A couple of months ago, I came across a post on a Facebook group page I’m in about an organization called I Run 4 that pairs runners with children and adults with disabilities. This immediately intrigued me because often times, like I mentioned yesterday, when I run I think about those who can’t. That’s what I Run 4 is all about.
I scoped out their website and it was a pretty simple process. I registered as a runner, joined the Facebook group, and waited. They let me know that there would be a waiting period but I didn’t mind at all. In fact, it was so awesome to see people get so excited as they saw their number getting closer and closer to getting paired. Other blogger/runner friends and I would seriously tell one another, “Did you see?? They’re at 338! We’re almost there!”
And then one day, I was finally matched! I Run 4 Graisyn 🙂
Once you are matched, you dedicate your miles to your new buddy and post pics and write messages on the Facebook page for them (and their parents) to see. It’s so so awesome because the runners are so excited to share the miles and the recipients are equally as enthused if not more. Even those on the waiting list post/share their miles for everyone and for others on the waiting list.
Some runners, when they participate in races, ask for a second medal for their buddy; I love seeing the kids wearing their medals.
It really is an inspiring community.
At times though, it can get really overwhelming and I get emotional from seeing the kids and thinking about their parents–I know that I would have felt this way regardless but somehow being a mom heightens these feelings. I wish there was something that could be done for each and every one of them.
But it makes me happy that people like Tim Boyle, the founder of I Run 4, come up with organizations like this one that helps bring a smile to these kids’ faces and brightens up their day–especially when it’s because of something we love doing so much.
If this is something you think you might be interested in, I definitely recommend checking it out.
–Have you heard of I Run 4?
–Are you a part of any running partnerships/organizations?
***I was not asked to write a review on I Run 4. Opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
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Such a great organization! I haven’t signed up yet but I love hearing about everyone who has. As a Mom myself, I am afraid I will be too emotional about the whole thing.
Yeah, it def gets tough at times but I know that I’m really helping by contributing.
You got matched!! That’s so great! I’ve been thinking about signing up for this. I actually recently started talking with an organization in my area that provides support to pediatric cancer patients and I’m going to be running for their team. I’m really excited to get started with that! 🙂
That’s awesome!!!!
This is very cool!
It is!!
What a great organization. I had not heard of it before, but I am checking it out now. What a great way to add extra purpose to your miles!
Definitely!! Hope to see you in the group soon!
Very awesome! I bet it inspires you not to cut a run short too! I’m going to look into this.
I hadn’t heard of it, but I have heard of #Run3rd – started by Sean Astin. Basically you run for yourself first, your family second, and you choose the 3rd
Oh that’s a good idea too!!!
What a wonderful way to make your miles count. Talk about motivation! I love this idea.
It’s so motivational–you should check it out 🙂
This sounds amazing!!! I need to look into this, especially since I seriously miss working with kids with disabilities. I really did love my old job ❤
You should! It’s great!
What a great idea. I’d seen another blogger who was paired, but I don’t remember seeing her post on how she went about it. I think I’ll put my name on the wait list 🙂
i am the mother of a 21yr old som with cerebral palsy! andrew & his amazing running buddy will celebrate their 1st “matchiversary” on july 4th. i cant describe how much it means to have such a great support system!! his buddy (and her family) are part of our family now! alyhough we havent met in person…YET!! the athletes who volunteer for this may not know how much of a difference they make in the lives of their matches, but as a mom of a “buddy” i can attest that IR4 changes lives!! FIST BUMPS to tim boyle for getting such an awesome community started!!
WHO DO YOU RUN FOR?
I Run 4 Graisyn!! ❤
Just heard of this can can’t wait to put my name on the waiting list!!!!
Yay!!!!!!
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