From Depression to Determination: Finding Healing in the Miles

The thing about running is—it didn’t start out as a love story for me. It’s only really been part of my life for the last year. I was the kid in high school trying to figure out ways to get out of running the mile or the dreaded beep test. I remember one morning when it was so foggy that a few of us cut across the football field, and the gym teacher didn’t even notice. That was my kind of running.

Fast forward 16 years and a lot of lifestyle changes later,  I’m willingly about to run my first full marathon right here in Maine in just a few weeks.

Why Running Matters to Me

I spent much of my adult life living in a deep depression, struggling to even get out of bed. In 2023, I received a treatment that put my depression into remission and gave me my life back. During that time, I made a lot of lifestyle changes with one of them being intentional about moving my body.

At first, running was just about stress relief and carving out a little space for myself in the middle of work, parenting, and everything else life throws at me. I joined a local group fitness gym, where I started out running very slowly, taking plenty of walking breaks. But somewhere along the way, it became more.

I still remember the first time I ran a full mile without stopping. I remember my first race which was Beach to Beacon last summer. Running turned into a lifeline for me: an escape, a reminder that I can do hard things even on the hard days. And to be honest… a medal and a little external validation? That does something good for the soul, too.

Finding My People

One of the best parts of running in Maine has been the people. I’ve connected with so many new faces and formed genuine friendships over the past year. Running can feel isolating at times, but there’s something about showing up to a random local race and recognizing familiar faces, or running a 5 a.m. loop on Back Cove and exchanging that knowing runner’s wave.

I’ve been lucky to train alongside a close friend for the Maine Marathon and reconnect with a high school friend who became my running coach. They’ve been there for the 4 a.m. wake-ups, the mile-15 bonks, and the “what the heck am I doing?!” moments and to be able to share this moment with them will be a core memory!

That’s why the Maine Marathon is so special to me. It’s not just about running. It’s about community, connection, and a whole lot of hard work.

Balancing It All

Training for a marathon while also being a therapist, a parent, and just a human hasn’t been easy. My long runs sometimes start before the sun comes up, and there are plenty of mornings where I’d rather stay in bed, hitting the snooze button four times. I’ve skipped late nights out because I had an early run waiting for me. Sometimes I’ve had to come home from a long run to immediately jump into parent mode.

But running has taught me patience, consistency, and determination. Most importantly, it’s taught me how to truly show up for myself.

Why the Maine Marathon?

This year, I got the honor of being a Maine Marathon ambassador and honestly, it still feels surreal. Last year, I ran the Maine Half Marathon as my very first half. To be here just one year later, preparing for my first full, feels like a full-circle moment.

I’m not the fastest runner. I believe in walking breaks and I’ve definitely had races and runs where I wondered what on earth I was doing. But being an ambassador isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, being part of the community, and reminding people that they belong here, too.

What I’d Tell Anyone Thinking About Starting

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not a runner” like I did for years, I want to stop you right there. If you put on shoes and get out the door, you’re a runner. Period. You don’t need to look a certain way, run a certain pace, or log a certain number of miles. You already belong here, simply because you’re showing up.

The finish line doesn’t make you a runner. The pace you run doesn’t make you a runner.  The decision to keep showing up does. And who knows? That decision might just change your whole life like it did mine.

Jason and Meaghan’s Journey: From Miles in Maine to Miles Around the World

We’re Jason and Meaghan, both proud Maine natives with a shared love for adventure, endurance, and pushing beyond limits.

Jason, 40, owns an epoxy company and has worked in painting alongside his father for over two decades. Meaghan, 34, holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition and has been a registered clinical dietitian for more than 10 years. For Jason, ultras and running his own business are exactly the same. Enduring the good, the bad and struggle. There are no days off. You’d be pressed to find anyone that can outwork him in all aspects.

Meaghan has always been a dedicated runner and fitness enthusiast. In 2015—the year they were married—she introduced Jason to running. His first-ever miles were during their honeymoon in Romania, simply wanting to share the experience together.

From that moment, their love for running and travel became a shared passion. It has taken them to the far corners of the world and deep into the limits of their own endurance.

Reflections from their journey~

Building the Base: From Maine Trails to Everest 

In 2019, we took on our first ultra event—Maine’s own Last Man Standing. That race ignited a belief in us: there is no ceiling. No limitations. We could achieve anything with discipline and consistency.

We’re not naturally gifted athletes. What we’ve built came from grit, early mornings, and relentless effort. In the same year, we trekked to Everest Base Camp—an unforgettable experience that cemented our commitment to big miles and meaningful cultural exploration.

The Everyday Grind

Our day-to-day lives are demanding. Meaghan works full-time at Northern Light Hospital, and Jason runs a contracting business. Work begins by 7 a.m., which means our training happens before the world wakes up.

We’ve been setting 2:30 a.m. alarms for over a decade. Whether it’s lifting or running in the dark, it’s part of our DNA now. This discipline fuels our capacity to run 100+ mile races—and to thrive in our careers. Endurance has become our superpower.

Maine Tough

Being an athlete in Maine means embracing the extremes. We train in brutal cold, deep snow, intense rain, and sweltering heat and humidity. No matter the forecast, the alarm still goes off, and we get out the door. Tough conditions have forged our mindset. You can’t predict race day, so training in adversity is the perfect rehearsal. It’s hard—but deeply rewarding. There’s something empowering about knowing you’re putting in the work when most others wouldn’t. It makes you feel like a badass, and in truth, it sets you apart.

Homegrown Inspiration

Maine holds a special place in our journey. Events like Crow Athletics’ Down East Sunrise Trail Relay and the Mount Desert Island Marathon, and the Maine Community Bank Maine Marathon, marked some of our earliest longer distance races beyond local 5Ks and 10Ks. These traditional races built our confidence and drive.

But it was races like Back 40 Events’ Trail Festival at Pineland Farms and Last Man Standing where we discovered our potential to push much farther. Those trails taught us that endurance is a choice—and we chose to lean in.

Going Global: Nepal, Kilimanjaro, and Beyond

In 2025, we returned to Nepal for a new kind of challenge: the Mustang Trail Race. An eight-day ultra marathon through the Himalayas covering more than 100 miles and 30,000 feet of climbing. Only 50 runners from around the world took part, and we were honored to be among them.

Having previously run side by side in New Hampshire’s Ghost Train 100-Miler, we knew we had the rhythm and mental connection to get through another long-distance race together. The Mustang race pushed us physically and mentally, but we relied on each other—encouraging one another on steep climbs, reminding each other to hydrate and eat, and staying strong when things got hard.

We came home with lifetime memories and new friends from across the globe. That’s one of the greatest gifts of these races—the shared bond with strangers who understand what it means to endure.

What’s Next?

Our adventures have taken us to the Andes and Amazon of Ecuador, and in 2023, we summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The list of future goals continues to grow. Maybe the desert of Oman, the mountains of Uzbekistan, or the Gobi Desert in Mongolia—wherever the path leads, we’re ready. We feel honored to represent the grit and spirit of Maine on a global stage. Every challenge is a step toward building the kind of life we want—not just now, but into our senior years. We’ve met so many older athletes still grinding, still showing up, and it reminds us: you don’t stop when you get older—you get older when you stop.

One Step at a Time

Together, we’ve logged thousands of miles—both separately and together (side by side)—on roads, trails, and mountains across the world. This isn’t just about running. It’s about living intentionally, pushing boundaries, and choosing discipline every day. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: Stay consistent. Don’t stop. That’s what will take you farther than talent ever could.

Whether you’ve played in it, whether you’ve heard of it, or whether you’re hearing about it for the first time, let us introduce you to the The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic, one of the greatest sports traditions in Maine. This year the game on July 19 at Lewiston High School will mark its 35th anniversary.

The annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic is the premier high school athletic event in the State of Maine. Over 140 All-Star football players and cheerleaders from over 60 high schools across Maine are selected by the Maine Football Coaches Association to participate in this prestigious event. Since 1990, the athletes who have participated have provided Shriners Children’s with net proceeds on behalf of the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic of nearly $750,000.00. 

The game has grown in popularity dating back from the early days in Biddeford to the now more than 5,000 fans who attended the game last year in Lewiston. While one team wins, the real winner is Shriners Children’s.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 non-profit medical facilities across North America that provide care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns or spinal cord injuries as well those who are suffering from cleft lip and palate. These hospitals offer all services in an environment where family members feel comfortable enough so they can bond emotionally while providing treatment needed by their loved ones during difficult times, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. 

Jace: Last year, our team, the West, won behind 5 touchdowns from Noah, my former high school teammate and current college teammate at the University of Maine, who was named the games MVP.

Noah: My experience at the Lobster Bowl Classic was honestly one of the best moments of my football journey. Getting the chance to play in such a respected event meant a lot to me, not just because of the high level of competition, but because it was all for a really good cause.

Jace: We think every player appreciates that the Lobster Bowl raises money for the Maine Shrine and the Shriners Hospitals for Children. 

Noah: Knowing that we were playing to help kids who really need it made every practice, meeting, and game so much more meaningful. I had the honor of playing quarterback, a position I take a lot of pride in, and it was truly humbling to lead a group of incredibly talented athletes from all over the state. What really made the week special, though, was the people. From day one, the coaches were all in, they believed in us, pushed us, and treated us like family. I learned so much from them, not just about football but about leadership and character.

Since players come from across the state who have played against each other to then play on the same team, it creates an instant chemistry and brotherhood. 

We came in not knowing each other, but by the end, it felt like we had been teammates for years. We shared laughs, long days, tough practices, and unforgettable moments. That sense of brotherhood and unity is something I’ll never forget. The Lobster Bowl wasn’t just a game, it was a chance to grow, give back, and be part of something bigger than myself.

Jace: For some players, the game is extremely emotional because it’ll be their last high school football game. For me and Noah, it was our last before heading off to the University of Maine.

Noah: The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic reminded me why I love this sport so much and showed me how powerful it can be when used for a good cause. I’m super thankful for the friends I made, everything I learned, and the memories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

Jace: As lifelong friends and teammates at Leavitt High School it was an opportunity to play with the top football players in the state and realize one of my biggest dreams.

While growing up playing football in the State of Maine, it is every kid’s dream to be selected to play in the Lobster Bowl. Lots of people believe that the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic is merely just an all star football game, but the game is just a fraction of the whole experience.

Prior to the game there is a week of training camp for both players and cheerleaders. This is a unique element to the game that builds relationships far beyond football. The week leading up to the game was my favorite part of the whole experience. We got to spend a whole week with our new team practicing and having fun. Not only did we get to meet new people but those relationships will go on forever. The whole week is based on being with the team from players all over the state and building meaningful connections with not only players but also coaches. Everyone involved in the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic from the organizers and coaches, to the trainers and facility staff do an amazing job, making it a great week that every player looks forward to all year. 

The game is the cherry on top of an incredible week. The game was very fun and very competitive, but as I mentioned earlier we all knew that we were playing for so much more than just a football game.  The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl was one of the greatest experiences of my high school career, and it is something that I will cherish forever. I want to give a shoutout and thank you to everyone who was and is still a part of such a wonderful event. The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic truly opened my eyes to how the game of football can have such an amazing impact on so many lives and it often is more than just a game. Thank you to the countless volunteers and people who make the game impossible, you and the patient at Shriners Children’s continue to inspire us every day.

In fact, even as alumni we continue to donate and give back through our NIL funds and community events to raise awareness and funds for this great cause. 

Noah and Jace: If you are in a position to donate this year it would be greatly appreciated because we have seen first impact in the game but also for the children at the hospitals. 

After recently finishing our first year at the University of Maine on the football team, we recognize there are a lot of similarities and experiences that we draw along from our Lobster Bowl and high school experience.

On the football team here at the University of Maine we have pillars that shape how we play football but also shape how we live our lives and those are accountability, toughness, compete, family, passion, belief. We use these pillars to strengthen ourselves on and off the field. 

The feeling of being from the state of Maine and being able to represent and play for our home state is a feeling that can not be replicated. We are so grateful for the opportunity we have been given to play football at the University of Maine. We are proud to represent the wonderful state of Maine day in and day out. Go Black Bears!

Pictured (left to right): Jace Negley, Maddie Niles, Tim Lary, owner of the High Rollers Cards & Collectibles Card Show, and Noah Carpenter stand in front of the check for the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic on April 19, 2025.

Photo courtesy: Pliable Marketing

Watch this bonus YouTube video of Noah and Jace talking about their high school careers and playing in the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic.

The Bay of Fundy International Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K has been in my sights since I read a highlight about the race in July 2013, on runningmagazine.ca. I was in my final year at the University of Toronto, and little did I know I would pin it to the back of my mind for 11 years.

After moving west for six years and making my way back home to Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia), I caught (metaphorical) wind that the race was making a comeback after it had been on hiatus since 2019. While visiting the island of Campobello last August, I asked around about the international marathon. It turns out I was speaking to a volunteer coordinator, and she put me in contact with one of the soon-to-be co-race directors, and we’ve been meeting weekly almost since then! The effort of the volunteer committee, made of mostly locals to Campobello and Lubec, has made our 90 minute meetings a genuine joy. I have the pleasure of steering the social media, marketing, and promotions this year, yet not without the tremendous support of almost 30 core volunteers.

My connection to running was set from years of playing soccer, and after ending my time as a varsity player, I started running marathons. Over the years, as my connection to team sports faded and I dedicated myself to the solitude of running, I have been so surprised to find an incredible community there. After races, I’d make new friends in the nutrition tent or even be invited to a post-race, home-cooked dinner when my plans were noodles before crashing into my tent. One of my fondest memories was meeting a large group of locals on Campobello a few nights before a race and being surprised to see two of my newest friends at the start line to cheer me on. That experience included a gift bag and card delivery the next day to celebrate “the run being done.” The warmth of the people of the east is truly unmet and something I hope people will come to experience for themselves.

Speaking about the landscape of the Bay of Fundy International Marathon can’t be done without acknowledging the Wabanaki Confederacy. I believe their care and stewardship contribute largely to the feeling of home many experience when visiting or living “down east.” It is the land that the sun sees first, yes, and truly a beautiful place, with individuals and people who have strong connections to their cultures, but what ties all of it together is the connections between the people and the ocean. Living by the sea, the tides, the wind, and being a runner embedded that nature into me, and while I can only speak for myself, I think it shapes all of us who live by it. Our connection to the earth is one that the effort and sport of running have helped me restore and nourish within myself. Having lived-experience of PTSD and the dysregulation that comes with it, running and its wider community have helped me learn healthy ways of coping and living while figuring out how to run ultramarathons!

In addition to volunteering with the race, I work in community, youth and peer support, have been a yoga teacher for 11 years, and have been a low-pressure fitness (hypopressives) instructor for 3. Outside of all these things, if not running, I am reading, surfing, or planning a road trip to do any of the above! My hope with all of this work and by sharing my story is for people to be inspired to move, stay connected with the nature around them, and also learn to be still, practice undivided attention, whether it be walking, running or fishing. Be present; we live in a beautiful world.

You’ve invited to learn more about the Bay of Fundy International Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k, whether your interest is in running, volunteering or simply cheering from the sidelines. Hope to see you June 22nd at this international race!

Please feel free to visit Kendra’s nonprofit organization, Preserve Wellness (via Instagram @preservewellness) or by visiting Kendra Benedict on Facebook. Preserve Wellness services are for anyone who needs resources as well as their pay-what-you-like movement and decompression practices both in person and virtually.

From Swimmer to Triathlete: A Journey Rooted in Passion and Purpose By Sam LaRiviere, PT, DPT

For as long as I can remember, swimming has been at the core of who I am. I thrived in the structure, camaraderie, and challenges of the sport. Growing up in Maine, I swam competitively for the Sanford YMCA Titans and Massabesic High School, earning Academic All-American honors and serving as the Maine Athlete Representative to Maine Swimming LSC. I was also part of numerous record-breaking relay teams—experiences that helped shape both my character and competitive spirit.

More importantly, it introduced me to the value of community: teammates who pushed me, coaches who believed in me, and mentors who inspired me. But like many athletes, my path included setbacks—in my case, repeated injuries that introduced me to the world of physical therapy. One session in particular changed everything: a sports medicine doctor suggested Springfield College not just for PT school, but as a place to swim and learn. That advice set the course for my career.

That passion for athlete development has also led me to work at the highest levels in the swimming world. As a member of the USA Swimming High-Performance Rehabilitation Network, I provide coverage for national and international meets for the U.S. National Team, ensuring athletes have the care and support they need to perform at their best. I completed a rotation at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where I worked with the U.S. Para Swimming and Paratriathlon teams during their training camps— an experience that reinforced the importance of blending expertise with empathy. This helped deepen my commitment to supporting swimmers in Maine. I’ve had the privilege of working with athletes across the state, focusing on injury prevention, dry land training, swim stroke analysis, and personalized coaching to help them stay strong, healthy, and competitive.

Triathlons felt like a natural evolution of my athletic identity. With a strong background in swimming, the challenge of integrating cycling and running was both humbling and energizing. What drew me in wasn’t just the competition—it was the opportunity to connect my passion for sport with a deeper purpose: helping others. Just as physical therapy allowed me to support athletes through injury and recovery, triathlons gave me a platform to coach, educate, and empower athletes across all disciplines.

That passion extends into my work today, where I aim to be a resource for all things endurance—whether it’s coaching, injury prevention, performance optimization, or specialized services like bike fitting. I love being a one-stop shop for athletes who are striving toward their goals, no matter where they are in their journey. Participating in Tri Maine events has been a full-circle experience. These races are more than just competitions—they’re a celebration of Maine’s endurance community. Whether I’m racing or cheering from the sidelines, I’m constantly inspired by the grit, determination, and joy that athletes bring. It’s not about who finishes first—it’s about showing up, giving your all, and growing through the process. It’s also about connection—bringing together pockets of triathletes from across the state and building something bigger than ourselves.

As a triathlete, I’ve learned to embrace the grind and celebrate the small wins: a smoother transition, a stronger brick workout, a more focused mindset on race day. But more than that, triathlon has taught me that success isn’t just measured in splits and finish times— it’s found in the community that lifts you up, keeps you accountable, and celebrates your journey every step of the way.

Maine is the perfect backdrop for triathlon. Its rugged coastlines, crystal-clear lakes, forest trails, and charming small towns create a training environment that’s as inspiring as it is challenging. But what truly sets it apart is the people. Maine’s tight-knit communities rally around athletes with unmatched encouragement and authenticity. It’s a place where seasoned racers, curious newcomers, and everyone in between can train, recover, learn, and grow—together. Here, surrounded by community and the beauty of the outdoors, endurance sports truly reflect Maine “the way life should be.”

Sam is shown competing in the annual Polar Bear Triathlon.

When I first started playing soccer, I was three years old. I started playing because my sister, Mia, who was two years older than me, was also playing soccer in the Kennebunkport Youth Soccer program. It certainly made trips to the field a family experience, especially as the son of parents who both played college soccer at the University of Southern Maine. We are a soccer family. I credit both of my parents not only for the athletic genes, but for their support throughout the early years and obviously still today. 

As I look back, I continue to appreciate the support from my family more and more as I get older; or maybe the appreciation has grown as the home games get further away. In college, my parents and family would try to make the trip to Burlington as much as possible. Many families of college athletes will tell you, it takes a village, and that is so true.

Whether it was trips to practice, traveling to out of state tournaments or sharing their support, my family has been my rock. I can remember making some pretty important decisions about my soccer career as a teenager, and their support and guidance didn’t go unnoticed. Since I have an older sister and younger brothers, my parents juggled schedules a lot. I also think they also passed the competitive genes down to my sister and my brothers because we always pushed each other; I have always been grateful for that.

Ultimately, my decision to play soccer at the University of Vermont allowed me to stay in New England and be part of a college with a really strong soccer program. When I was being recruited by several schools, I remember the Vermont coaches sharing their vision to compete, and one day win a national championship. During my time in Vermont, our team tasted success on the national stage, including my junior and senior year. I felt like we were so close to breaking through and that is one of the main reasons I decided to return for my fifth year; we had unfinished business. 

The season got off to a tough start with just one win in our first four games. We were hit by adversity with several injuries and we made adjustments to our line-up, including my transition from striker to defense. I remember when my coach Rob Dow asked if I was willing to move back to the back line. I don’t know if we both knew how well it would work out, but I am glad I did. After all, if we were going to turn our season around it was going to take a village. Sure enough, we went on a run and had a 9-game unbeaten streak. 

In the NCAA tournament, we faced more adversity, going in unranked and facing many of the top teams in the country on the road at their home field, but that’s when we really found our identity, not only as Catamounts, but as dogs. We didn’t believe we were underdogs, just dogs. It quickly became our team motto. Simply put, each player on the team was willing to outwork the opponent and do whatever it was going to take to win. 

I also know our fans were a huge part of our success. In Vermont, there isn’t a pro sports team, so at UVM we benefit from all the sports fans who want to show their support. We also had alumni and fans from across the world who were supporting us. We fed off the fans all season long, not only at home but on the road, too. I want them to know we truly appreciate them, and their support is something I will never forget.

On the field, I know our team believed we could beat anybody. After beating #2 Pittsburgh to get to the College Cup, that was huge for us. It showed us we could beat any team in the country. 

One of my most vivid memories was in the national semifinal. I remember standing in the huddle against Denver and telling the guys if we didn’t get this done now, it was going to be over. I didn’t want it to be my last game in the green. I just felt like this was our time, this was our moment. Eventually we went on to win in penalty kicks, propelling us to the National Championship game.

We talked as a team that we had a few ups and downs this year, but you know the thing is you want to catch fire at the right time. In the biggest moments our best players showed up when we needed them the most and that showed the whole tournament.

With the dog-like mentality we went on to beat Marshall, 2-1 in OT. After Maximilian Kissel scored the stadium erupted with cheering from our fans for what seemed like hours. In the blink of an eye, we became the first team from Vermont to win a National Championship; it was unreal.

Then the days after winning the national championship were crazy. We had several guys about ready to get drafted and talking with MLS teams to see where they would land. The MLS SuperDraft was just five days after the national championship game, and I was meeting with teams and taking calls about where I might land. 

I got the call at home while watching the draft that I had been selected by New York City FC. I will always remember that moment, having it all sink in. Everything happened so fast. Now I am in New York working hard to get into the line-up and prove myself at the next level. 

When I look back at my college career, and as a kid growing up in Maine, playing soccer and being noticed in sports is kind of difficult. We don’t have a lot going for us, and if we do, we’ve got to travel really far for it. But it just shows that if you’re willing to put in the hard work and the dedication, you can achieve anything.

I also think the next generation of athletes can change the perception of athletes from Maine. Just look at the past few years, with athletes like professional golfer Caleb Manuel, WNBA player, Mackenzie Holmes, and probably the first pick in the NBA draft, Cooper Flagg. I want to help young boys and girls in Maine realize that to do things that have never been done before, someone has to be first, why not you?

In many cases, athletes in Maine carry the same traits as their families, we’re hard-working, dedicated and willing to put in the work. That’s why I believe some of the best products, best people, and best athletes can be Maine made. 

We need to continue to support athletes with resources, including great coaches and modern facilities. Athletes and schools need the support from fans and businesses who contribute emotionally and financially to the success of youth, high school and our minor league sport teams.

Ultimately, I think it really takes a village. I know our village here in Maine is pretty special.

Girls on the Run Coach Spotlight:

Meet Denise Leathers-Pouliot, a school nurse who began her Girls on the Run coaching journey at Monmouth Memorial School in Spring 2023. As a school nurse and a mom to three grown daughters, Denise knows well the challenges girls in grades 3-5 face, and the power of Girls on the Run.

In her own words, “I want to help girls in grades 3-5 learn the power that lies within each of them, how to foster a sense of self, and importantly a sense of connection with other girls. GOTR is the perfect balance of social emotional learning and physical activity.” Monmouth is so lucky that Denise has passionately brought the program to the community!

Coach Denise gets Girls on the Run– everything she does embodies the GOTR spirit and mission. She encourages friendship by ensuring that her team members have opportunities to connect with everyone throughout the season, she fosters empathy through having her team stay for the whole Celebratory 5K to cheer on each team member as they finish, and anytime we’re lucky enough to see or talk with her, she expresses such joy!

When asked to do some reflecting about GOTR, Denise couldn’t speak about her experience without a shoutout to her superstar assistant coaches. Autumn Houck has been assisting from the beginning, and Katie Torrington and Robin Siderio have joined along the way. Denise said she could not offer the program without these women and that she is blessed. We are so fortunate that Denise decided to become a Girls on the Run coach! The work she puts into hosting a team each fall and her excitement and dedication to the program make a meaningful difference for the kids on her team.

Continue reading the GOTR blog below to hear more in Denise’s own words. If you’re interested in learning about more of our superstar coaches, check out our Instagram/Facebook Coach Spotlight series!

How did you become involved with GOTR? As a long time runner, I have been familiar with GOTR for at least 15 years. As a mother of three girls (now all grown), I know of the struggles that young girls face. As a school nurse, I want to help girls in grades 3-5 learn the power that lies within each of them, how to foster a sense of self and, importantly, a sense of connection with other girls. GOTR is the perfect balance of social emotional learning and physical activity.

What do you love most about GOTR? I absolutely love watching the program participants connect with each other. Our coaching team fosters connection outside of the same old safe friendship, and we encourage the connections in every lesson by mixing up groups. Watching these connections grow and seeing the girls support one another through the funny and the hard things is really heartwarming. There is power that lies within a group; and you can see that happening with every lesson.

What is your favorite GOTR lesson/activity? OR What’s a highlight from one of your seasons? At the celebratory 5k, our Monmouth Memorial School GOTR team always cheers each other on and supports our last team member as they work their way to the finish line. To me, this sums up the program and our MMS community. My favorite lessons are the very first lesson and of course Being a Friend! Additional: I could not offer the program at MMS without the other coaches, Autumn Houck has been alongside me every year, Katie Torrington joined last year and Robin Siderio joined this year. All three are educators at the school who are respected and loved by students. These women make the program personal for the girls, organized and fun.