Kalynn Foster

To those of you who might be new here, my name is Kalynn! I have recently partnered with the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism to run 39.3 magical miles in January 2023. 

[Rewind to 2005-2009] When I was in high school, I competitively ran cross country and HATED every single second of it. When I graduated I vowed to never run distance again. I then turned into a gym rat, lifting heavy weights with a sprinkle of a spin class here and there. 

[Fast Forward to Turning 30] I decided to ditch that mindset and train to run my first half marathon. I decided to embrace this "runner's high" and completed a VERY hilly 14 mile run shortly after my first half, several 5k runs, and signed up for two addtional half marathons to close out 2022. 

Now this is probably the part where you think I'm going to tell you how much I love to run. I still DO NOT enjoy running but, I realize that “living life to the fullest” means both physical and mental betterment, well-being, and challenges. 

I realize that “living life to the fullest” is not just about me. It is a creed that reminds me that there are causes that are bigger than myself. Therefore, I wanted to couple my running with a foundation that mirrors my core beliefs.

So it is no coincidence that I have partnered with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism whose motto is—you guessed it—“Live Life To The Fullest”. The Foundation’s promise is to “provide programs and activities improve the quality of everyday life for people and families affected by autism along seven key dimensions that are critical to living each day fully. [They] aim to provide a path for education and/or employment during the day; opportunities for physical and social activity outside of work/school; and the tools to be safe, supported, and informed at all times”. Their vision is to create “a world where people with autism lead productive lives where they are included, respected, and actively engaged in their communities”.

 I ask that you support my 39.3 mile run (Half-Marathon followed next day with a Full Marathon) with all donations—no matter how large or small—going to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism so that WE…you and me…can be a part of something greater than us both.

Support by donating so that all of us can LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST.