Active|Resolute|Connected

Every woman (regardless of shape, size, color, and ability) has a place in the running community because running enhances not only physical health but improves vital aspects of mental health, enabling women to be more resilient, confident, and successful.  This cohort of participants is completing week three of their eight-week journey with ARC, benefiting from our programming which is unique in this space, as it includes four key components backed by research (online running coaching, virtual physical therapy, athlete mentorship and mindfulness training; nutrition guidance is also provided). Our participants are making great strides both physically and mentally through the program.  We are so proud of their accomplishments! Below you will find our feature stories as we finish out week 3. Stephanie, South Holland, IL Stephanie's story and goals "My running motivation and inspiration was really about me getting healthy and being able to live to support my th...

Why ARC? I submitted my application for the program to gain confidence in running when even when I don’t often see women my age doing so . I want to try to get off of my hypertension medication. I want to be an inspiration to my daughters so they can see me losing weight to improve my health, but I have not had the financial means and I have also encountered other barriers to running including culture and pain. I am the only African-American woman that runs in my neighborhood, but people wave and encourage me though when they see me. Goals for ARC: I would very much like to take my running to a new level. I am also hoping to have improved cardiovascular health, decreased blood pressure, improved sleep, improved stress management, weight management and reduced cholesterol. How is is going? I feel stronger (both mentally and physically) and empowered through ARC because of the support from my Run Coach, India, and my Run Mentor, Avery.  Customized strength training and core exer...

ARC’s dynamic team of 50 plus strong, diverse women share the belief that every woman (regardless of shape, size, color, and ability) has a place in the running community because running enhances not only physical health but improves vital aspects of mental health, enabling women to be more resilient, confident, and successful. ARC identifies women who would not traditionally have access to a holistic wellness of this type, supporting them on their journey through four key components backed by research (online running coaching, virtual physical therapy, athlete mentorship and mindfulness training) delivered across an eight-week program that is provided for free to participants. Hear from Coach India by clicking on the video link. COMPONENTS OF THE ARC PROGRAM Participants will receive 8 weeks of the following services: -Online running coaching -Virtual Physical Therapy -Matching with an athlete mentor  -Online mindfulness coaching -Nutrition Advice Head over to https://www.act...

A runner since she was 15 years old, ARC Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Gina Meyer believes that running laid the foundation for her self-confidence and positivity. A constant in her life for more than two decades, running has provided Gina strength in mind, body and spirit, also helped her through devastating losses as well as the normal ups and downs of work, stress, and family life. After nearly 20 years of treating patients and athletes as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Meyer initially aimed to better understand not only the physical benefits of running, but also the impact of running on a person’s resilience and empowerment. This interest and research initially led to her launching the The Rise Resolute Podcast in February 2019. In this ongoing podcast series, Gina has interviewed a diverse group of over 100 gritty and inspiring female athletes with the goal of connecting and inspiring women through shared stories of struggle and triumph. These interviews changing everyt...

Running is so much more than just pounding the pavement.  Reasearch has shown that there are countless benefits to running, both for our body and mind.  Running improves our overall health and can even boost our resiliciency and stress-management skills, which means that running can help combat depression and anxiety.  If you have never considered running, now  is the time.  It is more crucial than ever to bring women to the running community, which is the reason behind ARC. The goal of ARC is to empower women by breaking barriers and bringing access to running through expanded tools to help ensure success.  Of course there are many coaches and running groups out there who are also there to get you started and we want to work together with them to help you succeed! We believe our comprehensive program will help you not only get started, but sustain your comittment because of the tools we provide.  So ARC can supplement any other program, group, or coac...

Our ARC team believes in the importance of taking care of your body to prevent and stay on top of pain and injuries. Click on the video link to find out more about the anatomy of the low back, hip, knee and foot and how to prevent injuries in these areas. We discuss some of the more confusing pain symptoms runners face and how to treat them. We also share tips to prevent injuries that can be performed pre-run and post-run, in addition to tips on form. The presentation was delivered as a part of ARC's collaboration with Black Girls Run.