It Takes a Community to Train for the Largest 25K in the Country

When we first met Lauren Holben, she was excited to begin the arduous task of training as a Road Warrior for the Amway River Bank Run on May 9, 2026. Lauren was selected by a committee from over a dozen people that applied to be the next team member up for the challenge. Her energy, spirit, and history of overcoming personal setbacks is what made Lauren this year's representative.

I am up to 4.5 miles, and I can't believe it, considering I started from zero. My goal is to increase to 10km (6.2 miles) by the end of January.

Realizing that I can actually do this. I was worried that I would fail or be too far behind at this point. I told myself to keep showing up, and when I made that step, a remarkable transformation happened. Each time I showed up, the negative self-talk chipped away and was replaced with the awareness that I am succeeding.

My community has grown and supported me. I don't feel alone reaching my goals. There are 18 other road warriors, and we fit time into our schedules to train together. I've learned that you can find support in your community when you need it.

Another reward is that my body feels better, and most importantly, my mental health has significantly improved. Typically, in mid-winter, I feel sluggish. Now that I'm training for this run, I have the energy needed to keep going.

Don't give up. I have tried and failed many times to establish an exercise routine, and what I realized is that I can't do it alone. I need community support, and that is what makes the difference for me.

For some of us, it may feel too late to try something new, or we might think we run the risk of looking foolish. It is that kind of negative lens holding so many of us back from experiencing joy.

I promise you will find support and friendship just by being a little brave, and your life will be so much richer by doing so.