Steph Leonard's Destination BOLD, Hawaii Fundraising Fun

4 years ago, I found Bolder Options – an activity-based, 1-on-1 mentoring program, which uses running & biking, academic goal setting, and volunteerism to build self-esteem and encourage healthy habits in youth. I was so excited to find an organization that encompassed so many things I was passionate about. I signed up to be a mentor right away.

I met Tabby, my mentee, shortly after getting involved with Bolder Options. Tabby set a goal to run 3 5Ks throughout our year matched and hated each of them with 13 year old disdain, but after each 5K she got back in the car with me and said “I bet none of my friends did this today.” I watched her become more confident, more open and willing to try new things. She started getting better grades in school and talking about her future. I was so proud when Tabby finished all 3 of her 5Ks throughout our year together and decided to throw in a 4th for good measure. In the photo above Tabby and I cross the finish line at the Bolder Dash. We were often the last ones to cross the finish line, but that didn’t matter, at the end of the race Tabby was proud, every time – and so was I.

I set my own goal that year with Tabby to run my 1st marathon. I signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon in 2007. I spent my entire summer training. I changed my diet, my free time, my social life. I threw myself into the goal with everything I had. On race day, I woke up to record setting heat. 3 miles into my first ever 26.2, I watched “elite” runners drop out noting that it wasn’t worth it. 6 miles into the race I needed to change into cooler clothes. By 12 miles I was crying. 3 miles of crying later, my father, my tireless supporter got on the course at my stepmother’s urging and told me “You can quit. You trained and you pushed yourself to be ready for this. That’s the achievement.” I started to cry harder, I had given up my summer for this. I had wanted this more than anything and 15 miles in, I was faced with an impossible decision. I looked at my dad and told him “Tabby is volunteering with Bolder Options at 17 miles. I can’t quit now, not after she didn’t quit for me." When I made it to 17 miles, Tabby was cheering for me louder than she’d ever cheered, the same cheers I would yell for her during our 5Ks together. I, of course, started crying again (as I am as I write this story) – but after seeing Tabby, 26.2 wasn’t so far away. I crossed the finish that day, an hour and half slower than I thought I would, but I crossed that finish line - all because someone believed in me.

That’s what Bolder Options offers to the kids we serve – someone to believe in them. Now, as Volunteer & Marketing Director with Bolder Options, it’s inspiring watching a mentor/mentee pair succeed at their goals. And I am excited to be raising money for Bolder Options, as a member of Destination BOLD Team Hawaii. In December, I will head to Honolulu with 20 other runners to take on 26.2 miles. As a Destination BOLD runner, I am committed to raising $3,500 for Bolder Options innovative mentoring program. I hope you will support me in this effort.

The Honolulu Marathon will be my 4^th marathon – in honor of Tabby’s four 5Ks. In preparation for it I will run nearly 600 miles, but my real success will be measured in how much I am able to help Bolder Options youth succeed. I am so thankful for the supportive mentors in my life, thank you for helping me match more youth with supportive mentors in their life!