Six years ago I ran my “bucket list” NYC marathon. I was turning 40, embracing the next decade and had the most incredible experience.  That run was for me, myself and I. And it was THE BEST.  Now, a common question RIGHT when you finish a marathon is -- will you do it again? My answer then was ...no idea.  I loved every minute of running but was reluctant to rock that ideal experience boat.  

Alas, over time that urge began to resurface...but timing wasn’t right, I wasn't wanting it enough or simply wasn’t feeling it. And I always need to feel it.  AND THEN COVID HAPPENED altering so much, including halting the beloved NYC marathon. Now, my love of running + NYC runs deep - they both have carried me through a lot of life, which was only amplified during COVID. So you better believe with the marathon’s return I was most definitely feeling it.  I knew that I was in.  That I would run for me, this city - and that this time around I would very intentionally leverage our shared comeback to an organization that I know, believe in and is rooted in NYC. 

ENTER Wellness in the Schools. Dedicated to helping kids in school through food and fitness education (read: kick ass recess and scratch-cooked meals). Because teaching these habits early on is a game changer to live and learn better. When I was first introduced to WITS at an event, I remember coincidentally running into several people I knew from past professional foodie lives. And not just people, my favorite kind of people (always a telltale sign you are in the right spot)--humble, food loving, full of goodness and dedicated folks, who share a love of helping via FOOD.  Ah yes, but many orgs do this (the more the merrier!).  The thing on WITS tho is they tag team FOOD with FITNESS. And what struck me most--their approach. They go into schools and TEACH staff how to shape kids with these fundamentals. Because we all know just donating dollars doesn’t move the needle. 

As someone anchored in fitness to get me through life’s ups and downs and a person who loves food both for fuel and for enjoying life--I’m extremely proud to be running for WITS. As a mom of three kids in NYC public schools during COVID, I can’t think of a more important time to support wellness in schools. And as a New Yorker, not sure much captures the people, grit + energy quite like running 26.2 miles throughout packed boroughs with NYC crowds cheering you on- talk about feeling it. 

I thank you greatly for whatever you can give.