Skyla Jackson

They called me Action Jackson in high school. I signed up to be on the cross country team my sophomore year of high school to get in shapre for soccer season. I fell in love eith it, but especially with the high that follows a hard run or winning a close race. I noticed then that you don’t come across too many angry or mean runners; they are usually happy and nice people. I think there is something to be said about that. Running has been a quiet outlet for me for over 20 years and I am grateful for it every day. FOR THE HIGH OF IT!

Alyssa Zabala

Running was always such a challenge for me. For the longest time I was always into lifting, my only cardio consisted of incline walking on the treadmill once a week. I still remember that feeling I got from completing my first long run without stopping. The way it made me feel after, I’ll never forget. I was so proud of myself, there was no going back. Running has brought such a positive community into my life. I love that running is truly you vs. you and it has shown me I am capable of more than I imagined.

Jodi Perez

I started running about 6 months ago. I really had no interest in running until I was invited to run once a week and truly just didnt want to miss out on a fun time with people who were interested in fitness and lifestyle as I was. As someone who has had a lifelong struggle with body image and weight fluctuation, running has changed my perspective on what my body is capable of and the joy of challenging myself both physically and mentally rather than a constant cycle of binge, restricting and over training.

In addition to all of the mental and physical benefits of running, I've gotten to build community with people who are positive and authentic and want to prioritize wellness and lifestyle. It's brought a whole new outlook to training and health.

Lindsay Balkenbush

I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember. Movement has always been a big part of my life. I played college soccer, and after an injury in my final season, I took some time off and realized how much I missed challenging myself and being part of something bigger.

Running started as a way to stay active, but it quickly became so much more. It’s not just about the challenge — it’s about the people. The running community has brought me some of my closest friends, kept me grounded through life’s ups and downs, and reminded me of the power of simply showing up.

Now, running is how I stay connected — to myself and to the people around me. It’s where I find joy, growth, and a reminder that we’re all capable of more than we think.

Colton Ray

Running has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I spent nine years competing in track and cross country before stepping away in early adulthood. At the time, I was struggling with body dysmorphia and needed to focus on my mental health and self-love. What once felt like pure joy had started to feel heavy, and I knew I had to rediscover my “why.” Running had been something I loved for a very long time, so losing access to my internal “why” was difficult. I knew I needed to rebuild my relationship with both my body and the sport itself.

After years of ups and downs, including one of my lowest points two years ago, I worked on finding that “why” again. I committed to consistent workouts, focusing on accountability, proper fueling, and self-care. Over time, these small steps helped me reconnect with the joy of movement, the importance of self-love, and the ways in which caring for my body could also heal my mind. That accountability became the foundation for managing my body dysmorphia and ultimately opened the door for me to return to running.

This spring, I began running again in a new way. Through the support of community, encouragement from others, and a renewed focus on mental health, I have learned to see running as a positive part of my life once more. Running has become more than just exercise. It is a way to challenge myself physically and mentally, to connect with others, and to reflect inwardly. Each step feels like a hug to the younger me who always used running as an outlet. It is a reminder that joy, connection, and self-care can coexist. I am grateful every day to be part of a community that shows me that running is not just about pace or distance, but about resilience, support, and rediscovering the love for the sport that shaped me.

Bios coming soon!

Brian Wilkerson

John Hickey

Nicole Nobel

Nadza Ibrahimagic

Hunter LePrell