Emily Garcia Enjoys Running for a Cause with Team Momentum

Emily Garcia and I first connected through Team Momentum, a charity running component for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Emily Garcia

Her personal connection to the cause inspired her to become a coach for the team.

Today we will go a few easy miles as Emily shares why everyone should consider running for a cause.

Embrace Each Season

Emily never considered herself athletic, yet took up running at the age of 19.

Her early years in the sport consisted of her running 2 miles as hard as she could each time she went out.

Emily became a mom at a young age when she had her son at 21.

Running became a time for her to gain more mental clarity and have “me” time.

She quickly progressed from an 8k all the way up to a marathon.

The feeling of accomplishment after completing each new distance kept pushing her to go further.

Her running came to a halt when her mom passed away.

Emily quickly came to realize that running, much like life, has various seasons.

When you can accept where you are in running, you will be happier and have longevity in the sport.

Emily Garcia and the Chicago Skyline

Running For a Cause

Emily lost her oldest brother to a form of muscular dystrophy when he was only 18 years old.

She got connected with Team Momentum, a charity running group associated with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Emily trained for and ran her first marathon with the Team for their inaugural year.

Team Momentum gave Emily so much that she wanted to give back in a special way.

Emily got her coaching certification and was hired on as a coach shortly after.

The community of the Team has touched more than just the people directly affected by the diseases.

Others have found a connection to the cause by joining the community.

Fundraising Fears

Fundraising can be intimidating and as a result, people are often too scared to try.

Team Momentum understands the hesitancy which is why they have mentors specifically there to help with fundraising.

This charity equips their runners with the tools needed to successfully raise money.

Some tips that have helped Emily when raising money for a cause are:

• Use social media. It can help you reach more people.
• Be excited! People are more likely to support you if you are passionate.
• Get creative.
• People’s generosity will surprise you so don’t be afraid to ask.
• Multiple people can join together to raise funds.

Running and fundraising have taught Emily to have confidence in herself along with patience.

Be your biggest cheerleader.

Mentioned In This Episode:

• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Team Momentum

Stay connected with Emily by following her on Instagram.

Emily Garcia on running for charity, why Team Momentum and the MDA are so important to you, and some tips for raising money for charity. Click To Tweet

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