We Asked, You Answered: What Makes Us Strong

At the start of Women’s History Month, we asked you to tell us what makes you strong as a woman runner—whether it’s using your body to move, building community with other women, gaining confidence from setting and achieving goals, or even embracing vulnerability. We’re so grateful to have heard from many of you, and we share a selection of responses here.

Thank you all for sharing Women’s History Month with us, and we look forward to continuing to share women’s strength in all its forms, all year long.

“What makes me strong is that I can be a role model to myself, friends, family, and community by listening, being truthful, and loving.” –Elisa, Brooklyn, NY

“Being positive in adversity makes me strong—for example, when I have a plan to run and it snows or rains, or when I wake up very early to take a train and bus to get to training or an event. Running makes me strong and positive and more self-confident. —Tatyana, Queens, NY

“I find strength in connection with breath and body movement. Running requires me to use strength I never knew I had. It is the ultimate release and fills me with positivity.” —Amanda, Westport, CT

“Believing in myself to do things I am afraid of, like leaving my 26-year career to become a full-time running coach. I have competed in three Ironman triathlons even though I am deathly afraid of open water. I have skydived in Sydney and bungee jumped in Queenstown and I am deathly afraid of heights. I have taken improv classes to get over my fear of public speaking. I am always looking for new challenges to take on even though I may be scared. Who I become on the other end of these challenges more than outweighs the stability of a comfort zone. I am hoping that I lead by example and inspire people in my circle that they owe it to themselves to do things that they are SCITED (scared and excited) about. When we let fear win, we are shortchanging on our own human experience.” —Denise, Chicago

“Running, my personality, my intelligence, my thinking, my family and friends, family separation, mental illnesses, large amount of pressure made me the stronger person I am now.” —Tiffany, New Jersey

“The strength, courage, and resilience of all those fighting a battle so many do not know about, that is what makes me strong. I find myself running and pushing myself harder every day thinking about all those that cannot and doing it for them. My community, my family, all of those that are affected by Huntington’s disease in some way and keep fighting. That is what makes me strong.” –MaryAnn, Bronx, NY

“Being resilient to life and what it throws at me and going with the punches.” —Heather, Rockaway, NJ

“I am strong because despite the challenges created by the pandemic, I got dressed, put my running shoes and went out and ran to be strong and to empower myself.” —Giulia, Italy/NYC

“My perseverance and determination and never-give-up attitude have enabled me to train and complete 14 marathons and 40 half marathons in six years.” —Kathy, Brooklyn

“Allowing myself to be vulnerable makes me strong! Being vulnerable brings awareness to my opportunities for growth and development. Continued growth and development leads to strength! So, I am strong because I embrace vulnerability. —Tessa, St. Lucia

“Like too many women, I am overcoming physical and emotional abuse and the resulting low self-esteem. Running empowers me, giving me the time and space to think and take care of myself in addition to literally making me stronger and faster.” —Amy, Maryland

“Having wonderful women to work out and train together with—I’m part of the Empire Tri group and for the past year, the women of this group have kept me sane and strong! We have been meeting regularly in wind and rain and cold and ice... early mornings and late nights. The friendship, the support, and the unflagging enthusiasm has helped me get through this past tough year. So grateful that I have this community with me! —Blaise, Ireland/NYC