After a year of barely running (if ever), I was asked to be a last-minute stand-in as a chaperone runner with my niece, running her first 5K in our New Jersey chapter of GOTR. I woke up the morning of the race, someone who had run a 5K countless times in my life, nervous, with butterflies in my stomach. If I were feeling this, what would the 8-year-old next to me be feeling? The race kicked off, and I was equally impressed and in awe of my niece, who not only ran but ran confidently and QUICKLY and inspired me to do the same. We laughed, we cried (only just a little bit), but most importantly, we crossed the finish line with huge smiles on our faces. After crossing the finish line, the euphoric high of completing a run came back to me, stronger than ever. I realized how much I loved the sport and how much it was missing in my life. From there, I ran weekly, slowly getting my stride back, which has led me here!
On November 2, I am running the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon for Girls on the Run NYC, a transformative running-based program. Because of Girls on the Run, participants gain a better understanding of who they are and what's important to them, recognize the value of team work and healthy relationships, build confidence to overcome obstacles, and know that they can positively impact and shape our world. Will you join me by making a gift to Girls on the Run today?
