“Taking your class after each radiation treatment made me feel normal again.”

“My doctor was thrilled with the results of my bone density test.”

“I haven’t fallen in over a year!”

Feedback like that from my students at the YWCA Santa Monica/Westside, not only makes my day, but is also why I’m running, er make that walking, this 5K. Yeah, I’m walking. Trust me, I could run it but I’d rather hang with my students who have been training for the last five weeks to walk in support of their YWCA.  Many of these women, regulars in my older, adult fitness classes, I’ve known for nearly 24-years!

But I’m not just walking for them, my sisters, my family.  I’m walking for all YWCA programs that foster the circle of life in our community; programs like A Place for Parents, Girl Central, and Girl’s Athletics need funding, as much as, my fitness programs do.  No secret, that even non-profits have a bottom line to keep on providing critical, quality services.

As 5K race day approaches, I’m confident we will reach our goal of 100 participants and raise a much needed, $10K.  Partly due to my nagging in class (I’m beginning to sound like public radio during pledge week) but mostly due to (rant aside) the incredible, spirited, grassroots efforts of both members and staff.

Terese Miller
ACE Certified Fitness Instructor
ACSM & IDEA Member