A couple of months ago, I came across a post on a Facebook group page I’m in about an organization called I Run 4 that pairs runners with children and adults with disabilities. This immediately intrigued me because often times, like I mentioned yesterday, when I run I think about those who can’t. That’s what I Run 4 is all about.
I scoped out their website and it was a pretty simple process. I registered as a runner, joined the Facebook group, and waited. They let me know that there would be a waiting period but I didn’t mind at all. In fact, it was so awesome to see people get so excited as they saw their number getting closer and closer to getting paired. Other blogger/runner friends and I would seriously tell one another, “Did you see?? They’re at 338! We’re almost there!”
And then one day, I was finally matched! I Run 4 Graisyn 🙂
Once you are matched, you dedicate your miles to your new buddy and post pics and write messages on the Facebook page for them (and their parents) to see. It’s so so awesome because the runners are so excited to share the miles and the recipients are equally as enthused if not more. Even those on the waiting list post/share their miles for everyone and for others on the waiting list.
Some runners, when they participate in races, ask for a second medal for their buddy; I love seeing the kids wearing their medals.
It really is an inspiring community.
At times though, it can get really overwhelming and I get emotional from seeing the kids and thinking about their parents–I know that I would have felt this way regardless but somehow being a mom heightens these feelings. I wish there was something that could be done for each and every one of them.
But it makes me happy that people like Tim Boyle, the founder of I Run 4, come up with organizations like this one that helps bring a smile to these kids’ faces and brightens up their day–especially when it’s because of something we love doing so much.
If this is something you think you might be interested in, I definitely recommend checking it out.
–Have you heard of I Run 4?
–Are you a part of any running partnerships/organizations?
***I was not asked to write a review on I Run 4. Opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
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