Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to run the Reeds Lake 10K with an incredible group of kids and adults who are part of the No Surrender Run Club. I was paired with a young girl who had never run before. I am so proud of her work ethic, determination, and consistency despite significant stressors at home. I really can’t imagine having to worry about basic needs being met, helping contribute to family finances, and facing deportation/immigration issues as a 15 year old. At 15 my biggest worry was how quick I could get up to my best friend’s cottage to go tubing and snack my face off. Despite all her adult responsibilities, this sweet (yet very sassy) and determined young woman made training a priority and crossed the line of her first race-a 10k.
When race day came, I had the GRL PWR temporary tattoos picked out (I liked her choice pictured below better) and sent several reminder texts about what time pick up was and reminders of what to bring. I was in total coach mode and looking back, I realize that’s where I thrive. I’m not sure the kids who particapted in this program have heard as much encouragement in their lifetime as they did on race day. The whole race, I was spewing all of the positive things said to me when I first started running. “Strong legs up the hills. Isn’t it cool how strong your body is? We are so capable. You are doing this. You trained for this your body knows exactly what to do. Halfway-no turning back now. 4 miles, your body has been moving for 40 straight minutes, that takes strength.” Then we see the finish line and she goes for it and I still get goosebumps writing about it. Hand in hand we cross and I am so proud (and tired, these kids can book it). There are medals, food, drinks but better yet kids high fiving kids, probation officers giving hugs, camaraderie, and all the feels of watching someone be part of something bigger than themselves for the first time. I had to duck out of the post-race festivities early to join my family for a weekend camping trip. I couldn’t stop talking the whole drive up north. I remember saying to Austin , “This is the best mental health day I’ve had in a long time-I’m so genuinely happy.” The rest of the drive we talked about our family’s dreams and hopes for the future and how often we forget nothing in this world really matters if we follow what we’ve been called to. Money, success, stability-why do we care about it so much? It’s not a coincidence it was such a good day following the race. When you spend an entire morning speaking encouragement, truth, and positivity-confidence, peace, and joy follow. The whole you are what you eat (dumbest saying) should be more like you are what you think. Invest in the life of a child who needs a caring adult-they will change you more than you can ever “help” them. Also, speak kind and bold truths to yourself and others, you might be surprised how powerful it is.
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Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
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