Steps

Today has been an exhausting day, but well worth at the effort, miles traveled, and hours spent standing. Today Kayla and I volunteered at the Expo, leading up to the Boston Marathon tomorrow, for The Steps Foundation, founded by Ryan and Sara Hall. Yesterday morning I knew little about this foundation, but I left the expo booth today with a new inspiration and dedication to their mission.

In brief, they are starting a new initiative in the US, with their pilot program in Chicago, to pair at risk youth with a runner, to train together for a race, essentially a mentoring program, using running as their platform. After explaining this concept to hundreds of people at the expo, and talking with those spearheading this event, I'm very excited to become more involved. Our drive home from Boston was consumed by brainstorming ideas for the foundation, the new program, and a fundraiser this summer in Boston. Becoming involved in the foundation at this time is really exciting, because a lot of it is still being developed, so our ideas are going to be heard, and hopefully transformed into reality.

This is what I've been looking for. Community service initiatives were such a big part of my high school, losing that involvement when I came to college is just another way that Clark has been difficult for me. Having this passion for changing the world is not something that can be lost easily, and I'm glad my inspiration to get started again, with something that has the potential to become a national program, has come through running as well.

Tomorrow will be my very first time at the Boston Marathon, and I'm very excited to cheer on Ryan Hall, and Brian Reeves, Kayla's dad! Expect another post tomorrow, but in the mean time, check out the foundation!