TWO-SIX-ONE FEARLESS

Katherine Switzer - First registered woman to run the Boston Marathon - 1967

The year was 1967 and Katherine (K.V.) Switzer put on bib #261 and ran the Boston Marathon.  The year before, Roberta Gibb ran Boston as well, but as an "unsanctioned" runner.  Women, in those days, were not allowed to run the race as an "official" entrant.  But 50 years ago, next Monday, K.V. Switzer, had registered, paid the $2 entry fee, and lined up. It was only after she and her running partners got to Mile 2 that there was an issue.

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I just got done with a run.  On my run I listened to the Runner's World podcast, where Editor-in-Chief, David Willey, interviewed Katherine Switzer about this.  She ran that year at the age of 20 and is going to run this year, at 70 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of this historic event.

Historic in the fact that it, along with other events, helped usher in the acceptance of women competing in athletics, at HIGH levels and I'm sure opening the door for other opportunities in the business world as well.  

I was SO inspired to hear Katherine tell the story, but more importantly, the fire of inspiration that it lit in her.  

We all find inspiration in various ways.  Since I started this daily, BEST YEAR YET, blog back in January, we've looked at different inspirations and how we can not only be inspired, but do something with that inspiration.....START!

If you listen to the podcast reference above, Katherine said that after the race director tried (unsuccessfully) to rip her bib off of her, she felt confused, scared, then angry and it got to the point where over the next 24 miles she thought about how to make things different.  

SHE HAD A MISSION.

Today, she has a foundation, 261 Fearless, this is what their website says:

"We are a global supportive community which empowers women to connect and take control of their lives through the freedom gained by running. Through a series of non-competitive running clubs and private communication channels, we provide networking, healthy running support and education, and a sisterhood to women all over the world.

It is the mission of 261 Fearless to bring active women together through a global supportive social running community – allowing fearless women to pass strength gained from running onto women who are facing challenges and hence sparking a revolution of empowerment. 261 is the symbol that unites us as empowered runners."

What inspiration...mission...pursuit do you have in you that others need?  Whatever it is, be FEARLESS and let it out!

End Note:

Get behind those that are making a difference in our world.  Maybe YOU are one that others can get behind.  Let others know of your dreams and visions and you'll find the right people to rally with you to accomplish them!

GO.GET.IT!

THE WORLD NEEDS WHAT YOU HAVE!