The 2021 Women’s Adventure Scholarship application period launches Saturday, March 6th. Well over 200 women applied for the scholarship in 2019, and we were overwhelmed with the power of their inspiring words, stories, and experiences. Over three blogs, we’re sharing answers to some of the application questions to raise the stoke and inspire our next round of applicants.
One of our leading questions in the application was “What is your proudest running accomplishment?” The responses covered a lot of territory, highlighting personal and communal relationships with fitness and celebrating everything from simply lacing up and getting out the door to long distance ultra accomplishments. Read their words and get inspired.
“I completed my first trail ultra, the Bryce 50k Ultra 2 years in a row. The 1st time was with two other ladies and we were able to support each other throughout the day. The next year I did it alone a week after my dad died. That was a tough day! I felt completely drained emotionally at the start of the race, but throughout the day running alone I was able to emotionally process all the things my dad had done for me and taught me which was extremely therapeutic.”
“Coaching middle school runners so that they are able to experience that feeling of accomplishment, and being a role model to them, especially to the girls with low self-esteem. They learn they are strong, worthwhile and can make a positive contribution to a team effort.”
“I think almost every run has its own challenges and honestly I’m proud whenever I step outside and get going!”
“Realizing that my running is an inspiration to others. This makes me so happy.”
“Someone once told me that I would never be a ‘runner’. They claimed that I didn’t have “it” in me. I’m proud to say I have proved them wrong for over 10 years now… running (and winning a few), 5k’s, 10K’s, half marathons, a 25K, and even a full marathon!”
“My proudest running accomplishment is nothing noteworthy, but it has a lot of personal meaning. Last September, for the first time in nearly three years, I ran one mile. That mile was incredibly difficult, but finishing the run was a proud and freeing moment for me. I was nine months post-op from hip surgery to repair a labral tear. Years prior to that, I stopped running because of hip pain. I shifted my focus towards hiking, climbing, and weight lifting instead. Even after finally having surgery on my hip, I didn’t think I would ever start running again. I worked very hard throughout my recovery from surgery and by the time I was healed I felt better than ever. I built my strength and endurance back up, and in doing so I regained confidence I needed to start running again. I’ve run many miles since then, but I’m most proud of that first run because of the work it took to get me there.”
“This March I crossed the finish line of my first 50 miler with my mom by my side. She was an amazing pacer that helped me push through being sick the entire race from a good intolerance. She is now inspired to do her own trail race. She is signed up for her first ever marathon this fall. It feels amazing to inspire her. There was nobody else I would have rather shared that moment with. “
“Qualifying and Running the Boston Marathon in 2015 and 2016. This may seem like a short answer, but It would take a lot of space to actually describe why this meant so much to me. A lifetime of overcoming different obstacles and struggles made these two runs some of my proudest yet.”
“I have completed two 50 milers, seven 50k, and eight marathons but my proudest moment is actually watching my son become an awesome little runner himself. Passing on my love of fitness and the outdoors outshines all else.”
“I help coach an after school trail running program for elementary students and watching my trailblazers cross the finish line of their first 5k is my proudest running accomplishment.”
“Overcoming anxiety and trauma through running has been healing and inspirational. Running has been a snowball effect of accomplishing new goals, conquering old fears, and becoming a stronger, more confident woman.”
“1st place overall at Warrior Rush 24 hour obstacle race and my first 50 miler I finished first female and 8th overall”
“Every year for the last eight years I have run my age in miles near my birthday. I feel so lucky to have been healthy and strong enough to be able to keep up this tradition for so many years. I plan to continue as long as I can.”
“Deciding to join my rad lady friends for an impromptu ultra marathon on the Pacific Crest trail from Harts to Rainy Pass during larch season! I hadn’t been back to that stretch in a while and it’s one of my favorites. It was great to see all the fall colors, nibble blueberries off of blood red bushes and run through golden larches with some of my favorite people in one of my favorite places!”
“Running a 24hr ultra, and my distance PR! It was my first 24 hour event, and though my previous distance PR was 34 miles, my goal was to see if I could hit 50 miles. With the encouragement from friends and wonderful strangers at the event, I ran 73 miles! I’m currently training for a non technical 100 mile race, and just the training alone is a huge accomplishment for me.”
“My daughter placing my medal around my neck after completing my first Ironman”
“Every single day, getting out and pushing my two year old in the jogging stroller. Sacrificing the trail runs I want to do for what’s available to me, and still finding joy in it.”
“Completed the Appalachian mountains first 200 mile race this January.”
“So far, my greatest accomplishment is that I’ve been able to run so well and increase my pace Running safely and happily through my entire pregnancy, including just hours before giving birth to a healthy baby boy!”
Our hope is that the words and experiences shared here inspire 2021 applicants who are ready to share their stories and embrace the friendship and community that comes from backcountry miles.
Thinking of applying for our 2021 Women’s Adventure Scholarship?!
Scholarships are intended to support individual female athletes venturing into wild spaces. Our hope is that as scholarship recipients share their stories of adventure, they will contribute to inspire and grow the culture of female-focused wilderness exploits.
The 2021 Women’s Adventure Scholarship application period will open on March 6th. More details to com soon!
Aspire’s All Women’s Trips
All Women’s Trips are a celebration of community and connection shared among women who love and aspire to play in the mountains. Each stunningly beautiful trip is enhanced by the uniquely awesome vibe of ladies-only adventures.
- Sawtooth Backcountry, Weekend Escape, October 1-3, 2021
