"During my 20s and early 30s, I realized how running made me feel better about myself and helped develop my self-confidence. I signed up for a multitude of races ranging from 5ks to marathons. With the completion of each race and the training that went along with it, I felt stronger physically and mentally. Especially after finishing my first marathon – the Marine Corps – I felt like I could do anything! 

Running took on a whole new meaning after I had my son and daughter.  I NEEDED to get out and run. I didn’t want to become that mom who lost herself completely, doing nothing for herself after having children. Let’s face it that’s not good for anyone! Running had become an important part of my life and it had to continue.  

It’s great that my children have seen how important running is to me. They know it’s a part of my routine and ask, “When are you going for your run?”  The best is when I get back from a run and they ask, “So how was your run mom?”  

As I’m in my early 40’s, running has taken on another meaning. Life has become so busy with balancing family and work. I need to get out and run to give me the space to think without any distractions. It’s during my run that I think the most clearly, creatively and get a pulse on how I’m really doing. I always finish feeling mentally refreshed. 

This check in with myself has helped tremendously over the last several years as I have cared for and grieved the loss of my dad, my mom and one of my best friends due to cancer. Watching my loved ones become weaker and weaker to the point that just getting up to brush their teeth was a herculean effort, has also made me appreciate every time I can get out for a run.  I run with a sense of gratitude; I have the strength and health to do it.  
I’m sure the reasons why I run will change again but one thing is for certain - I’ll keep running as long as I can!"

- Christie Y.

Via Find Your Inner Pace

“The best part of living an active life is the way I feel. I love feeling strong, confident and capable. And I think that physical activity can do that for a lot of people.”

- Ali
Via ParticipACTION

“If I have a bad day at school it always makes me feel better. Also, we’ve got a really nice group of girls and boys and the coaches are really supportive, too, so I always feel better after being with them. I get a real sense of achievement when I learn new moves or if I’m coaching and I help a younger person learn something. It’s helped a lot with my confidence – I used to be nervous because I thought everyone knew what they were doing and what was happening but now I’m much more confident and happy in myself."

- Cerys, 15
Via Refinery 29

"I've always been really active. I like to work out to feel better about myself...It's all about feeling good about my body and being confident at work." "

- Kendall J.

"Running helped me lose another 30 pounds [after an initial 60 pounds] but more importantly it helped me find myself.  I have become a stronger more confident person, I believe I had both attributes before running, it just helped to bring them out even more."

- Missy B.
Twin Cities (Minnesota) 
via FitFluential

http://gettingfittofindmyself.com/

"I struggled with assertiveness before. Now I've toughened up and learned to own my space. I've embraced the physicality of the sport."

- Kelly "Belle Rebelle" G., 39
Edmonton, Alberta Canada 
via Edmonton Woman Magazine

"I'm too shy in real life. But when I put my [roller derby] skates on my sassy side comes out..."

- Quinlyn "Bloody Cooper" H., 20
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
via Edmonton Woman Magazine