Let Me Run!
After coaching Girls On The Run for elementary-age girls, Ashley Armistead could not wait for her sons to have a similar opportunity: an after-school running program that offered a safe space where the boys could be themselves, express their fears and dreams and feel the power of being connected to others through positive, healthy communication.
“I have always believed that running develops happier and healthier children,” says Ashley. “It demands that you bring your best attitude and a positive spirit. Running does not respond to status or appearance, just a big heart and good energy.”
But as her boys approached third grade Ashley realized that such a program did not exist. She knew it was up to her to start a boys’ running club if they were going to have the type of experience that she wanted for them. Luckily, there were many talented people in Charlotte who shared her dream.
“In our society boys are so caught up in how they think they are supposed to act and what they are supposed to be interested in. Oftentimes young boys will not even try because of the fear that they won’t live up to expectations,” says Paul Martino, co-chair of Let Me Run, the organization that developed as a result of Ashley’s vision. “Let Me Run provides a support team of peers and adults that allows a boy to establish his own goals regardless of what the other boys are trying to accomplish. Let Me Run boys are courageous enough to be themselves.”
Fifth-grade teacher Jason Gardner has seen Let Me Run make a positive impact at his school, Celeste Henkel Elementary.
“This program is willing to take on the ageless stereotype that ‘boys will be boys’ and help them grow both mentally and physically,” says Jason. “I am fortunate that, as a teacher, I get to see the impact that Let Me Run makes daily. I have watched our boys go from passive participants in the crowd to leaders guiding others to make the right decisions. I love running and I love working with a program that involves physical fitness. With that said, the true gift that Let Me Run gives our boys is the ability to withstand peer pressure and grow into self-confident leaders.”
Board member and Let Me Run coach Janie Cook emphasizes the incredibly rewarding experience that Let Me Run has been for coaches and boys alike.
“As an avid runner for 30 years, running has been a gift to me that has kept me grounded through many phases of my life.It has challenged me, humbled me, strengthened me, calmed me as well as given me life-long friends,” says Janie. “I always go into each LMR season very ambitious as a coach. I have goals to help empower the boys to be themselves; to believe in themselves and nurture their unique gifts; to dream big and learn to set goals to reach those dreams; to help them develop positive peer relationships; and to help them take one more step forward in their life journey. By the end of the season I am usually humbled by lessons the boys have taught me or taught each other – not through their coach but through running. And the energy that comes across the finish line when they run their 5k is oh-so-powerful!”
“I love that boys with different levels of natural ability pull together to support each other’s goals in a common race,” adds Todd Capitano, a board member and Myers Park Traditional coach. “They learn to not be threatened by the success of others but are instead appreciative and supportive. To me, this is the beauty of the running community.”
As a six-time coach of Let Me Run, Vice President and coach Lori Klingman greets every season with tons of excitement and a little nervousness.
“I always have butterflies at the first practice as the boys and I size each other up. Learning their personalities and quirks never takes very long, though, and friendships and bonds form quickly,” she says. “One of my very favorite aspects of Let Me Run is to watch the boys grow both physically and emotionally. To see the sense of accomplishment that they feel at the end of a strong practice and particularly at the 5k finish line leaves me a little teary every single time.”
Let Me Run’s “Fix 4 the Day 5k”
On Nov. 19, Fix 4 the Day will host a 5k benefiting Let Me Run at McAlpine Park in Charlotte where 400 boys will run what is perhaps their first 5k. Proceeds will benefit Let Me Run. To register, visit www.fix4theday.com.
Volunteers are needed to run or walk the 5k and cheer on the boys as they cross the finish line. Together we can create a “boy culture” that celebrates lifting others up, self-improvement and having the courage to be yourself. We can leave this world better than we found it through happy, healthy, purposeful boys. Come out and see the joy and potential of each boy as they dig deep and go after their goal. Come out and feel the power of positive connection.
Volunteers will get a T-shirt, water and bagels, inspiring words from former Carolina Panther Leonard Wheeler, and a feeling of hope about this next generation of boys. To donate or volunteer contact Kirsten Wrinkle at kwrink@bellsouth.net.
This race will be a fantastic way to get ready for the Thanksgiving week and a fun warm-up for the Turkey Trot. McAlpine is a great course, the weather will be cooler, and the energy will be high.
Visit Let Me Run’s website, www.letmerun.org, or seek out a Let Me Run board member or staffer at the race for more information on being a coach or donating to Let Me Run.
