It was a new venture; one in which I was unsure of the outcome. Hosting races is Aravaipa’s business model, creating a premier women’s only training program was, previously, not. However, I had the passion and the right companies to help guide me on this journey. Jamil and Aravaipa have given me the platform, Oiselle has given me the guidance and inspiration, and Alicia Shay has given her time, energy and education to help make this a reality.
This past weekend the Women’s 50K Training Program hosted its Seminar and Film Festival in Anthem, Arizona. It has always been about empowering women, giving them a forum to ask questions, and cultivating a group that connects emotionally as well as physically through running. Not to mention, getting more women out on the trails to kick some major butt in ultra distances! The seminar hoped to create a safe environment to ask questions and open up about women’s specific issues. With Stephanie Bruce headlining the event I was confident that would happen. Still, there were nerves: Would the conversation flow? Would everyone be comfortable enough to ask questions? Silly, unfounded worries that I’m good at having.
Stephanie Bruce
By the end of her talk, Stephanie was laying on the floor with her shirt pulled up to demonstrate her diastasis recti (separated abs) which were a result of giving birth to two rather sizeable babies 15 months apart. There was no holding back. She was eloquent but brutally open about issues that have befallen her simply as a woman. Personal exploits and anecdotes from body-shaming to on-the-run bathroom problems were openly aired. Stephanie gave up precious time on a Saturday morning the day before pacing Caitlin Comfort at Arizona Rock n’ Roll half marathon (8 miles at 5:50 pace…a few months postpartum), the day before her husband was to race, while she was in the care of a toddler and an infant, to prioritize our group.
Oiselle provided the avenue to have Stephanie attend on Saturday; however, they are also outfitting the women in some amazing apparel. Checkout the mannequin with attitude (my guess is the singlet has magical powers that will give its wearer that kind of swagger when worn at a starting line):
Alicia Shay not only spoke about nutrition on Saturday but for the past two months has put together plans, strategies, and spent almost every Thursday driving down from Flagstaff to run with our training group. She is able to relate with a track, road, and trail background. Plus, her knowledge of nutrition and, more specifically, race nutrition are invaluable information weapons on race day.
Aravaipa Racing Team’s Kristina Pham was present to discuss the Crown King Scramble course and give first-hand accounts of her race day strategies and thoughts on the race (our goal-race for this installment of the program). Kristina hold the 4th fastest time at Crown King. However, the fact that she balances being a mom of three, student, teacher, and runner were almost of more interest. Discussing her time management was just as important and enlightening.
Strong women are present in almost every aspect. Carly Koerner designed our logo & singlet. Vanessa Rodriguez will be coming to discuss her book, Daughters of Distance, during our January book club dialog. Film festival included productions about Kimberly Newberry, Anna Frost, Lizzy Hawker, Kasie Enman, and more.
I am so excited to watch the rest of the program unfold and hope that the women involved are getting as much out of it as I am. It is going to be a huge honor to watch and cheer them all in to the finish line at Crown King Scramble in April!