Time to Be BOLDER!

It's Time to Be Bold.

I grew up in Grand Prairie, TX - where bike lanes were a myth and hot summer days kept you in the cool A/C day and night. I grew up shying away from any type of physical activity, terrified of looking uncoordinated or silly. That terror followed me to my early twenties. But, then something changed. I moved to Boulder, CO.

Suddenly, hiking was a casual pastime. Bikes were everywhere. And running shoes were as normal as Birkenstocks. You best believe, I got me a pair of both.

It wasn't until I was 27 years old that I really started running. I was still terrified of looking like a T-Rex on stilts if I were ever caught running outside. So, I found a treadmill in a hidden gym that no one could see. And I ran. 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, learning to stretch, learning to eat. A little more every week and then everyday. And something changed as I ran. Secluded or no, I began to feel strong. Then powerful. Then unstoppable. It wasn't just the new calf muscles - it was learning to understand my body and let go of what other people thought of it.

Running was never a weight loss journey for me. It was a journey in courage.

This Memorial Day, at 29 years old, I am running my first ever 10K. And I'm not doing it alone. As a new member on their Board of Directors and as a woman who wished she could pass on this courage to her younger self, I will be raising funds for Girls on the Run of the Rockies.

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to enhance young girls’ social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences.  It's a movement that inspires every participant to celebrate her strengths, speak up for herself and others, and boldly pursue her dreams. Specifically helping girls from grades 3rd - 8th, GOTR helps develop young women at a pivotal stage in their upbringing.

This year, Girls on the Run of the Rockies proudly celebrates 21 years of empowering girls all along Colorado’s Front Range to know and activate their limitless potential. Since 2005, they've served over 60,000 girls and their families, using a research-based program that combines physical activity with critical life skills - like confidence, resilience, and connection - that carry far beyond the finish line.

I highly encourage you to learn more about Girls on the Run of the Rockies, or about a chapter of this international organization near you!

Together, we can celebrate years of impact and ensure the next generation of girls discovers just how far they can go. Donate today to empower her limitless future.

TLDR: I am running my first 10K, and I'm doing it to support Girls on the Run of the Rockies! Join in with your support by donating today.