes, the pendulum keeps swinging, never reaching equilibrium. And, I am inspired to do more in search for that balance. And, this parallels the power of a race. As one veteran said to me recently, "One must never forget so we can change our future." It’s a mantra that never goes away in a race or in life. Through USATF races, the output equals input improving my life and work. My journey feeds my passion to go on. I am thankful to have life almost in balance!" Tuesdays with Toyota are a courtesy of @teamtoyota! Check back the second Tuesday of each month for a new Member Spotlight for Tuesdays with Toyota.