Before 2020 I had never run a full mile. I didn't know how. We used to have to run a mile in elementary school, to test our fitness level. Once a semester they would bring us out on to the field. I would watch kids wiz past me and wonder how they, at age 8, could run a 6 minute mile. It wasn't until recently that I realized that the shame I felt for clocking in at 12 minutes wasn't on me. I did not have the tools I needed. I wasn't given a fighting chance. I was told I was unfit, but wasn't told how to change that. This experience at such a young age reminds me that so many people are not given a chance or the tools they need to succeed and live a healthy happy life. I grew up in the country on a farm where fresh food and air were abundant, free. Even though I didn't grow up with much, I had access to what I consider necessities to building a foundation for a healthy life. Not everyone does. Black communities, low income communities, urban communities, BIPOC communities are all disproportionately impacted by environmental change because of systemic racism and classism. I started running in 2020 during the pandemic for myself. Today, I chose to run for those who were not given a chance and for an organization that is giving them one.