This part of my story starts with WEV, and a pink flyer addressed to the previous occupant of my rental. I was curious, a pink flyer, and I checked Women's Economic Ventures out online. At the time I was the mother of a 4 year old, and was feeling antsy. He was getting older, more independent and I wasn't needed so much anymore.  

I was ready to sign up for the next session, only to realize that I would not be able to give the program my full attention.  I was pregnant again.  My desire to produce the Snowy Village was put on hold.  

Something happened, and as I came out of my second pregnancy stupor, signed back up for the SET program, I couldn't hold back my excitement about having adults to talk with.  That time that I took also lead me to recognize the things I missed, like having somewhere to go one night a week, and conversations about me (not the kids).  The one thing I had known before this was the running world, and that was the one thing I missed the most.

I missed the inspiration of the Boston Marathon, of the stories, the charities, the people. The way the community embraced the event, and how runners wrapped tight in running outfits to battle the bitter cold, slippery streets and snow mounds that over took the sidewalks in January became recognized.  When a month before- it seemed the runner was invisible.  But January brings the start of the Boston Marathon training groups, beginning the excitement that captures the whole city, and surrounding towns.  Women draped in long black wool blended coats and high heels now step aside into a snow bank, "Keep Runnin'!"  As the sun attempts to melt away the snow, every guy now yells, "Ya Runnin' Boston?"

 So the idea that this was missing from Santa Barbara was a big one, that I couldn't shake.

I entered the WEV Set program, and researched and began the business plan for the marathon, and graduated, ready to set this plan into action.  Eventually I had to recruit my husband, Rusty, who recruited, Dan, our Technical Delegate, and as we took step after step into the process.  We needed more help, and found unbelievable community members eager to see this event happen, which we are grateful for.

Although this story started with just me and WEV, it has become a story of so much more.  This is now an event that belongs to the communities of Goleta, the County of Santa Barbara, and the City of Santa Barbara and all of the people who reside within them.  

It is very exciting!