2015 Run With ITA: A Wrap Up!

The Run With ITA program  became more than just a program.. Its the root of long lasting positive relationships for all of those involved. Each day we met, it left us with a positive story or a life changing event. After each session, I would always go home with a huge smile on my face.













This year we had more guest than ever. Our kids loved that. Then enjoyed getting to know them. The part than I was most proud about was that we all enjoyed our program. At the end the program was ours. Every kids contributed  with new ideas and ways to keep it interesting and alive. Pictures, manicures, bike rides, new loops, etc.  Many of the mothers got more involved and even participated with us in some of the running events. It was so much fun and very touching to see them play tag with their own kids. To hear a kid say something like "Did you see that, my mom is fast" both the action and the fact are priceless.

At times one can easily think kids are hard to deal with or they dont listen. Well, our ITA kids have proved that to be wrong. Once you give a kid respect and attention, they will have apositive response by making it easier for you to deal with tem and listen to you. After our nutrition classes from last years program, I could tell the kids were more open to try new snacks = zero complains. One time, I had this crazy idea in y mind that bananas for snack was going to be a complete failure. I was prepared to go back home with lots of bananas. To my surprise, bananas were a hit. Kids loved them. Then, I it all made sence. After a nice afternoon of excersice, its very hard to deny a healthy snack. A fact:  Kids can teach and they teach you well.



I could go on and on about the Run With ITA summer program.. Instead, be the judge, click HERE and let us know what you think and what is it that you see. Hope it inspires you to make a movement and do something similar and create a Run with your family or your community program where ever you might be.

4th of July Celebration ITA Style

This year's 4th of July celebration was a great opportunity for our kids to test their fitness, take part on the annual 4th of July Alamosa's parade, meet new mentors and share some sweet moments with the entire  Alamosa community.

Our day started with the 3rd annual 4th of July ITA fun run. This year our kids and parents raced, joged and walked 800m on an open dirt road near were all of our kids live before we headed downtown for the parade.

The 4th of July events turned into a very special day for all of our kids. We all went home with  lifted spirits.

 We were proud to share with the community who we are and what we do. This sets us up for the upcoming school year. This event has become the benchmark for what we want to accomplish in the future and a reward for all we accomplished through the year and the summer.


 This summer we started our Run With ITA program with a goal in mind and that was to be able to enjoy the 4th of July race. Needless to say, they all did that. Our kids are fearless when it comes to stepping on a starting line. Yes, practice does make perfection plus there is always this type of strength and energy one can only get from the outside. When it comes down to finding outerstrength our ITA kids know how and where to find it.

As for the parade, I loved seeing our kids interact and feel like they belong to something. To know that we are more than this group that does homework and runs in the summer. We are a group of people that has the power to inspire others and deserve to be inspired and motivated by others too.  Having the opportunity to experience and practice  giving back is priceless. We all need that.

It would be impossible for me to do this type of events by myself. From participants to volunteers, we all know it does take a village to do something very special.

Thank you to our amazing group of volunteer.

Jurgen Themen:  Olympian and 2-Time World Championship Participant. Runs the 100m and 200m for Adams State. This is Jurgen's 2nd year volunteering for ITA.  He represented his country, Suriname at the 2008 Olympics and the world champuonships in Osaka 2007 and Berlin 2009.

Sunayna Wahi: Panamerican games participant. Runs the 100m and 200m for Adams State. Also her 2nd year volunteering for ITA. She represented her country Suriname at the panamerican games.

Sunayna and Jurgen's main duty is to help carry the L.L Bean tote bag full of candy and distribute during the parade.

James Douglas former Adams State All-American Long Jumper and Alamosa High School Assistant Coach. James helped capture this special day through the lents of his camera. First year volunteering for ITA.

Alicia Nelson former Adams State runner, 9 time National Champion. Alicia has volunteer for ITA in several occasions. This year she also help us capture some moments with her camera.

Parents and participants... Thank You!

Immigrant Resource Center, once again thank you for helping with some of the ITA T-Shirts and candy.

This 4th of July enters into the list of one of our most memorable moments with our ITA crew. Also, this is one of many examples why I would love to repeat the experience again.

Well, are you ready to revive the moment with us through pictures? 

Then let's go, enjoy and click HERE and HERE

"Yes, click there and there"