Do you know any famous people? Maybe an Artist, Actor, Writer, Singer, Professional Athlete or an Olympian? Most probably do not, particularly if you come from Small Town USA, like me. However, my high school managed to be home to two kick-ass amazing athletes while I was there and those athletes eventually landed professional contracts. One, Brad Miller, we watched on the basketball court tearing things up until his retirement just last season, the other, Amy Yoder Begley we watched on the track.
As the internet grew and social media became more popular, it has been easier than ever to watch Amy develop as an athlete on the track. I didn’t have to stalk watch her website for tidbits of info, instead her upcoming races, progress and results were always posted to Facebook or Twitter. While watching Amy’s career, I also became interested in her coach Alberto Salazar and her training partner, Kara Goucher. See Goucher & Begley celebrate below on the track after they both qualified in the 10,000 meters to represent Team USA for the 2008 Beijing Olympics (click on the green link for full article in Runners World).
Photograph by Victah Sailer
So while watching Amy & Kara, this led to and eventual interest in Shalane, then Desi. I now have an interest in all things related to women’s running and I’m not sure that would be the case if it weren’t for Amy. Thank you, Amy!
Recently, Amy has embarked on her newest endeavor and is creating a community of women runners called the Distance Divas. When I originally heard about the Distance Divas, I was certainly intrigued but didn’t even consider it would be a group for someone like me, an injured amateur runner. It appears that I was wrong. The purpose of this group is to connect women runners throughout the country. The group focus will be social with an emphasis on training tips and advice presented in a members only forum where we can ask questions and talk with one another and get input from Amy on a regular basis. Coaching is also available for those who may be a lot more serious than me but it’s optional, not required. Eventually there will be races. Yes, races. Races where we can gather as a group and meet one another. Races which Amy will attend and host social events and group runs. Have you ever ran with an Olympian? This is your chance!
After reading all the cool stuff on the Distance Divas website I basically assumed that I couldn’t afford to join the members only group. I wanted to be a Distance Diva really badly but didn’t even want to click open the “Join this Group” tab and see the cost. Do you want to know the cost? Is this something that would interest you too? $50. Yep, $50 is the cost to be part the inaugural Distance Divas. I’m in and I hope to see some of you over in the forum too! There aren’t many of us yet but I’m pretty sure that will change fast. So look for me on the trail in my new Distance Diva tee, which is included with the membership!
For the record, I don’t make any $$ if you decide to be a Distance Diva; I just thought it was a cool concept and something that will really take off as the word gets out so I wanted to tell you about it. And in my book, all of you ladies are Distance Divas. Keep running; I’ll see YOU on the trail! 🙂
** Run Like a DIVA ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com
TooTallFritz 
Wow! Thanks so much for the write up. I really appreciate it.
No problem, I think its cool that you are doing something in which us “normal” people can also partake. I’m also excited to hit some of the major road races with the Distance Divas!
Sweet Amanda! Thanks for sharing with me. I’ll deff share with my running group!
I knew we could get a group of the ENHS Alums to sign up for the first round of #DistanceDivas! Share away, Adella!
Does any of the sign up fee go to any charities?
I don’t believe so. The sign up fee is only $50 and you get a shirt, so that leaves her “profit” at a guesstimate of $25 for an entire year. She will be holding our hands, answering questions, giving training tips as well as advice on injury prevention. I think that fee is extremely reasonable without a charity componet, don’t you?