As a national sponsor of the Girls on the Run SoleMates charity running program, Garmin is partnering with this great organization to further their mission and share the stories of the women and men who are “running for a reason”. Runners can sign up for any event — runs, walks, bike rides or triathlons — and raise funds that will support their chosen council of Girls on the Run. Want your next race to help change lives? Find out more here. Today’s inspiring story comes from Amy, who kept putting one foot in front of the other to accomplish greater goals, including losing 165 pounds! Visit her fundraising page and support her efforts to spread the Girls on the Run message to girls in Maine.

When I started running, I was 30 years old and weighed about 250 pounds. I had lost about 80 pounds and was walking on a treadmill regularly. One day I thought, "I wonder how far I could run?" The answer was 20 seconds before feeling like I was going to die!  But I made the decision to try to run a little longer each time. It took me all fall and winter, but eventually I got to the point of running an entire 5k. In the spring I got off the treadmill and on the road and that's when I truly fell in love with running. Today I've lost 165 pounds, have run several 5ks, a 5 miler, a 10k, and will run my first half marathon this fall as a Girls on the Run SoleMates fundraiser.

One of the things I love about running is how easily I was able to incorporate it into my busy life. No fancy equipment or memberships required; all I need are my legs and a pair of running shoes! I've also learned a lot about myself through running. I've learned that I am capable of accomplishing things I never imagined were possible for me. I became a SoleMates fundraiser because I believe Girls on the Run will help show young girls that the same is true for themselves. With the right frame of mind and some hard work, anything is possible!