I just wrapped up my first season as a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run (GOTR) in NE Portland. I had an amazing time getting to know my fellow coaches and the young athletes on our team. I loved getting to work with the kids and see them get out there and move each practice with energy and enthusiasm.
This will be my first time running Hood to a Coast. I’ve wanted to do it for a while now and this is the perfect opportunity for me to not only participate as a runner but to help raise funds for GOTR and the work they do to encourage and support young runners.
I hated running as a kid and gave up on being someone who could run at a very young age. It wasn’t until my 20s that I developed the confidence in my body to try again, but even then I stayed on the treadmill because I was so self conscious. It wasn’t until I joined a women’s running group in Portland just 5 years ago that I finally got the courage to run outside. With the support of those women, showing me that different bodies, abilities, paces, and ages are all runners, I started running further than I had ever thought possible, completed multiple half marathons and even my first marathon in 2022... and I haven't looked back!
I think that GOTR gives that same type of safe space and positive examples to young runners through their running team programming, and I wish I had had such a wonderful resource at a young age. I’m proud to support GOTR and help young athletes gain confidence and go far- on their feet!
Your donation helps make GOTR programming possible, providing young athletes with a supportive and safe space to learn confidence in themselves and their abilities.
