my childhood was full of body image issues, low self-esteem, and not  loving myself.  I was always on the overweight side of the scale and that was a problem that followed well in to my young adult life. After I graduated high school I was able to lose weight but it was not in a healthy manner;  the low self-esteem and not loving my own body was still a huge problem. I was still not happy with myself, wearing a "small" size was not the solution to my body image issues. I was running with my older sister but I was not healthy enough to perform well and the longest distance I ran was no longer than 6 miles.I became pregnant at age 26 and after having my baby I suffered from postpartum depression. I did not talk to anyone about the thoughts in my head as I felt ashamed for feeling that way. I never thought about hurting myself or my baby, I did not feel like I did not love my son and that made it difficult for me to understand what I was experiencing.I remember a good friend telling me that in other countries before patients are placed on anti-depression meds, they are asked to change their eating habits and incorporate exercise to their daily routines and by doing so other countries have a significant lower percentage of prescribed anti-depressants compared to the US. I began to change my eating habits and taking my baby out for walks around the neighborhood. Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line to my first half marathon while pushing my son on his stroller. This is when I realized that through running I was able to find myself and overcome those feelings of worthlessness and failure. When I run I feel strong, accomplished, empowered, successful, happy, fearless, unstoppable, and all things awesome. Running has changed my life in more ways than I could think of and I want women to know that they too can be awesome and fearless. I would have never imagined that my feet would be running mile to help Kathrine Switzer raise awareness and resources to help all women experience the fearlessness of RUNNING. Thank you for your support in my journey with 261 Fearless!

Founded by pioneer runner, Kathrine Switzer, 261 Fearless uses running to empower women globally through the creation of communication platforms, clubs, training, and education. We eliminate the barriers of geography, creating community, encouraging healthy living and a positive sense of self and fearlessness. Funds raised go toward our work to give women opportunities. Help us start local non-competitive social running groups where all women of all abilities are welcome. Sometimes it takes knowing you are not alone to make fearless choices