This week’s Member Spotlight focuses on Charity Miles member Margaret Spring! Originally from Minnesota, Margaret made the move south to Denver, trading in the Land of 1000 Lakes for a life in the mountains. Since making the move many years ago Margaret has taken full advantage of her scenic surroundings. “I love being outside. It makes me feel alive. I love to run in the mountains. I love the challenge of running and that I can push and challenge myself in incredible ways. I turn on my app and just go.”
Margaret began using Charity Miles over two years ago. “I use Charity Miles because I love the idea of having my miles go to support a cause. It was one of my new year’s resolutions. I wanted to use my workouts as a way to raise money for a charity. I actually made Charity Miles cookies on my “cookie dream board”. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I know that my gift to move should never be taken for granted. There are so many people out there that would love to walk or run but can't. This was my way to represent them.”
With 42 charities to choose from Margaret currently supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and for good reason. “The ring bearer in my wedding is fighting leukemia for the third time in his very short life. He is eight years old. He underwent a bone marrow transplant last year and that didn't work. He began his third chemotherapy treatment two weeks ago. Our [Charity Miles] team Connormcstrong has grown to 53 members.”
Margaret displays her love of running through her very active Instagram accounts, her personal account (@running4cake) and an account (@womenofrunning) which she runs with her close friend and fellow Coloradoan, Randi Lich (@runitlikerandi). Their account Women of Running features a wide variety of inspirational female runners from across the US. “Randi and I met almost three months ago. We started talking about running and building a community. We know that there are so many people out there who have a voice and deserve to be featured. Our goal is to include everyone and tell the stories of so many people. We all have something to learn from each person we feature.”
Since launching the account in mid-May, Women of Running has received a huge amount of community support. “We have been amazed at the support we have received from everyone. The community continues to build one another up which was our initial goal.”
As the Women of Running community has grown it has begun hosting various group runs for those throughout the Denver area, while rallying together to make positive change through the use of Charity Miles. As Women of Running continues to grow Margaret will continue inspiring runners from all walks of life, using Charity Miles as a force for good. “To me, this is a way to raise awareness for leukemia, raise money for a cure, and work together as a community to make a change and hopefully find a cure.”
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