I am so excited to tell you all about Solemates! Solemates is a non-profit running and walking organization focused on helping local families in need. The one-time $40 membership fee includes a DARLING sterling silver Solemates necklace, invitations to Solemates events, exclusive event discounts just for members, and opportunities to give back to the community!
Solemates founder Wendi Goold Arant is one of the sweetest people I know! I've had the opportunity to run with Wendi a few times and it was really fun getting to know her! :) Below are some quotes from Wendi and Solemates that I think really reflect how beneficial a running partner or group can be!
On finding running "solemates"...
On finding running "solemates"...
Almost 18 years ago, July 4th, 1996 to be exact, my friend Barb was training for a marathon, and somehow talked me into running a 5k. By running, I mean she ran and chatted effortlessly the entire time, as I put all of my energy into trying to breathe, staying upright and keeping my eyes peeled for the next water station. Although I had run a few times here and there during my high school and college years, and worked out in gyms frequently for years, I hadn’t ever done any real running. That combined with recently having had my middle daughter, made this one of the most difficult 36 minutes of my life. I had to walk between miles 2-3, but I finished, with my friend right by my side. It was a moment that would change my entire life.
Fast forward almost 18 years. Barb and I have now run several marathons and half marathons together. But more important than the events we have completed, have been the countless hours and miles we have logged between them. The road has given us a place to talk, laugh, cry, vent, learn and grow in the healthiest of ways. It has been a constant factor in an otherwise insane life, which I know so many women can relate to. She has been my “solemate”. I know this goes for so many women regardless if it is from walking or running, as it is such a wonderful way to connect with others and one of the only sports in which you can truly engage in conversation while exercising. No distractions, no choreography, no audience, no limits on what can be shared. Running and/or walking is a gift, and our solemates make this gift priceless.
On founding Solemates in Motion...
During the past few years, I have been wanting to start a running group in my area but felt that it needed to be about more than just training runs and competing in events. I felt passionate about making it about the physical and emotional betterment of not only ourselves, but of others as well. After years of running numerous events and building incredible friendships with other women involved in running and walking, I felt that I was standing on the exact path that would lead to the creation of Solemates in Motion. I am beyond lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful, intelligent, positive group of women, who believe in this dream as much as I do, and they are helping every day to make it a reality. They are my solemates. I hope you will be ours.
On giving back to the community...
- We [the members of Solemates] will choose an organization at each group run/walk to give to. One week, it may be the Oregon Food Bank, so we all bring non-perishable items. One week, it may be a shelter that needs women's clothing, or blankets, etc..It may be putting on a 5k. :) We may adopt a family or a few for the holidays and bring gifts for them.. the list goes on. We feel this will be a way in which we can immediately help others, and our members can play more of a roll in making suggestions about whom to help.
I love Solemates in Motion, I love being a Solemate, and I love everything that Solemates stands for, and hopefully you can see why! I love that Solemates focuses on female runners and walkers of all abilities, on supporting each other, and on giving back locally. (Also, the cute swag doesn't hurt...) There are lots of other running groups out there--some free, some with annual fees, etc. But I feel that Solemates in Motion is unique, especially in the Portland-metro area, because it doesn't matter how fast or slow you are, or how many races you've finished--it's a good support group, and their focus on philanthropy is definitely one of the things that I really like the most about this group. $40 for a lifetime membership is really reasonable (especially with the adorable necklace that's included, and discounts on races!)