As a national sponsor of the
Girls on the Run SoleMates charity runner program, Garmin is partnering with this great organization to further their mission and share the stories of the women and men who are “running for a reason”. Runners can sign up for any event — runs, walks, bike rides or triathlons — and raise funds that will support their chosen council of Girls on the Run. Want your next race to help change lives?
Find out more here. This month’s story comes from Megan, who had some fun on the run during her her training for Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon. Megan shares how getting plugged in as a volunteer for an organization like Girls on the Run helped her find her niche in the big city. And she’s definitely made her mark … while making a difference in the lives of these young girls.
Running was something that I never saw myself being involved in or enjoying. Boy was I wrong! I started running while in graduate school and haven't turned back since. It has changed my life and become something I can't live without. Running has introduced me to some of the most wonderful people that I have in my life today. I became involved with Girls on the Run soon after moving to Cincinnati. I quickly learned what a wonderful organization it was and felt so lucky to be involved with it. I joined the race committee and was welcomed with open arms. As I participated in my first
Girls on the Run 5k, it brought tears to my eyes to see the excitement on the faces of the girls as they crossed the finish line. Their sense of accomplishment was indescribable. I truly believe the feeling they have when crossing the finish line is the same that I have when I cross the finish line at a marathon — the greatest sense of accomplishment and pride! Seeing this in young and strong girls is inspiring.
After my first Girls on the Run 5k, I was hooked and knew that I would stay involved for a long time. After being on the race committee for about two years, I decided I wanted to participate on a new level. I was getting ready to train for my sixth marathon and was ready for a new running goal. I decided why not merge the two, and I became a SoleMates fundraiser. This was the best running decision I have ever made. I had a blast training for this marathon all because of Girls on the Run. Every run, I thought of the girls that I was fundraising for, and there is nothing more motivating than that. Not to mention running in various costumes sponsored by others was part of my fundraising, so there is no way I could ever forget why I was running! I cannot imagine my life without Girls on the Run. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be involved and I feel like this organization has given me more than I can every repay.
We learned that Megan completed the Flying Pig Marathon in flying colors — and had a 12-minute PR! Way to go Megan! For sharing her story and impacting the lives of girls through the Girls on the Run SoleMates program, Megan received a
Forerunner through Garmin's trade-in program.
