I launched my summer internship program a couple of weeks ago, starting the first meeting with a mandatory workout that I had been envisioning for weeks. I wanted to make an impression that would set the tone for the weeks to come, but I also didn’t want to scare anyone away.
We met at a local park and as we finished our warmup lap, I told the ladies that in honor of a sports bra yoga event I was co-hosting that Friday, we would all be running the next lap in just our sports bras. Yes, I went there on day one.
I encouraged each woman to listen to their body, run the pace they needed, and to notice the thoughts that ran through their mind as they ran through the course. Then we took off our shirts and began.
My goal was to stick with whoever was running last and to make sure that she finished strong, knowing this challenge was more for her than me. The women eventually tapered off, leaving me alone with the one in the back.
In between breaths, this intern shared that she used to suffer from anorexia, and that running was how she used to aid her eating disorder. Running would bring back the negative thoughts from her eating disordered past, and this was one of her first runs since recovery.
I listened as she shared her story with me, holding SPACE for her to share her vulnerabilities. We ran united by the exposure—emotionally and physically.
As we rounded the final corner of the run, I encouraged her to listen to her body and to ask herself whether or not she could run FASTER.
I reminded her that her pace is just that—HERS to decide.
That morning I watched her push past a part of her that used to hold her back, sprinting toward a better version of herself.
We may have ran 10 minutes but the growth from that run felt like months worth of progress, reminding me, once again, why I do what I do.
Watching women break through mental hurdles and let go of negative versions of themselves is a magical sight to see.
Providing SPACE for people to learn, grow and heal is exactly why I decided to create my own company that emphasizes self-compassion and care. Space is something we all need. Not space to be judged, advised, or ignored, but a safe space to confront ourselves and be given the opportunity to be who we are.
I know not ALL of the interns had that magical experience last week, but it was still a wake-up call for many.
We might have felt uncomfortable initially, but all I could feel was the solidarity of seven women running in public in their sports bras. I’ve never seen a group of women do that before and I can only hope that it might have inspired some women who happened to see us.
I originally created the summer internship program to teach students lessons that weren’t taught to me in college, but what I didn’t realize is that I’ve created something beyond my comprehension; something that just might be the catalyst these ladies need to better themselves even more, myself included.
Author Bio:
Amanda Crichton is an anti-diet dietitian in Columbus, Ohio. She created her own company, Fulcio, in 2017 and emphasizes emotional health and nutritional balance. Fulcio, which is Latin for support, aims to support women through emotional eating, self-esteem struggles, and mindfulness. Amanda is running an online self-love challenge, Flourish, June 4th that helps women learn how to love their body more without relying on a scale, social media, or societal norms.
For more information on Flourish or to apply for the challenge: www.fulcio.life/flourish – Flourish is here to change your perception of what truly matters – YOU. Let’s change your thoughts, attitude, and perception on what it looks like to love yourself, without having to change the number on the scale.
Fulcio website: www.fulcio.life
Fulcio Instagram: @fulcio.life
Amanda’s Instagram: @amandacrichton
