My name is Emily, I live in a suburb south of Minneapolis. I am a mother of twin boys and have a background in Human Resources. I am a 261 Fearless member and I am also the head of Coaches and Directors in North America and run the local Twin Cities Fearless Club. Apart from my engagement with 261 Fearless, I have a very special relationship with running.
For me, running is empowerment. In my own life, running has been the constant and loyal friend that has celebrated my ups and gotten me through the downs. In so many ways my running journey is a metaphor for life and through it I continue to be blessed. 261 Fearless offers me a means through which I can share the transformative powers of running with others.
I started running in high school when I joined the cross-country team. Running more than a mile seemed overwhelming but I quickly caught on to the runner’s high that arises after accomplishing something one never thought possible. The smell of leaves in the fall or a run through the rain continues to bring me back to these first steps.
But I later came to develop a very special appreciation for running and in particular for being able to run. My son Caleb, unlike his twin brother, was born with a number of challenges requiring medical and therapeutic interventions from the start. Through his early development we wondered what his physical capabilities would be and through this uncertainty I was quickly reminded of what a gift it is to have the ability to run. I don’t take a step in my running shoes without a grateful reminder of how lucky I am that I can. Caleb has always persevered through discomfort, pain and hard work without complaint, inspiring all around him by his quiet strength. He’s now a healthy 12-year boy who hates running but inspires his mom to love it.
I love to explore places I’ve never been to via my running shoes and I love to run the winding tree lined back roads of Northern Wisconsin. The clean air and sounds of the woods settle me every time.
Running has given me so much over the years and I want to inspire other women to make the same experience.
