ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (3:58 PM)

Brandi will be here soon!

Buzzmaster

  (4:03 PM)

Hey folks, Brandi's got a pretty packed schedule, but she'll be here to chat around 4:30 p.m. ET!

Brandi Chastain

  (4:19 PM)

Hey marathon fans welcome to the ESPN chat!

James Howell (Indianapolis)

What made you and Kerri come to the decision to run the marathon?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:22 PM)

Well there are three layers for me. 1) The personal challenge. Being a competitive athlete I like to challenge myself and I have never run a marathon before. 2) The purpose of being a good role model to the young girls in my program BAWSI.org. I thought this would be a good example for them. And 3) it was also for ING. We are in a state of crisis with childhood obesity. With this program we hope to create a place where runners can go to make a donation to create running clubs for kids. so check out: orangelaces.com/nyc

Bethany (Cleveland)

Do you still keep in touch with any of your old teammates? Mia or Kristine or any of them?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:23 PM)

Yes, we are online with each other all the time oraganizing events, where we all paticipate. We keep in constant contact. We are very good friends. It was not a facade.

Bob (DC)

Are you definitely playing in WPS next year, and what do you think the chances are that Marta will too?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:25 PM)

I am definitely going to do my best to be prepared so I will be selected to play. I think it is a great opportunity. I want to be in the stadium. I do not have the final say, but I will do my best. As for Marta I would hope she would come so she can showcase herself. But it has to be right for her and she has to make that decision for herself.

Mary (Pittsburgh)

Do people still still indentify you with the shirt strip at the 1999 world cup? If so, does it bother you?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:26 PM)

Absolutely...at least every other day. But it does not bother me. It brings me back to soccer and allows the conversation to go into different places, from the WPS to the U.S. women's team winning gold. There are so many good things in conversation that come from someone bringing up the moment.

Paul (Connecticut)

What's your favorite Olympic memory?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:28 PM)

That is not easy to do. Atlanta, Sydney and Athens were all so different. Being in your first Games though it is very special, and receiving the gold was a great highlight; but getting to go back to the Olympic Village and being in that environement was very exciting, because you felt like you were part of the events, since for soccer, we played an hour and a half away. But each Olympic Game was incredible.

Michael Laudrup

Forget Marta; isn't Cristiane the best player in the world?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:29 PM)

Well I had a lot of good things to say about her and she has a ton of potential. She has all the wonderful things Marta has. She's truly gifted. If there is a team in the league that can get her on their roster they would be incredibly lucky.

Matt

What would be some good drills to put an 8 year old through who loves soccer but is just learning how to play? Thanks!

Brandi Chastain

  (4:31 PM)

You do not need a drill. Just put the ball out there and encourage them. It is all about fun and enjoying the game. Maybe just keep them from kicking with the toe. But other than that, it is all about just enjoying being out on the field.

Brandi Chastain

  (4:31 PM)

High fives and hugs.

Brandi Chastain

  (4:32 PM)

Honestly at the end of the day you want them to enjoy activity. You just want the experience to be positive.

Dale (Louisville)

How are you counting down the time until the race?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:33 PM)

I am trying not to think about it because it gets me nervous. I have no illusions about breaking a record. I just want to enjoy crossing the bridges, Central Park and take in everything I see, and then crossing the finish line.

Aaron (Florida)

How did you get involved with Run for something better?

Brandi Chastain

  (4:36 PM)

ING approached me about it and as soon as I did a little research, and realized what it was all about, I was quickly on board. Having my own non-profit program, I recognized the need of getting kids active. I would love to think of myself as a source of enthusiasm for being active and I love when I see the kids' eyes light up when they accomplish something. We are giving back to the kids but it is also very rewarding. And if you want to be involved go to orangelaces.com/nyc and make a donation in my name and you will get your orange laces and know that you are helping kids stay active. This is a wonderful call to action.

Brandi Chastain

  (4:39 PM)

Thank you for checking in! Each one of us has a the ability to help raise awareness in activity. If you would make a donation to orangelaces.com/nyc you will be making a difference in a kid's life. I am thrilled to be running in this race and if you live in NYC come and cheer me on because I need it!