Anjelica Florendo

Hey everyone, Anj here! I started running in late 2020, when I decided to momentarily move out to Sacramento, CA, from Brooklyn, NY.

It was a cold cold winter out in Pandemic World New York, and in my attempt to seek refuge in less cold and lonelier places, I found myself trail running along the American River (yes that's in Sacramento). It was literally the only way I could keep my sanity in suburbia, while achieving bad-bitch-levels-of-post-break-up-hotness without a gym.

Half jokes aside, in mid 2021 I stumbled on Koreatown Run Club while I was out exploring bi-coastal life in LA.

That's when things really shifted for me-- because of the cult we call Long Distance Running, showing up to the KRC runs became an opportunity to connect and be part of a community. Thanks to the multiple training cycles (despite it being in bi-coastal conditions) I've met and grown to love the people I have been blessed to share amazing experiences with, in places, cities, and situations I would never had thought I'd find myself in.

A lot of the personal growth that I've experienced in the past 2 years I can attribute to the fact that I took on those first few steps in a relatively faster pace than my usual Manhattan Stride.

Running has always been a very personal journey, and as I take on the challenge of completing 200 miles in the month of May, I'm wanting to explore how far I can extend myself, to express my gratitude towards this (team) sport.

I've rounded up some of the most talented women to run with me to raise at least $3,000 to help out WORK, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to accompany families in Haiti out of poverty through good, dignified jobs.

It's a bonkers, but all this time on my feet needs to have more a purpose, so it you can, please help us reach our fundraising goals by making a donation today. Every dollar counts!

To learn more about WORK, visit www.dowork.org and give them a follow on social @doworkorg. #200Together #RunAcrossMay #200MilesInMay