One of the best parts about endurance races is the fact that many are put on to benefit charities that help people in need. This blog was started for just such a thing, and it is so rewarding to know that the more races I'm doing, the more people I'm helping through the donations of the organizers who put on the events.
For the Athleta eSprit de She events, the charity they have chosen to partner with is one that really captures a lot of the important things in life for me- mostly, helping young girls be who they want to be and encouraging them to push themselves through sports. Their partner charity is Girls on the Run.
The following is directly from their website. (Who better to explain their mission than the women behind the great group in the first place?)
Mission
We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.Vision
We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
Empowerment, Responsibility, Intentionality, Diversity, Connectedness, Joy, Optimism, Gratitude, Nurturing, Healthy, Open-hearted, Compassion
Our Core Values
Girls on the Run honors its core values. We strive to:- Recognize our power and responsibility to be intentional in our decision making
- Embrace our differences and find strength in our connectedness
- Express joy, optimism and gratitude through our words, thoughts and actions
- Nurture our physical, emotional and spiritual health
- Lead with an open heart and assume positive intent
- Stand up for ourselves and others
What an awesome list of core values! All people of all ages should be taught those values, but especially developing young women who face so much pressure from the outside world to be second-class citizens. I love, love, love the mission and vision of this organization, and am so thrilled to get to help spread the word.
The pivotal part of this charity is getting people to sign up at Solemates. These volunteers pledge to raise at least $250 by the time of their selected race and dedicate their miles to Girls on the Run.
Again, from their website:
Girls on the Run SoleMates program
Charity running has become an integral part of most endurance events across the country. Training for any endurance event is often challenging and being a SoleMate is a great way to keep it fun, stay motivated and maintain your commitment.The Girls on the Run SoleMates program provides adults an opportunity to raise money for Girls on the Run while training for the athletic event of their choice. SoleMates set personal goals such as running in a marathon or 10k event to raise money for Girls on the Run in their community. Each year, our SoleMates raise critically needed funds that ensure our councils are able to serve more girls in their communities.
1,193 SoleMates participated in over 250 events, ran 14,898 miles in the United States, Canada, France and China, and raised over $650,000 for Girls on the Run councils.
Whether you are participating in your first or fiftieth marathon, by becoming a SoleMate you are doing much more than achieving your personal fitness goals. By asking friends to support your event training and participation with a donation on your behalf to Girls on the Run, you are showing your true commitment to the values we are instilling in girls everywhere to celebrate their physical and emotional health. Sign up today to be a SoleMates and let your love of running make a difference in the life of a girl.
Anyone participating in an eSprit de She event is able to sign up for this awesome program. After you register for a race (using comp code EDS57!) you may then sign up as a Solemate! Solemates get great benefits, such as:
If you have time and are able to sign up and help these young girls reach their dreams, do it! There is nothing better than pushing yourself to new heights, especially when you get to bring along someone else with you by doing good for those in need. I know raising money for the ALS Association helped create so much more meaning for my training, and this is yet another amazing way to give back and make what is naturally a personal, singular sport something made of community and generosity. Happy training!
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This blog is following my training as I get ready for the Athleta eSprit de She event season. Three events happen in Texas, the Duathlon in Dallas, the Katy 5k & 10k, and the Cycle Tour in Austin. I'll be doing Austin and Dallas, come join the fun! Enter Comp Code EDS57 for the chance to win some cool prizes!
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