How a 5K Changed My Life and Changed My Path

I love words, meeting new people and learning new things. More specifically, I love asking questions. That’s what drew me to study journalism in college, train to teach elementary school students and ultimately lead program development and volunteer management for nonprofit organizations. 

What matters most in community service-led operations is developing keen abilities to connect with people and foster a strong culture of collaboration. I honed these skills over my over 20-year tenure but it wasn’t until I crossed the finish line after my first 5K run in 2016 that I realized it was my time to pursue a different career path. 

I trained for the race while thinking “I can’t do this” or “I don’t do this.” I was doing it at the request of my best friend - it was me living into my value of connection, and being afraid the whole time. After running that whole da*m thing, I experienced a truly visceral reaction. It wasn’t just the endorphins and the post-race beer that ignited this spark — it was the impetus I needed to change my story, my narrative, and my life.

This shift was monumental — and for the first time I realized that I needed to stop saying “I can’t do this” and flip the script to the question “Do I want to do this? Am I grounded and sincere in my desire for this?” Now I am driven to help other women shake off the conditioning of “I can’t” or “I shouldn’t” or even “I’m too much” and operate from a place of “Is this what I desire? Yes, then I am in!”

I knew my purpose. I had to: 

• Build a safe, nonjudgemental, and real community, where people could share their true selves. 

• Connect with people over our shared experiences and honor the space we were in at that moment. 

• Develop collaborative and supportive relationships that change lives.

• Help people find permission for them to be themselves. 

• Create fearlessly and speak honestly, from my heart, my head, and my gut.

With this blueprint, I launched my coaching business and embarked on creating spaces for others to see themselves and be seen.