I've never considered myself a particularly goal-oriented person. I've always been motivated to work hard and do my best at whatever task is at hand, but I rarely decide to do completely new things which require a consistent effort over a long period of time in order to succeed. This year I wanted to prove to myself that I could indeed set--and hopefully achieve--two goals for which I had basically zero training: learning to skate ski and running a half marathon. I checked off the first goal: I'm still pretty lousy at skate skiing, but I proved to myself that I could learn a totally new thing, and I'm good enough to at least enjoy it.

Now I'm angling for my second goal of running a half marathon. Running has never come easily for me: I've wrestled with shin splints since middle school, and after an ankle injury last year I've had to work my way back from nearly zero. Signing up for a half marathon has forced me to be consistent about rehabbing these injuries, to be patient when everything hurts, and to trust that if I just keep putting one foot in front of the other, I can accomplish something personally remarkable. 

We are a team of runners supporting The Family Place in its 37th year of providing education, support and services to Upper Valley children and families.

Our team members have committed to raising at least $500 each by running in the Covered Bridges Half Marathon on Sunday, June 4, 2023!. Money from fundraisers for the Covered Bridges Half Marathon is vital to The Family Place because it isn't earmarked for any specific program; instead, it can be applied to wherever the need is greatest in our organization. It's only with the support of our generous community that we can provide continuous, comprehensive services and support to all families with young children.

If you have any questions, contact cbhmteam@the-family-place.org.