Ten years ago, running was all about chasing finish lines, personal records, and proving what I was capable of. Today, it means something entirely different.
Over the past year, life has changed me in ways I never expected. Losing my dad reminded me just how precious every moment is. Becoming a mom has completely reshaped my perspective on what it means to be strong. Now, when I lace up my running shoes, I'm not chasing a pace or a personal best—I'm chasing healing, hope, and the opportunity to become the best version of myself for my daughter.
Long before I became Evelyn's mom, I spent five years as a Girls on the Run coach. Week after week, I had the privilege of watching young girls discover confidence they didn't know they had, encourage one another, and accomplish things they once thought were impossible. It was never just about running. It was about helping girls find their voices, believe in themselves, and realize that they were capable of so much more than they imagined.
Now, as I watch Evelyn grow, that mission has taken on an even deeper meaning. I want her to grow up believing she is strong, capable, resilient, and worthy—not because someone else tells her she is, but because she learns to believe it herself. I want her to know that courage isn't about never being afraid; it's about showing up anyway.
That's why Girls on the Run will always have a special place in my heart. I experienced the impact of the program firsthand as a coach, and now I see it through the eyes of a mother who hopes her own daughter grows up surrounded by those same messages of confidence, kindness, and resilience.
Running the runDisney Springtime Surprise 10-Miler as part of Chasing Springtime Magic is more than another race on my calendar. It's a celebration of how far I've come and a reminder that even after heartbreak, joy can find us again. It's an opportunity to reconnect with an organization that helped shape my own journey while helping ensure more girls have the chance to discover their own strength.
Every mile I run is for healing. Every dollar raised helps invest in the next generation of strong, confident girls. And every finish line reminds me that the greatest accomplishments aren't measured by medals—they're measured by the lives we inspire along the way.
This race isn't just about chasing springtime magic. It's about creating it—for myself, for Evelyn, and for every girl who deserves to know that she is capable of amazing things.
