A professional poet’s life might seem tranquil—hours spent silently crafting words or performing in front of massive crowds, as Amanda Gorman famously does at significant events. But Gorman’s work proves she’s living life alongside us, fully engaged with the world around her. Just before receiving the NAACP Chairman’s Award on March 16, the talented 26-year-old spoke with The Healthy @Reader’s Digest about her role in promoting the first-ever Every Woman’s Marathon, set for November 16, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia. A representative for the marathon notes that it is “the only marathon in the U.S. for women, by women,” created to unite runners of all levels and backgrounds in a weekend focused on community and wellness.
You might wonder: Why make a marathon exclusively for women such a big deal? Consider this: Women earned the right to vote in 1920, yet only in 1972 could they officially register to participate in endurance races. This year also marks 50 years since women could obtain a credit card without needing a man’s signature—a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how high the hurdles have been.
In January 2024, the national Milk Processor Education Program—renowned for their iconic “Got Milk?” campaign—opened registration for Every Woman’s Marathon. Their mission? To address the concerns that “most female runners feel that endurance races are geared toward men.” They explain that nearly 90% of female runners want races that reflect diverse athletic abilities, body types, and age. Milk is stepping up to reshape this landscape, creating a welcoming, beginner-friendly race designed specifically to accommodate women at various stages in their running journeys.
The marathon isn’t just another race; it’s a comprehensive wellness weekend in Savannah. Organizers will offer a rich range of activities, from cooking and yoga classes to live performances and discussion panels. To make the event even more inclusive, they plan to provide child care, ample facilities, and a slew of thoughtful touches to ensure that everyone feels welcome. In support of women and girls, Milk has pledged $1 million to charities like 261 Fearless and Black Girls RUN!, matching runners’ registration fees to promote positive change.
As a powerful advocate for women and marginalized voices, Amanda Gorman has written the marathon’s mantra and discussed its significance with The Healthy @Reader’s Digest. Stay connected to the evolving wellness landscape by subscribing to the The Healthy @Reader’s Digest newsletter for daily updates!
The Healthy @Reader’s Digest: It’s fantastic to see you involved with an event that uplifts women in sports.
Amanda Gorman: I was actually a bit unsure at first when the Milk team approached me about creating a marathon focused on women’s needs. I thought, “I’m not an Olympic athlete—how can I contribute?” But then I realized the focus was on making it an inclusive and welcoming event for all body types and levels of fitness. Personally, as a Black woman navigating the societal pressures and stereotypes about strength, I found it crucial that we celebrate everyone simply for showing up to the starting line. That’s something I can certainly resonate with in my work as a poet.
The Healthy: It’s refreshing to see this approach—more about celebrating womanhood than just the race itself, which often can feel so rigid and competitive.
Amanda Gorman: Exactly! It’s so thrilling to see that they’ve put thought into every detail that enhances the experience of being present for your body. From yoga to good food and live music, there’s a whole sensory journey that’s typically absent in traditional marathons. It transforms what is often seen as a grueling task into an event filled with community, joy, and ultimately, empowerment. That spirit of celebration is where this marathon will really shine.
The Healthy: Do you see yourself as someone who is physically active?
Amanda Gorman: I mean, I wouldn’t claim to be a marathon winner or a record-breaker. But the truth is, in my twenties, I’ve been learning to balance a sedentary job—spending long hours at my desk or typing away—with finding ways to introduce movement into my everyday life. I practice yoga, enjoy walking and dancing, and I’ve come to appreciate that physical activity doesn’t have to mean being an elite athlete. It’s about honoring my body’s need for creativity and expression through movement. And that’s where I find my fulfillment.
The Healthy: You wrote a poignant mantra for the marathon, emphasizing self-care through running, stating, When we run, that’s for ourselves, for our bodies, our healing, ourselves. What does this mean to you?
Amanda Gorman: Those lines extend far beyond just running for me. When I talk to many women—my friends included—they often feel guilty for taking time to nourish their bodies or minds, whether through sleep, walking, or exercise. It seems we’re always measuring ourselves against what we “should” be doing instead of what we need. So, when I emphasize that running is about caring for ourselves, I want to remind women that it’s okay to prioritize their wellbeing without guilt. It’s about embracing the journey of self-love, not just pushing ourselves for the sake of competition.
It’s amazing how often we forget to prioritize our own well-being, isn’t it? There’s something truly empowering—almost revolutionary—about embracing the idea that moving our bodies is a sacred act of self-love. Too often, we shroud ourselves in guilt or shame for taking that time for ourselves, but we absolutely deserve to honor these moments. It’s crucial to foster a community where our bodies are seen as worthy and valued. There’s nothing selfish about preserving our own mental and physical health. In fact, when we make that commitment to ourselves, we create a stronger foundation to engage, contribute, and support the world around us.
As we delve into March, a month dedicated to celebrating Women’s History, I find myself hopeful for women and girls everywhere. It’s serendipitous that my birthday falls on March 7th, right before International Women’s Day on March 8th. Plus, it’s both poignant and powerful that March 7 marks not only my birthday but also the anniversary of Bloody Sunday—the day that became a pivotal point in the Civil Rights Movement during the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. Reading about those events as a child, I was struck by the intersection of my personal celebration with a significant moment in history. It hit me—the weight of that day, the sacrifice, and the triumph. And here I was, celebrating my life amid such meaningful events.
Reflecting on the complexities of our present political climate, I realize how deeply interconnected we all are with the historical moments that have shaped us. Each of us was born into a unique context that not only defines our past but also propels us toward a brighter future. As we look ahead, I envision a world where women aren’t merely surviving but thriving—where our voices are not just heard, but celebrated. It’s in these aspirations that we can seize our birthright to be the architects of change.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or simply running through your daily responsibilities, I challenge you to channel that energy into the voting booth as well. Participating in democracy is not just a privilege; it’s our right, and can be as vital as any physical endeavor. So, make sure you’re registered to vote. How you choose to vote is personal to you, but embracing that right is something we can all rally behind.
Switching gears a bit, let’s talk about self-care. What’s one ritual I absolutely refuse to skip? For me, it’s sleep. I’ve come to understand that without adequate rest, I’m just a shadow of who I can be—as a person, a thinker, a friend, or even as a poet. Science backs this up, and countless stories from other women testify to the transformative power of sleep. I’ve even taken to setting my timer for eight hours rather than the conventional clock to dictate when I wake up. It’s a bit rebellious, but instead of adhering to societal pressures on productivity, I listen to my body’s needs. It’s about nurturing my natural rhythms so they can flourish, and honestly, it has made a tremendous difference.
I hope you feel encouraged to rethink how you treat your body and your time.
If you find yourself inspired, be sure to check out more on these topics and stay engaged with conversations around self-care and empowerment. Let’s empower one another by sharing our journeys and supporting each other’s paths to wellness.
Image Source: Amanda Gorman @ Instagram