Last Spring I came across the Run Across America 5k, and decided it was just what I needed to get moving. I had not run in 10 years, but now I had something to motivate me. The t-shirt came which I wore proudly for my race. I was so excited when a Fall race was advertised. I trimmed like 10 minutes off my 5k from running all summer. Following the Fall run came the Holiday Hustle and the Winter Warm-up. I have met and exceeded my goal. It is like running with an accountability friend. I really appreciate the different challenge runs, the swag, the medals, the app, and being a part of the Run Across America community. I have taken 20 minutes off my original run last year and feel so good about myself and feeding the hungry. I also love looking at the selfies of my fellow runners. I just finished my 100k, so signing up for the Spring Challenge. This is the best present I have ever given myself!

First, let me preface this with the fact that this is only my second virtual race- perhaps this is normal and I should just get used to it. Plus I would like to say I am enjoying how it's motivating me to get out there, and that you have a walking option. I have only one criticism. I signed up for the Fall Frenzy run- though I will be hiking not running. I like the fall season and feel of the race. But I live in southern Arizona, where it is just now in October starting to get cool in the mornings. I managed to get my first hike in early September when there was some surprise good weather, and was really excited to record my first entry. Now how do you think I felt when I looked at my first finish, and the feedback I got was not "good job!" or "nice start," but instead a criticism that I was already running behind schedule. ?????? I was not aware that I was under any schedule other than my own. All the excitement I had evaporated in that moment. I even thought about not bothering with the race anymore at all. I'm glad I stayed with it. I suppose that "motivation" works for some people, but it was disheartening to me.

I’ve always wanted to be a runner but have encountered limitations and knee pain since track in high school. A co- worker invited me to this challenge and I went for 100km with big doubts that I would actually do it. The app and the team was fun, easy to use, and very motivating. I ran (slowly sometime) every time I went out, but really liked the fact that I did this at my own pace and speed. The badges were a nice touch. Overall- especially in light of COVID- this got me out of the house and moving which is really hard since I work from home. Already set up our next team and looking forward to more !

I’ve been using the app for almost a year now participating in each seasonal challenge. I’m a daily dog walker and would do so even without the app or challenge. But it doesn’t hurt to get a 5K thrown in every now and then or just the extra motivation that setting a distance goal brings. Badges are rewarded. Some people share selfies. Just makes it more fun. I just wish it worked with Apple health or fitness so I didn’t have to do manual entries every day.