Going the Distance
I remember asking a friend if she ran. Like crisp morning, Central Park, neon-lined spandex, and a killer sneaker game kind of run. She looked at me and said, “I’ll run for only two things: A zombie apocalypse and freshly baked croissants.” I never laughed out loud as hard and quick as I did in that moment. I guess she doesn’t think running is a “thing.” However, for many running enthusiasts, it is a way of life.
Perhaps my friend was getting somewhere with her philosophy of running. You should run because you care about your life and the elements within it that make you happy. Running definitely echoes that notion with its benefits to health and wellness. A healthy life is a good life. A good life is a happy life. That’s why Global Tassels’ new initiative, GT Runner, enables others to be involved with our actions by being in action. What better way to be a part of someone’s journey to a good life all while exercising your own? This is a high five all around.
GT Runner promotes wellness and community engagement while raising funds for the organization. Official competitive races gives runners a chance to make an impact in their communities and for those all over the globe. In being a GT Runner, you are running for a cause, OUR cause. “Our” being you and Global Tassels, because it takes all of us to achieve this mission. We’re a team, right?
Glenn Little is a certified GT Runner. After connecting with us through a simple Facebook post, he laced up his running shoes and ran on behalf of Global Tassels. Having moved to New York about five years ago, he set a goal to lose weight.
“I started at the gym. Walking just turned to running. I started running outside and doing some races around New York… I never thought I would be a runner but it just kind of happened. ”
We all have to start from somewhere. Glenn’s journey with running began within himself. During a short phone interview, he shared a great deal about the mental aspects of this activity. Although running is physically demanding, the psychological stamina you develop is just as important. Not all of us are born with a cheetah-like endurance, but I like to believe the human will is just as strong. Running is a commitment. It might seem intimidating at first but developing a routine is very much possible.
“Start slow... If you don’t achieve what you’re expecting to right away you’ll quit, so starting off slow and having really attainable goals in the beginning is a good way to just keep on. Half the challenge and the obstacle to being a runner, to me personally, has been mentally. Just training my mind that this is what I like to do, this is what works for me to lose weight and get better health. I always have to think about the aftereffects because the during is always the toughest part.”
Whether you are an avid marathoner or a beginner and is looking into joining a race, you have the opportunity to be a GT Runner*. With every race you enter as a GT Runner, you commit to a fundraising goal. All your training and hard work is in support of fitness and a great cause. Did I mention the swag? With a completed application, we will provide a GT Runner Packet filled with awesome gear to wear during the race. There will also be a reimbursement of your registration fee if and when their fundraising goal amount is reached.
You don’t have to run alone. Gather a group of family or friends to do the same! It's a great way to share the experience and stay motivated. With every step, you take Global Tassels along with you. Being a GT Runner makes you a part of the team. You help us in spreading our mission as well as enabling us to continue making an impact in all parts of the world. Let’s all run towards a brighter future.
*For more details about the GT Runner Program please click here.