A poet’s life often appears serene. Days blend into peaceful hours of wordsmithing or captivating performances, much like Amanda Gorman’s impactful presence at significant events. Yet, her work reflects an active engagement with society, showcasing her commitment to the world around her. Just before accepting the NAACP Chairman’s Award on March 16, Gorman discussed her exciting role with *The Healthy @ Reader’s Digest*, promoting the inaugural [Every Woman’s Marathon](https://everywomansmarathon.com), set for November 16, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. This event, designed exclusively for women and led by women, aims to unite runners of all backgrounds in a weekend focused on community and wellness.
Creating a marathon specifically for women isn’t just a nice gesture. It underscores historical milestones. Women achieved the right to vote in 1920, but only in 1972 were they allowed to officially register for endurance races. This year also marks a half-century since women could obtain credit cards without male co-signers—a reminder of the great strides made, as well as the hurdles conquered.
In January 2024, the national Milk Processor Education Program—famous for “Got Milk?”—opened registration for this noteworthy marathon. Their mission? To bridge a gap that many female runners feel: that traditional races cater primarily to men. Research indicates that almost 90% of female runners prefer races reflecting diverse body types and abilities. Milk is stepping in to transform this race landscape, crafting a welcoming and beginner-friendly environment tailored for women at various fitness levels.
This marathon transcends the typical race format. It’s part of a comprehensive wellness weekend in Savannah, featuring an array of activities, including yoga classes, cooking sessions, live music, and discussion panels. Inclusivity is paramount; child care and thoughtful accommodations will ensure everyone feels welcome. Supporting women’s initiatives, Milk has committed $1 million to organizations like 261 Fearless and Black Girls RUN!, matching registration fees to foster positive change.
As an advocate for women and marginalized voices, Amanda Gorman crafted the marathon’s motivating mantra, emphasizing its importance during her chat with The Healthy @ Reader’s Digest. Stay updated on the wellness landscape by subscribing to the The Healthy @ Reader’s Digest newsletter for daily insights.
The Healthy @ Reader’s Digest: It’s inspiring to see your involvement in an uplifting event for women in sports.
Amanda Gorman: I had my reservations when the Milk team first approached me about creating a marathon dedicated to women. Initially, I thought, “I’m no Olympic athlete—what can I offer?” But I quickly realized the focus is on inclusivity and making the event accessible for all fitness levels. As a Black woman navigating societal pressures and stereotypes, I recognized the importance of celebrating every participant simply for showing up at the starting line. That resonates deeply with my work.
The Healthy: Your approach is refreshing—focusing on celebrating womanhood rather than competition.
Amanda Gorman: Exactly. It’s exciting to see that attention is given to every detail enhancing participants’ experience. From yoga to nourishing food and live performances, this marathon offers a sensory journey that is often overlooked in traditional events. It turns what’s typically seen as a grueling endeavor into a celebration filled with community and joy.
The Healthy: Do you consider yourself physically active?
Amanda Gorman: I wouldn’t identify as a marathon champion, but I’ve learned to balance a sedentary career with movement. I enjoy yoga, walking, and dancing. Physical activity doesn’t require elite status; it’s about honoring my body through movement, which brings me fulfillment.
The Healthy: You wrote a powerful mantra emphasizing self-care through running: *When we run, that’s for ourselves, for our bodies, our healing, ourselves.* What does this mean for you?
Amanda Gorman: Those words extend beyond running. Many women, including my friends, often feel guilty about nourishing themselves—whether through exercise or rest. We constantly measure ourselves against expectations instead of listening to our needs. Emphasizing self-care reminds us it’s okay to prioritize our well-being without guilt. It’s about embracing a journey of self-love rather than competing.
It’s remarkable how easily we neglect our own needs. Embracing movement as an expression of self-love is empowering. We often hold onto guilt for taking time for ourselves, but we deserve to honor those moments. Building a community where our bodies are valued is essential. When we commit to caring for our mental and physical health, we create a strong base for supporting and contributing to the world.
As March unfolds, celebrating Women’s History, I feel hopeful for women and girls everywhere. My birthday on March 7, just before International Women’s Day, is significant, aligning with the anniversary of Bloody Sunday—a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Reflecting on this, I’ve realized how the historical context shapes our current realities.
Each individual is born into a unique narrative, influencing not only our past but also our collective future. Envisioning a world where women thrive is crucial—where our voices resonate widely. Fulfilling this vision means embracing our rights and responsibilities as change-makers.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or managing daily tasks, channel that energy into participating in democracy. Voting is not merely a privilege; it’s a right we should all embrace.
Switching topics, what’s one self-care ritual I hold dear? Sleep. Without sufficient rest, I can’t be my best self—as a thinker, a friend, or a poet. Science supports the transformative power of sleep. I’ve even started setting my wake-up timers for eight hours instead of adhering to conventional clocks. It’s somewhat rebellious, but I focus on my body’s needs rather than societal pressures. This mindfulness has significantly improved my well-being.
I hope this inspires you to reevaluate how you nurture your body and time.
If you feel motivated, continue exploring topics around self-care and empowerment. Let’s uplift each other by sharing our journeys toward wellness.
