Running the Wild West Relay for the Matthews House

Hi!

My name is Helen, and I was so excited when I was asked to join a team to run the Wild West Relay. The relay race travels 200-miles from Fort Collins through Wyoming, across mountain passes, and finishes in Steamboat, CO. Why, you ask, was I excited to do something that sounds so painful? I am excited for the challenge of my first relay race, for the experience with the team of people that I have the opportunity to run with, and for our cause.

I started running in college for the good feeling that comes after a hard effort. I have always been an average runner, but the mental clarity and health benefits it provides means how fast I’m running doesn’t matter! For this relay, showing up for each other and our cause is the important part. 

The team I am running with, Beer Now, Run Later, is taking a lighthearted approach to the challenge we have ahead of us. Our fundraising goal is to raise $12,000 (at least!) for The Matthews House. The Matthews House is a nonprofit organization from Fort Collins that supports youth and families facing homelessness, poverty, and instability by providing mentoring, housing support, life-skills programs, and essential resources. To find out more, visit The Matthews House.  Every mile we run, and every donation received, helps those who need it most. Thank you for your support in helping our team run across the mountains and reach our fundraising goal!