I’m running the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 to support Girls on the Run Chicago! Read my story and click the link below to donate.
The First Step is the Hardest
I spent an entire year too scared to sign up for a 5K. Even though I loved running, the idea of lining up at a start line, surrounded by other runners, felt intimidating. What if I was too slow? What if I didn’t belong? It took me time to build the confidence to put myself out there, to believe I was capable, and to take that first leap into racing.
When I finally did, it changed everything. Running became more than just a way to move my body—it became a way to push myself, to find my voice, and to step into challenges that once felt impossible. But I couldn’t help but think… what if I had learned these skills earlier?
That’s exactly why Girls on the Run means so much to me.
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Why I’m Running for Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run Chicago is a nonprofit that helps young girls build confidence, develop life skills, and create a strong foundation through running. They teach girls how to set goals, believe in themselves, and speak up—all things I wish I had learned when I was younger.
When I signed up for my first full marathon (and my first charity race), I chose Girls on the Run Chicago. At the time, I was working on empowering myself—learning to speak up, to take up space, and to push through my fears. Running to support an organization that teaches those same skills to young girls felt incredibly powerful.
I also had the chance to be a running buddy at a Girls on the Run 5K a few years later, supporting two girls through their race. It rained the entire time, but their excitement and determination never wavered. That experience reminded me just how impactful this program is—these girls weren’t just finishing a race, they were proving to themselves that they were strong, capable, and unstoppable.
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How Running Builds Confidence
Running is so much more than just a sport—it’s a tool for self-growth. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or your 12th marathon (see you in London), running teaches you that you’re capable of more than you ever thought possible.
- It Pushes You Out of Your Comfort Zone. Signing up for a race, hitting a new distance, or running in tough conditions all challenge you to step outside your limits.
- It Teaches Resilience. Running isn’t always easy. There are tough runs, days you don’t feel motivated, and races that don’t go as planned. But pushing through builds mental toughness.
- It Celebrates Progress Over Perfection. There’s no “perfect” pace or distance—just progress. Every step forward is a win.
- It Gives You a Sense of Accomplishment. Crossing a finish line—whether in a race or in training—reminds you that you can achieve big things when you put in the effort.
Please note what’s most important: For young girls, learning these lessons early can change the trajectory of their lives. That’s why youth running programs, like Girls on the Run, are so important.
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The Benefits of Youth Running Programs
Programs like Girls on the Run do so much more than just introduce young girls to running—they equip them with the tools to grow into confident, strong, and goal-driven individuals.
- They Teach Goal-Setting and Perseverance. Training for a 5K teaches kids how to work toward something step by step, a skill they can apply to school, careers, and life.
- They Build Confidence in Movement. Many girls start out thinking, “I can’t do this.” By the end of the season, they’ve completed a race, proving to themselves that they are strong and capable.
- They Foster a Supportive Community. Running with a group builds friendships, teamwork, and a sense of belonging—something that can be life-changing for a young girl.
- They Create a Foundation for Lifelong Health. Girls who develop a love for movement early on are more likely to continue leading active lives into adulthood.
I love running because it has given me so much—confidence, resilience, and a way to challenge myself. And through Girls on the Run, young girls get to experience that same sense of empowerment from an early age.
Why the 2025 Bank of America Chicago 13.1?
This year, I’m running the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 for Girls on the Run, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve never run this race before, but it holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons:
- It falls on my best friend Dyan’s birthday weekend, making it even more meaningful. Instead of planning a girls trip, we opted to run a race to celebrate.
- I volunteered at the beer tent last year and had an absolute blast. The post race party is a great day festival with so many vendors included for the race day festival.
- It’s a world-class half-marathon! The race starts and finishes in Garfield Park and the course weaves through three major parks in Chicago. It’s a race bringing a world class experience through the parks and boulevards of Chicago’s West Side, an area full of history and energy that I’m excited to explore on foot. If you’re looking to build a premier racing portfolio, you need to add this one to your list.
- It’s part of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, which also includes the Shamrock Shuffle and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and is Chicago’s premier racing experience.
Most importantly, it gives me another opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to young girls.
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How You Can Help: Sponsor a Girl to Run!
Every donation helps sponsor a girl to participate in Girls on the Run—giving her the chance to gain confidence, set goals, and cross the finish line with pride. My fundraising goal is $700, and every dollar goes directly to helping these girls learn the skills they need to be strong, fearless, and ready to chase their dreams.
If you’d like to support this amazing cause, please consider donating. Your contribution will help a girl take that first step—just like I once did.
Donate Here to Sponsor a Girl to Run!
Thank you for cheering me on, for supporting this cause, and for helping young girls grow into strong, confident runners. Let’s do this together!
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