It all started 18 years ago with a pair of cheer leading shoes. As they were the only pair of athletic shoes that I owned at the time. It didn't take long before my mom took me to our local running store, RPM Sports, where we purchased my first pair of real running shoes. A pair of New Balance shoes ….. They were white with a neon green N stitched across the side of the shoe. In the late 90s running shoes were are not nearly as flashy as they are today, but I remember thinking these shoes were the real deal...they were real running shoes for a real Runner.
If I only knew where this pair of shoes was going to take me.
Running was the first thing I truly fell in love with. I put my whole heart into the sport - every ounce of passion and desire came out with every step I took. Some people would say I was a driven, others may have seen it as neurotic. At 14 years old I had my alarm set for 7:45 p.m. every night as a reminder to get ready for bed. It was time to stop what I was doing take my shower, pack my bags, and get ready for early morning practice the next day. My routine was flawless and my training runs were perfectly executed to the best of my ability. My sights were set high. Goals of State championships, scholarships, and if I played my cards right a post collegiate running career.
It all started with a pair of New Balance.
My first pair of running shoes gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.
I have accomplished great things in my personal running career. I've won a handful of races. I've set impressive PR’s and honestly I could name many other personal feats. But one of the accomplishments I cherish most is being able to share my love of running with others.
A few years ago I was given an amazing opportunity to work with Ypsilanti Running Company (YRC). At the time I was just over four months pregnant with my first child. Honestly, I figured I would only be able to work for the store until the baby was born. To my surprise, Mike and Alison welcomed me aboard with open arms encouraging me to continue working for them with my son in tow.
With my son on my hip I showed up to work with a vision of creating a women's training group. Within my first year of working for YRC, I kicked off a women's specific 5k training program. My vision was to create a safe place for women to come together, to feel supported and encouraged to run. An environment for a woman to pursue herself, to take charge of something fierce and run with it. I want women to be fearless!!
It all started with a pair of New Balance.
My first pair of running shoes gave me the confidence to be fearless!
We recently completed our third women's training group. We partnered with Epic Races and trained the women for the Detroit Women's American Home & Fitness half marathon, 10K, 5K. For 10 weeks a group of 14 women met every Tuesday night. Depending on the individual's fitness and racing goals a 10-week training plan was provided. The training runs varied, easy runs, track workouts, and even a few hill sessions. Every week was a new surprise. Some of the workouts were repeated to provide a comparison to help the runners gauge effort and progress. Brooks Running, UCan, 361 degrees and various other of the running industries’ best companies came out to join us on runs and provided the women with the latest running sensations.
We all stood on the starting line on Bell Isle on September 16th. As the gun went off, the women put their training to the test. We came away with age group winners, personal bests, surprises and disappointments.
You are going to have good days and bad days, but no matter what kind of day the women had we were all there together. Working together in spirit to run the best race we could run on that given day. We were a team!
It all started with a pair of New Balance shoes.
I strongly stand by the quote by Billy Mills, ‘Every passion has its destiny.” We might not ever know where our passions will take us but if we follow it willfully it will lead us to Great Destinations. Currently, I am so fortunate to be a part of a wonderful running store, a wonderful running community, and a wonderful group of women. I couldn't ask for a better destination. So whether you're in the market for your first pair of running shoes or you are a veteran, we would love to have you drop by the store sometime or even participate in our next women's training group. Till then, Run happy!
If I only knew where this pair of shoes was going to take me.
Running was the first thing I truly fell in love with. I put my whole heart into the sport - every ounce of passion and desire came out with every step I took. Some people would say I was a driven, others may have seen it as neurotic. At 14 years old I had my alarm set for 7:45 p.m. every night as a reminder to get ready for bed. It was time to stop what I was doing take my shower, pack my bags, and get ready for early morning practice the next day. My routine was flawless and my training runs were perfectly executed to the best of my ability. My sights were set high. Goals of State championships, scholarships, and if I played my cards right a post collegiate running career.
It all started with a pair of New Balance.
My first pair of running shoes gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.
I have accomplished great things in my personal running career. I've won a handful of races. I've set impressive PR’s and honestly I could name many other personal feats. But one of the accomplishments I cherish most is being able to share my love of running with others.
A few years ago I was given an amazing opportunity to work with Ypsilanti Running Company (YRC). At the time I was just over four months pregnant with my first child. Honestly, I figured I would only be able to work for the store until the baby was born. To my surprise, Mike and Alison welcomed me aboard with open arms encouraging me to continue working for them with my son in tow.
With my son on my hip I showed up to work with a vision of creating a women's training group. Within my first year of working for YRC, I kicked off a women's specific 5k training program. My vision was to create a safe place for women to come together, to feel supported and encouraged to run. An environment for a woman to pursue herself, to take charge of something fierce and run with it. I want women to be fearless!!
It all started with a pair of New Balance.
My first pair of running shoes gave me the confidence to be fearless!
We recently completed our third women's training group. We partnered with Epic Races and trained the women for the Detroit Women's American Home & Fitness half marathon, 10K, 5K. For 10 weeks a group of 14 women met every Tuesday night. Depending on the individual's fitness and racing goals a 10-week training plan was provided. The training runs varied, easy runs, track workouts, and even a few hill sessions. Every week was a new surprise. Some of the workouts were repeated to provide a comparison to help the runners gauge effort and progress. Brooks Running, UCan, 361 degrees and various other of the running industries’ best companies came out to join us on runs and provided the women with the latest running sensations.
We all stood on the starting line on Bell Isle on September 16th. As the gun went off, the women put their training to the test. We came away with age group winners, personal bests, surprises and disappointments.
You are going to have good days and bad days, but no matter what kind of day the women had we were all there together. Working together in spirit to run the best race we could run on that given day. We were a team!
It all started with a pair of New Balance shoes.
I strongly stand by the quote by Billy Mills, ‘Every passion has its destiny.” We might not ever know where our passions will take us but if we follow it willfully it will lead us to Great Destinations. Currently, I am so fortunate to be a part of a wonderful running store, a wonderful running community, and a wonderful group of women. I couldn't ask for a better destination. So whether you're in the market for your first pair of running shoes or you are a veteran, we would love to have you drop by the store sometime or even participate in our next women's training group. Till then, Run happy!
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