Being a part of Run4Fun has made my life much more fun as a 15-year-old. From the incredibly lively experience of running laps around my neighborhood to participating in my first race. Run4Fun has played an important part in me realizing that I can push my body's limits. I can't wait to see what else it's capable of in the future!

The program helped me discover strengths I never knew I had and weaknesses I can work on. Participating in exercises and running activities with Run4Fun has not only improved my physical health but has also contributed to my overall social skills. The organization has taught me discipline, goal setting, and the importance of perseverance – lessons that extend beyond the track. Not forgetting that I got opportunities to meet with people within the sports world that I may not have met naturally.

Run4fun has taught me a lot about running~ use long strides, how to breathe -- and these strategies have helped me to win races at field day, make lots of shots in basketball, and get to the base faster in softball. I really recommend Run4fun because not only has it helped me with my running skills, it helps me remember to think that the impossible is always possible. I've kept that In my head for the 4 years I've done Run4fun. If you want to learn more and more about running, learn how to improve your running skills, or maybe learn something about yourself that you didn't know about before, Run4fun is the place for you! I love Run4fun and can't wait to return next year!

We created a bond with the students week over week, encouraging them through challenges and building their endurance and confidence. I noticed soon they were sharing more about their lives outside of running — sharind ifficult conversations surrounding experiences like bullying, negative self-talk, and reactivity to situations outside of their control. I never expected to arrive at this school and the students come running and want to hug me and tell me they’ve missed me. The work we do expands physical activity and health, but also pours into their mental health and seeing that adults care about them and are invested in their well-being. I think about this group all of the time and I truly believe we’ve impacted each other in a way that has shaped my coaching style and ability to connect to kids of this age through listening, pausing, and asking questions. I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved and truly believe they will continue running and movement as they grow.

It's been a joy to co-create a safe space where the girls can be themselves. With up to 20 girls at a time and a lot of differing priorities as far as how to spend our time, I love how they were quick to speak up and guide their session. If there was something they really enjoyed they kept bringing it back! At first I was attached to delivering a lesson each week, but as the weeks progressed it became most important to connect with our young people and journey into discovering how we'd maximize our time guided by them, and youth led.