Fall 2016
Welcome to the United in Stride newsletter!

Thank you for being a part of our community, and we hope you all had a great summer! Have any story ideas, testimonials, events, or photos you want to share for future editions? Email us at krobidoux@mabcommunity.org!
Upcoming VI Races/Events 

Looking for your next race? We can help! Check out our list of races with a VI division and let us know if there are any we should add that we are missing! Support a race near you with an official VI Division! 


Interested in approaching a race about establishing a Visually Impaired Division? If you would like any tips, advice, or assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us! Contact Kyle Robidoux at  krobidoux@mabcommunity.org.


Training and Support from United in Stride


We're here to help!
We love when local running groups or clubs want to reach out and engage more guides and runners who are blind or visually impaired, so if you would like any help in doing so, let us know!

We here at United in Stride are available to provide advice or assistance, either by phone, email, or (if possible) even in-person trainings.

If you are interested or would like to learn more about how we can help, please contact Kyle Robidoux at krobidoux@mabcommunity.org.  
Guide Spotlight: Tommy Scott 
 
Tommy ran track in high school and college, and has moved into distance running since graduating. 

Tommy found United in Stride after he watched last year's Boston Marathon for the first time. He was inspired watching several blind and visually impaired runners completing the course, and knew he wanted to get involved. 

So, Tommy jumped right in. 

Something that surprised him about being a sighted guide is the level of trust another runner is willing to place in a guides whom they initially don't know very well. "I'm so honored that Kyle took and continues to take the time to teach me how to be the best guide I can be for him," said Tommy.

"I just ran the New York City Marathon and was blown away by the number and energy of the fans throughout almost the entirety of the course.   I've guided Kyle, on training runs so far, and I will be guiding a visiting runner in the Cambridge Half Marathon next weekend!" 




Guiding Tip
 
Are you and your guide running your first race together? Running a race is very different than a training run so here are some items to think about:

  • Establish an accessible meeting place that both the guide and runner can get to
  • Discuss where in the start corral you want to start (up front, middle, back), and plan your schedule accordingly
  • What is your race strategy and how (if at all) can your guide support you in this. Do you want/need them to keep track of your pace? In addition to guiding you, are you comfortable with the guide coaching/motivating you
  • What is your water stop strategy? Stop at everyone, skip the first couple? Do you want to water or another type of drink (if offered). Make sure your guide stays hydrated, too.
  • Where are you meeting friends/family post-race?
And don't forget to enjoy your race! 

Support United in Stride, Get a T-Shirt!
 
Would you like to support United in Stride and look amazing while doing it? Any donation of over $50 gets you an exclusive United in Stride t-shirt!

United in Stride t-shirt
Grant Opportunity 

The Challenged Athletes Foundation offers generous grants to athletes with disabilities. Funding can help with races (travel, race fees, etc.) as well as equipment. Their application is open until December 2, 2016. Visit their website for more information:

Don't Forget to Check Back!
 
United in Stride keeps on growing, with more and more users signing up every week. If it's been awhile since you last searched for runners near you, remember to keep checking the site - there could be someone new who would love to connect up with you!
 
And of course, keep spreading the word about United in Stride so we can continue to expand and move towards our goal of ensuring that no one is unable to meet their fitness goals because they cannot find a guide.
We Want to Hear From You!
 
United in Stride is only made possible due to the wonderful community joined together by a shared love of staying active, so we want to hear your stories!
 
Tell us your personal stories of using United in Stride - did you meet a new running buddy? Did someone you matched with help you reach a new goal or milestone? Let us know!
 
Also: are there any upcoming events involving runners who are visually impaired that you would like to share? Or any other news you think the community of guides and runners would be interested in?
 
Email krobidoux@mabcommunity.org and tell us!
United in Stride is powered by
the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
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