On April 12, 2026, I will be standing at the start line of the Paris Marathon, something I never imagined I would commit to or share publicly.
This journey did not begin with confidence.
It began after setbacks, life challenges, and moments when starting over felt harder than staying still. My path to this race will not be easy, and I will not pretend otherwise.
But here is what I know to be true:
Confidence does not come from waiting until everything is perfect. It comes from choosing to try.
That belief is what led me to Girls on the Run.
As an adult, I am relearning lessons many girls are just beginning to discover, that strength is not about speed, comparison, or having it all figured out. It is about showing up, even when you are unsure. It is about starting again when things feel hard.
That is exactly what Girls on the Run teaches young girls:
✔ Confidence
✔ Resilience
✔ Courage
✔ The belief that they are capable, on and off the course
Whether I cross the finish line running, walking, or skipping. I will have learned something new about myself, this journey already matters. Because the real purpose is not just race day, it is helping girls learn early that setbacks do not define them. Starting again does!
I have committed to training, to sharing this journey honestly, and to raising $1,450 so more girls can build confidence that lasts far beyond the finish line.
If this story resonates with you, I would be honored to have you alongside me, through encouragement, sharing, or a donation of any amount.
Thank you for believing in me and in the next generation of confident girls. 💛
Always Look at the Sunnyside!
Sunny L. Lynette Kemp
