"I'm not like... a real runner" tend to be the first words I say when I'm talking about where running fits into my life. When I ran my first half marathon in 2022, I didn't talk it up during my training because I wasn't a real runner. It didn't matter that I was out there running the miles, that I was hitting the goals, or that there was a point in my life where I had accepted that I would never run a half marathon, I was so caught up in my negative self talk, that I didn't even notice how far I was progressing.
We often talk about the way the Girls on the Run program impacts the adults involved as much as the girls. The program is non-competitive, and full of lessons like recognizing and changing your negative self-talk, finding your happy pace, and celebrating your unique starpower - all lessons I needed to make it across my own finish line. And when I crossed that finish line, my family was there and my girls... they saw me achieve a goal. To them I am a runner and a really inspiring one.
After missing out on running most of last year due to a broken ankle followed closely by a sprain, this year I am joyfully, and confidently training for the Black Bear Half Marathon in Hendersonville, NC. I have chosen to talk more about my training experience and in telling my story, I hope to raise funds to support Girls on the Run of Western North Carolina.
Girls on the Run provides girls the tools to celebrate their unique skills, set and achieve goals, and build their resiliency all while incorporating joyful movement in their lives and no girl is turned away from the program due to her family finances. I have set a $450 fundraising goal which would provide 2 full scholarships for participation, gear they may need to participate fully (shoes, shorts, tights, sports bra, etc) plus the incidental per girl cost to Girls on the Run WNC for the program and 5K. Let's help raise a generation of women that believe in their own power, worth, and abilities!
I'm celebrating that I am a REAL runner!
