April challenge completed

My April challenge was a group effort, and what a group! I led a training group for the More half-marathon in NYC on April 6th. For 13 weeks through the long, cold, dark winter here in Vermont we ran or walked 3-4 days per week, building up to 12 miles before the half-marathon (13.1 miles). We didn't only run or walk; we had a pot-luck dinner, made new friends, learned about each others' lives, and worked together to meet our goals.

Almost 50 of us went to NYC for the half-marathon, and had an awesome experience. This challenge wasn't about me. It was about working with a group of women, most over 40, to help them reach a physical goal. As we went through the 13 weeks, it became more than just the physical goal of completing 13.1 miles. Many of the women made other changes in their lives, became empowered to try something different, and set aside time for themselves within their busy family lives.

Yes, I ran the half-marathon. My time isn't the important part of this challenge. What's the cool thing here is that every single person finished the half-marathon, most faster than they predicted. They all crossed the finish line looking great and feeling wonderful. My personal challenge was coaching them through this experience, everything from renting a 55-passenger coach bus to take us to NYC, to organizing team jackets, to sending out encouraging emails to get women through difficult spots.

We did it!