Hi, I’m Summer, a mom and a wife, an athlete, and the Founder of Strength Through Strides, a female athletic empowerment organization that supports strong women and incredible charities.
This year as I turn 29, I’m running 29 marathons around the world while raising $290,000 for amazing organizations.
I’m doing all the hard things and it feels incredible.
Things like:
Like many women, my life hasn’t always been easy, but I’m grateful I’ve always managed to keep moving forward.
In college, a man spiked my drink and raped me. Before the assault I lived a carefree and oblivious life. Afterwards, everything changed. Things got hard. I buried what happened to me, unable to cope with reality, and this repressed trauma controlled my story.
I am breaking free of the often-told lie that tells women they are weak, less-than, or victimized. I’m proving my strength to myself and the world.
Strength Through Strides supports ordinary women doing extraordinary athletic feats for the good of others. We embolden women to find strength through strides, so that they can help others in turn.
You can be one of these women
Be Seen, Be Brave, Be an Advocate
It starts with the incredible tenacity of our founder Summer Willis who has the optimism and energy of a Phoenix that has emerged from the ashes of her own grief, pain, and trauma. Her real super power is held in the ability to hold space for so many other women to confront and redeem the losses in the battles that our warrior founder just like many of you has chosen to confront and fight back. Supporting her foremost in the fighting back against lingering affects of PTSD related to sexual assault is her husband (??) many years and her two sons under five years old.
Q&A with Summer
What drives your hopefulness?
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So why Project 29?
As I approach my 29th birthday, I’ve decided to make this year truly special by challenging myself and giving back. One morning, I shared with my husband an ambitious goal: to run 29 marathons. But the inspiration didn’t stop there. I’ve also committed to launching 29 podcasts, creating 29 unique pieces of merchandise, and raising $290,000 for a cause close to my heart. This year is all about dreaming big, doing good, and embracing the journey ahead. I’m thrilled about the possibilities and the impact we can make together.
Why marathons?
My experience with marathons began with just one, which I trained for in merely four weeks. Those training runs were intoxicating – the sun on my skin, wind brushing past, and the rhythm of my favorite tunes or the wanderings of my mind. But the marathon itself? It was grueling. I faced tears, nausea, and yet, an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. In life’s subsequent challenges, I’ve reminded myself, “I endured pain for 5 hours straight; I can handle this.” To me, a marathon mirrors life’s journey, filled with peaks and valleys. But the essence lies in persisting, taking one step at a time. These marathons symbolize my resilience, my belief in finding ‘strength through strides’, and my gratitude towards a community that’s always had my back.
How has your community helped you?
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Why are you so resilient?
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What are you learning as you’ve talk to other women?
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Is it scary sharing your story?
Be vulnerable.
Why did you found this organization?
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What are you doing to increase visibility of this topic?
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How was it you’re able to accomplish these goals?
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Can we meet up and chat?
Absolutely! I’ll be hosting numerous fundraisers at local bookstores, coffee shops, and pubs. To stay updated on these events, please join our email list.
