Articles Run, Walk, Crawl… Just Do It
Run, Walk, Crawl,,,,,, JUST DO IT!
My first experience running the Nike Women’s Marathon was in 2012. That year, I won the lottery and a spot in one of the largest women’s races in North America. I set a goal to run the Half Marathon. After finishing the Honolulu Marathon in 2010 (a mindset goal to get me through my 22-day trial) I knew my happy place was about halfway. After experiencing the Nike Women’s Run in 2012 solo, I vowed to do it again the following year, but this time, with a group of female leaders to experience it with me. I have to admit crossing the finish line and receiving the iconic blue Tiffany Box on a silver platter from a fireman dressed in a tuxedo was a nice bonus.
On October 20, 2013, at 7:25 am, I stood at the start line for the tenth annual Nike Women’s Marathon in San Fransisco. The horn had just blown, and the race had just started. We Run was the theme for the Half and Full Marathon with women and a handful of men.
That morning, I stood on the start line with female leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds including my lawyer, longtime besties, and some new friends who became friends in the process. The experience was four days in San Francisco touring the wine country, experiencing the vibrancy of the city, sampling the extraordinary cuisine, building connections with like-minded leaders, and together achieving a goal, running the Half Marathon.
I had just launched our network, and this was one of our VIP experiences that brought together women with a diversity of leadership, backgrounds and shared values with a common goal.
I remember standing at the start line with women shoulder to shoulder and feeling the power. We made it. It was pure magic!
Run, walk, or crawl. As Nike would say, just do it.
Although fitness levels and purpose for running were different for each of us, we all felt empowered and powerful. Worthy and resilient. Confident and totally badass.
I remember standing on the start line with a feeling of electricity that ran through my body and can only be described as hope and fuel for a bigger purpose. It is the same feeling I get standing on the stage getting ready for the Women of Inspiration™ Awards. It’s intoxicating and I need to find a way of bottling it. Together I stood with women from diverse backgrounds, ages, and stages of life individually taking up space.
August 26 marked Women’s Equality Day to honour the signing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, 123 years ago in 1920 which affirmed that the right to vote should not be denied or abridged on the account of sex.
So, when I think of days like Women’s Equality Day, honoring the 19th Amendment to the Constitution 123 years ago which affirmed that the right to vote should not be denied or abridged on the account of sex, I recall the powerful moments in which celebrates milestones for women, I think about the strides we are making individually and together. Everyone plays a role to SupportHER. Together with committed leaders across diverse industries and Top Companies – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion SupportHER Champions we can “Inspire Change” in our boardrooms, all levels in our companies, all industries and networks.
Step by step, we have the power to inspire change in our networks, workplaces, and communities. Run, walk, crawl, just do it.
Are you a Top Company – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion SupportHER Champion? Apply by September 5 to be a visible SupportHER and plan to engage your leader (female and male) to be in the room for the Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognizing the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate.
Tickets – Be in the Room to experience the Women of Inspiration Awards recognizing the achievements of women, allies who SupportHER, and Top Companies Committed to equity, Diversity and Inclusion SupportHER Champions.
#WOI2023InspireChange #WomenofInspiration #SupportHER
