More Than a 5K: A Morning of Connection, Courage, and Choosing Yourself
On September 19, Stridely hosted another Women’s 5K Connection & Walk at Lea Hill Park in Auburn, Washington—and once again, this event reminded me why we continue creating spaces like this.
Yes, we came together to walk.
But somewhere between the first hello and the final lap, it became about so much more than the miles.
It became about connection.
We Didn’t Come Just to Network
When I started creating Stridely’s community events, I knew I didn’t want another traditional networking event.
I didn’t want women walking into a space feeling like they had to prove themselves, promote themselves, or have the perfect elevator pitch ready.
I wanted something more genuine.
Some women came as business owners. Some were aspiring entrepreneurs or leaders. Others simply wanted to meet new people, prioritize their wellness, or spend a morning doing something for themselves.
And that’s exactly what happened.
We started the morning with coffee, our Find Your Connection Mini-Mission, and conversations designed to make meeting someone new a little less intimidating.
Because sometimes the hardest part of making a new connection is simply saying:
“Hi.”
Four Laps. Four Prompts. So Many Conversations.
Our 5K included four laps with guided conversation prompts along the way.
The prompts weren’t meant to control the conversation—they were simply there to break the ice.
Women could change walking partners, meet someone new, continue a conversation that felt meaningful, laugh, share stories, and simply enjoy being present.
And watching those conversations happen was one of my favorite parts of the entire morning.
Because our goal was never for someone to leave with 30 new contacts.
Our goal was for her to leave with one genuine connection.
One new friend.
One future collaborator.
One person who understands her journey.
One person she can call for coffee later and say, “Remember when we met at that Stridely walk?”
That is what community looks like to me.
Walking Together, Then Learning Together
After completing our walk, we transitioned from moving together to learning together.
We were incredibly grateful to have Ms. Jewell join us and generously share her knowledge, experiences, and wisdom with our community.
One message I deeply believe in is that becoming a strong leader or successful business owner isn't only about knowing how to speak.
We also have to learn how to listen.
Every woman in the room—or in our case, the park—knows something we don't.
Leadership isn't always being the loudest person in the conversation. Sometimes leadership means having the humility to listen to someone else's story and asking ourselves:
“What can I learn from her?”
Thank you, Ms. Jewell, for giving our attendees that opportunity.
Choosing Yourself Is Also Self-Care
Many women spend their lives taking care of everyone else.
We are employees. Leaders. Mothers. Wives. Students. Business owners. Caregivers. Friends.
And somewhere between all those responsibilities, we can forget ourselves.
That's another reason these walks matter to me.
Self-care doesn't always have to mean a vacation, an expensive spa day, or buying something for yourself.
Sometimes self-care looks like waking up on a Saturday morning and saying:
“Today, I'm giving a few hours back to me.”
Walking.
Breathing.
Laughing.
Learning.
Meeting someone new.
And allowing yourself to be present without feeling guilty about it.
This Is What Stridely Is Becoming
Stridely started as a wellness brand, but my vision has always been bigger than the products we sell.
Wellness is also community.
It's having people who encourage you.
It's having somewhere you feel welcome.
It's moving your body while taking care of your mind.
It's knowing you don't have to build your business, career, dreams—or life—completely alone.
To every woman who attended our September Women’s Connection 5K: thank you for choosing yourself.
Thank you for showing up with an open mind.
Thank you for introducing yourself to someone new.
Thank you for listening to another woman's story.
And most importantly, thank you for supporting one another.
Seeing women who may have arrived as strangers walking, talking, laughing, exchanging information, and supporting each other afterward is exactly why we'll keep doing this.
And We're Not Done Yet… 🍂
Our next Stridely community gathering is coming October 31!
This time, we're moving indoors for our FREE Wellness Gather & Craft experience—a morning dedicated to creativity, connection, wellness, and simply having fun.
A very special thank-you to House of Wilna for sponsoring our venue and helping us continue creating accessible spaces where women can gather and belong.
More details are coming soon.
Until then, remember:
You don't need hundreds of connections.
Sometimes one genuine connection can become a friendship, collaboration, opportunity, mentor—or simply the person who reminds you that you aren't building alone.
Keep moving.
Keep connecting.
Keep choosing yourself.
And keep Stepping Into Wellness. 🧡
— Kharen, BSN, RN
Founder, Stridely
Step Into Wellness
