Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Williams.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My life changed the day I showed up to a little running club in Pasadena. Their tagline was “5K, Yoga, Beer”.
I should probably mention I was “not a runner” or a yogi; I had showed up for what I hoped would be something social. I was going through some very traumatic life events and just needed something good, something new to look forward to. Little did I know then how this community and this sport would help me through my darkest days. It gave me the strength & direction I needed to make it through the darkness. Now, I do all that I can to give back to this community & sport that has given me so much.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many struggles & challenges along my journey. But finding a way to impact others by giving them a place to feel accepted as well as a place for them to explore their fitness was really important to me.
The pandemic was a real struggle for all of us. It solidified in me a sense of duty that I needed to do more to bring our community back and stronger than when we left.
The sense of purpose I had as we were able to rejoin each other was echoed by many others my community, my team at the Dog Haus Running Club & Run With Us. With this new purpose, we’ve been able to create a stronger, more accepting & more vibrant community than before.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
No woman or man is an island, and I certainly could not do all I’ve set out to do alone. I appreciate all those who’ve supported me on my journey as I’ve worked (and continue to work) to follow my passions and create a new career life. I wear many hats, an RRCA Certified Running Coach and Wellcoaches’s Heath & Wellbeing Coach.
I’m one of the Assistant Manager’s at Run With Us, a specialty athletic shoe store in Pasadena. My events partner and I curate and coordinate all store events. The store ambassadors & I lead our Monday Fun Run. Lastly, I’m the President of the Dog Haus Running Club, which is now part of SoCal Social Run Club. We’re a social philanthropic run club and non-profit organization dedicated to improving the fitness culture of our city by encouraging people of all fitness levels to make running a part of their lives while at the same time giving back to our community and local charities.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was a bit different than I am now. A shy, introverted bookworm & athlete.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @girlontherun4
