Boys & Girls Club of Mankato, serves underrepresented youth in the Mankato, Minnesota community. This includes positive youth development outcomes in three key areas of Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character and Citizenship. BGCM members include Mankato area youth in grades kindergarten through eighth in the participation of generation changing programs that support a commitment to education, positive values, healthy habits and high expectations for success as an adult.
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Learn about the Boys & Girls Club of Mankato Champion Runners.
Kristen Ashland
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What are three words that best describe you.
1. Grateful
2. Extroverted introvert
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I’m probably going to reveal my age by referencing cartoons from when I was a child, but I want the speedy running legs that The Roadrunner has. With just a “meep, meep” and I could be across the finish line.
What’s your running mantra? I choose a different word or phrase for each race I’ve run, really depending on what is going on in my life at the time. Some past words: blessed, challenge yourself, breath, commit, etc. I’m going to use “focus” for this race, since I want to focus on my fundraising efforts and the building blocks that need to happen to finish a marathon – nutrition, sleep, stretching, and training runs.
Do you have a favorite running tip or piece of advice to share? My mind can go in a hundred different directions during a run, but sometimes I think of the fable with the turtle and the hare. Since I am definitely not a “hare” runner, I like to keep reminding myself that putting one foot in front of the other will eventually get me across the finish line.
Why are you committed to helping this particular charity? I’m excited to be asked to run for the Boys & Girls Club because this is an amazing new resource to Mankato. Many community people worked very hard for several years to bring the Club to fruition and it is providing an enriching and engaging place for students in our community that were not connected elsewhere. I’m thrilled that the money raised for this group will continue to provide for their programming and needs.
Is this your first time participating in the Mankato Marathon? If not, which races have you ran? I have run the Mankato half marathon several times and the 10K once.
Tim Tupy running for Jolinda
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Jolinda Grabianowski
What are three words that best describe you.
1. Compassionate
2. Determined
3. Energetic
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? If I could have a super power, I would want to make all chldren feel confident and secure.
What’s your running mantra? Run with you body, when your body gets tired, run with your heart.
Do you have a favorite running tip or piece of advice to share? Run your own race, don’t let others goals influence your own. Start where you want to finish.
Why are you committed to helping this particular charity? I feel it is important for children to have a safe, healthy place to go after school, the Boys and Girls Club provides this environment for many children that need this structure.
Is this your first time participating in the Mankato Marathon? If not, which races have you ran? No, I have participated in the Mankato 1/2 marathon all years but one. Last year I pased the men’s half marathon.
Amanda Mackie
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What are three words that best describe you.
1. Motivated
2. Grateful
3. Hungry (for wings or a burger)
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To add hours to the day, but not require more sleep.
What’s your running mantra? Run the mile you’re in.
Do you have a favorite running tip or piece of advice to share? Never judge a run by the first mile.
Why are you committed to helping this particular charity? Kids are born with great potential, but not the same opportunity or supports. I firmly believe that it’s our responsibility as a community to level that playing field. The Boys and Girls Club is a safe place for kids to be kids – while helping them develop skills, knowledge, and confidence for future success.
Is this your first time participating in the Mankato Marathon? If not, which races have you ran? This is my 6th year participating. 2014: Relay, 2015: Half, 2016: Half, 2017: 5k and Half, 2018: Full.
Anna Reichel
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What are three words that best describe you.
1. Compassionate
2. Motivated
3. Enthusiastic
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? If I could have a superpower it would be to multiply myself so I could help as many people as possible!
What’s your running mantra? My running mantra is to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Even when it feels hard and I want to quit, I tell myself that over and over.
Do you have a favorite running tip or piece of advice to share? My piece of advice is to run for yourself. When I stopped worrying about my time, distance, and all the small details and decided to run for ME, it changed my running. Running has never been easy for me, but it pushes me physically and mentally. I embrace the challenge and celebrate the victories!
Why are you committed to helping this particular charity? I am committed to helping the Boys and Girls Club of Mankato because it is imperative that we have a safe, healthy, and happy place for all children in our community to enjoy. It provides many incredible opportunities for our youth in Mankato to grow and thrive. I am grateful to be supporting such an awesome organization.
Is this your first time participating in the Mankato Marathon? If not, which races have you ran? Last year I ran the beautiful Mankato 10K course and it was a blast! I am thrilled to be running the half marathon this year all while supporting The Boys and Girls Club of Mankato.
