I Run 4

I wanted to be sure to take a moment to tell you about this cool program.  The story goes that the man who started this was a runner.  On Facebook one day he posted that he runs because he can, and when he gets tired he thinks of those who can't run and runs harder for them.  That day a friend of his with Down Syndrome commented "You can run for me anytime!"

That sparked an idea to form a community of runners that would be matched with a "buddy" who has a disability of some sort and dedicate their workouts, miles, and races to them.  Some runners wear shirts that say I Run 4 with their buddy's name, some send their medals to their buddies, etc.  They are asked to make contact with their buddy a few times a week whether they work out or not.  The buddy's job is to encourage the runner and give them motivation to push themselves! 

I had heard about this program a few months ago and did not sign the girls up at the time.  Just recently I heard that they have an abundance of runners and are looking for buddies so I signed the girls up.  We were matched by the end of the day and our girls have two wonderful runners!

Oksana is matched with a woman from Minnesota who is about my age.  She has 3 children and is getting ready to do a triathlon in June.  Today she sent Oksana pictures of her bike ride in the rain and the beautiful rainbow she saw!  Oksana sent her a little video introducing herself and telling her that she hopes she wins her race.  She loved it!  In just a few days they have already communicated back and forth quite a few times.

Anya's runner is from Canada and she is 19 and so incredibly excited to have a buddy!  She just adores Anya.  I sent her a video of Anya saying "Hi" to her and blowing kisses.  The next day she ran 4 miles with her sister and sent Anya pictures of them on the trail and a picture of her running through the sprinkler afterwards to cool off.  She said that it was hard but she thought of her blowing kisses and it made her work harder ;).  She has already sent me a private message and asked for our address so that she can send Anya some medals from past races.

I have been so pleased with this program!  Anya really doesn't understand it but Oksana loves getting updates and notes from her runner!  Even if Anya doesn't understand it I am talking about her runner, sharing the pictures, and telling her what she is doing.  Someday she will get it!

I'll make a quick note here to say that I have heard just a few stories of duds...runners who never contact the buddy or do anything but those families were matched with new runners and have had great success.  I think those are the minority for sure.  Most everyone I know involved in the program has really enjoyed it.  

If you are interested in becoming a runner, or can sign up a buddy (all ages are welcome) go to http://www.whoirun4.com/ for more information.