Running Notes
November 22, 2024
Dear Running Peas Friends,
It feels like an eternity since my last email. We’ve been busy exploring international running communities, participating in our first marathon expo (yay!!), directing and coaching our local girls Fall Run Club; while also maneuvering our way through the complexities and intricacies of starting a small business. Fun!
With the temporary lull in activities that late fall often brings, I find myself with an immense sense of gratitude for community. Not just community in the traditional sense of the word, but all the various ways we experience community everyday. We find community in our families, in our town or area in which we live, in our places of faith, in our hobbies, and yes, even in running. And often these communities intersect with each other in many wonderful ways. The different types of communities I’ve experienced throughout my own running life in high school, college, and post college still continue to grow. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and celebrated each other. We’ve become parents, we’ve lost parents, and generally experienced the ups and downs of life in support of one another. These communities ebb and flow like tides, building upon one another all the while providing a sense of joy and belonging.
Running Peas was started on the foundational belief that running, at its core is simply fun and we strive to create a culture of belonging. One of the ways we do this is to create clothing as an expression of community. A community that celebrates the joy of movement and the simple fun of running. Our kids remind us everyday with a smile that even in their most competitive frame of mind, they are having fun. We strive to preserve this simple joy and at times re-ignite it, in ourselves.
Cheers to you and your communities!
Happy Running,
Joanie
Founder | CEO Running Peas
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August 10, 2024
Dear Running Peas Friends,
As the Olympics wrap up and we try to savor every last moment, a fun way to celebrate this special time is hosting your very own backyard Olympics. It’s a great way to get your kiddos outside and engaged in fun, creative and low-key competitive play.
We’ve hosted a few backyard Olympics over the years with varying activities such as jumping over cardboard boxes (thank you Amazon!), slow dramatic runs (hone those acting skills!), and broomstick pole vault (not as dangerous as it sounds). We’ve also tried a more traditional approach with our daughter’s Pre-K class last year. Her classmates jumped over low hurdles, tossed frisbees for the discus throw, threw a Turbojav for javelin, ‘long’ jumped between cones, and practiced running with friends to ‘break the (painter’s) tape’ at the finish line (a crowd favorite!).
This year though, with the help of neighborhood friends we expanded the events to include more multidisciplinary activities. It was extra special! We opened with a torch walk using torches of ice cream cones topped with baked cheetos. The kids took charge and chose basketball toss, soccer goal shots, and a short but quick street bike ride followed by an equally swift run. A sprinkler infused water break ensued (our Running Peas kits dry quick-hooray!) followed by volleyball, badminton, and everyone’s favorite, a rhythmic gymnastics routine using sticks with streamers set to their favorite tunes. And just like our fellow olympians we showed our best olympic camaraderie and cheered each other on!
For our closing ceremonies, the kids enjoyed some well earned rest and decorated wooden medals made from pre-cut branches and construction paper. You can also use these unfinished wooden medals from Bright Creations.
For more information on backyard olympic fun see here: Active for Life
Happy Running,
Joanie
Founder | CEO Running Peas
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July 26, 2024
(me at age 7)
Dear Running Peas Community,
I fell in love with running early in life, on the playgrounds of my elementary school and the fun competitive play of late spring field days. It was as much a part of our lives as spelling and multiplication tables. We played tag, jumped over logs, raced with potato sacks, jump ropes, and batons. The joy we experienced while running set me on a path for life; racing on the track, running with friends, playing tickle monster with my kids and now creating clothing.
To that end, today we excitedly celebrate the launch of Running Peas, running clothes for kids! As we like to say, the run inspires fun, so grab your kiddos some inspiring clothing today.
We are also celebrating the start of the Olympics and the Olympic spirit. We will be watching and cheering for all the athletes in the coming weeks. We will celebrate their athletic fervor and joy while also remembering that most olympic athletes start as a kid running around a playground.
Happy Running,
Joanie
Proud Mom and Founder/CEO Running Peas
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June 18, 2024
Welcome to the Running Peas Community!
Running Peas started with a vision to share my running life story with my children. My hope is to capture the joy, simplicity, and fun of running with thoughtful clothing design.
I can't wait to share more about the Running Peas story in the coming months.
Until then, welcome and keep checking back for updates!
Happy Running,
Joanie
Proud Mom and Founder | CEO of Running Peas