Emma Almanza
FOUNDER OF BOISE GIRLS RUN
When people look at your life or career today, what milestone do they usually focus on?
I would say depending on their age range and who their mutuals are; either My photography business or Boise Girls Run! I have had a few people not realise that I started up run club (which honestly is a dream because this run club is for everyone BUT ME, my goal is to make it a comfortable and constant place they can come to, even if they have no clue who the face is behind it!) I cant speak for others but I would say I get asked a lot “How did you even start run club??” so maybe they know me for somehow starting it??
A Path Discovered Through Running and Community
Was this a path you always dreamed about, or one you discovered along the way?
Oh gosh, no!!! If you knew me in high school, running was probably the last form of exercise or stress relief I would’ve chosen. Honestly, running would cause me stress haha! When I moved closer to the Boise Greenbelt, I started feeling the urge to get outside more, and somehow running became part of that?? After about 2–3 years of running by myself, I realized something that would've shocked high school me (running is actually REALLY fun!!) A friend and I started turning it into our hangout; we’d go for a run and then grab coffee after. After doing that a few times, I realized Boise had no girls-only run clubs… and sometimes girls just wanna RUN (with their girl friends only!!) So I kind of discovered the idea along the way. But before sharing it with others, I had to make sure I truly loved the sport enough to confidently & safely invite other girls to love it too.
Patience, Consistency, and Growing a Run Club
Looking back, what part of this journey took longer or required more patience than you expected?
As a woman who understands how nervewracking it can be to show up somewhere new, & not knowing what to expect. I had to understand that it is REALLY scary and can be intimidating for a girl to show up to a club or event alone!! Sometimes girls need a push or someone to tell them ‘its okay to come alone!’ and at first I was really conflicted on how to get girls who were scared to show up to run club alone, to show up!!
What did progress look like for you when things weren’t yet working?
Continuously showing up!! I was probably really annoying, but I was consistent. I texted my friends and the run club girls every Wednesday morning saying, “Hey!! We would love to see you tonight at run club!!” Because honestly, you never know what might be stopping someone from coming. Sometimes people just need that little push. :)
The Strength You Don’t See: Rejection, Doubt, and Showing Up
What was the hardest internal battle you had to navigate on this journey?
Being okay with rejection, sometimes girls REALLY don’t want to run, and you can't (and shouldnt) force someone to do something that they really don’t want to do! So learning to navigate how to make it welcoming for those girls whenever they are ready to attend Boise Girls Run!
Was there a moment you seriously doubted yourself or your direction? What helped you move forward anyway?
Oh gosh totally! I have to give ALL the credit to the girls who would show up every week. I say it all the time but run club would be absolutely nothing without the girls who show up, whether it's 101 degrees in July or 42 and windy with snow on the greenbelt. They are literally the reason i didnt stop.
Commitment, Purpose, and Community Impact
What did staying committed look like on the days motivation wasn’t there?
Staying committed looked like still hosting a run club, even if I had the worst week or a ‘bad’ morning. My mom always taught me, “You never know what someone is going through.” If run club can be an escape for someone who’s going through hardships, then I want to be that space for them. Sometimes just showing up can make a bigger difference than we realize. Every week girls return with other girls from run club and they tell us ALL about their night out together, their farmers market trip, or their trip to new york together!!! Watching connection happen right before my eyes is the best motivation for me.
Mental Skills Behind Building a Women’s Community
What mental skills from sport or performance showed up most in this chapter of your life?
Other: Taking risks, rejection, confidence
Identity, Growth, and Redefining Success
Did you ever have to redefine what success meant to you?
Absolutely! I started redefining success as the “little wins.” Big or small, I’ll take the win. If 2 girls showed up, how amazing that 2 girls wanted to spend their Saturday morning with me. If 62 girls showed up, how phenomenal that they all felt safe and comfortable enough to not only come, but even bring a friend to share it with.
How has who you are changed because of this journey- not just what you do?
Because of Boise Girls Run, I’ve realized just how important female friendships truly are. Girlhood and community are something I personally believe are crucial to getting through hardships and defeats, but also to celebrating wins!!! This journey has given me such a deep appreciation for the women around me and the power of showing up for one another (:
Reflection & Advice: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
For someone who feels behind or unsure right now, what would you want them to hear?
Whatever you’re feeling or whatever you’re scared of, someone else is feeling the exact same way. So many of the things and emotions we take on as women, we carry alone; when we really don’t have to. Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel like one of the most terrifying things in the world, but it can also be one of the most amazing accomplishments! You literally never know what is behind that door you are contemplating opening! How boring would life be if we just stayed in our little box? Sometimes the best things happen when we decide to step outside of it!
Closing: The Strength Behind the Milestone
When you think about the milestone you’re living now, what strength do you wish people understood better?
I have two things! First, the strength and courage it takes to be a woman. Even something as simple as going for a run can come with a lot of “what ifs” and fears behind it. I think the strength it takes to simply exist as a woman and still take risks is pretty incredible.
I think I'm still trying to understand this, but the strength of rejection and being okay with things not working out!! The older I have gotten and the more “rejection” I have experienced, the more i have been comfortable with something not working out! I think there is extreme strength in being able to walk into a situation knowing confidently that if this doesn't work out, It’s not the end of the world & It will be okay!
