"I'm so excited about life!" says Beth.

Don't we all want to feel like that? But how do we get there...and stay there? There's a well-accepted and respected premise in the world of psychology. It states our spiritual, emotional and mental well-being rest on the foundation of our physical health.
Physical fitness affects our health. On an individual basis, we must accept responsibility for ourselves; but we could certainly use some assistance. Help is here: RYKA upholds this assertion not only in word, but in deed. They sponsor a great program entitled -- IRON GIRL --because the people behind RYKA care.
They know almost everyone has 'worked toward' physical fitness, some much harder than others; and offer help for us stay on track? Remember, we need physical fitness to maximize soundness of mind, which in turn feeds...you're right, emotional stability -- enabling us to become better people. So, we can also call out, "I met my personal goal (YAY)." -- Kalee

-- Jodie Kelley

For health maintenance, we can reverse the order. Being a person of high character means you're a giver; so find a way to give back to others from the good that you've received. That has your internal energy feeding on positive thinking. Your thoughts precede action. It makes good sense; to maintain all you are working for, consider becoming an IRON GIRL. Check this out!

Jenn proves that allowing ourselves to be inspired, inspires others.

At this point, you may be wondering. 'exactly what is an IRON GIRL,' and how can I become one?

We had the opportunity to speak with Katie Clifford with RYKA, who helped shed light on just what it means to be an Iron Girl, and how RYKA is giving back to the community.

WOW: Katie, there are various ways that RYKA supports women's efforts to become all they can be. Grants are just one way, can you give us an overview of why RYKA chose grants and who benefits?

KATIE: I'd be glad to, the grants are administered by Women's Sports Foundation (started by Billie Jean King, a number of years ago). It makes $50,000 a year available, usually in units of $5,000 to $10,000 each. We've worked together for four years to help save women's sports, and it benefits all women--from the sedentary to Martina Navrátilová. The purpose is to educate or give women a chance to participate in health and fitness activities. And there is definitely a leaning toward organizations, shelters, etc. that help less fortunate women.

WOW: There's another way RYKA promotes good health and fitness, they sponsor IRON GIRL and integrate that with the Ulman Foundation. How did that come about?

KATIE: It was Iron Girl that actually found the Ulman Foundation, which focuses on young adults--the middle group that is sometimes lost in the demographics. Say you're seventeen, and you find you have cancer, just when you're trying to go to college, or... That's a terrible blow to suffer. So we were happy to support efforts that help a special group that is sometimes missed. And it's great to be associated with a foundation that's not as well known as others.

WOW: That is great! So, how does Iron Girl fit exactly?

KATIE: You know RYKA has products exclusively for women. We had also supported the fight against breast cancer. We decided to branch out and being pro-active. That started the search and we found Iron Girl--a division of Ironman. They've thought of everything, (she pointed to a picture of girls with their names , as well as numbers on the t-shirts, good quality, too... And, at the finish line there are all the special touches including table cloths, flowers...the things that women love.

WOW: You seem to be right with the spirit of Iron Girl, which is so cool.

KATIE: At RYKA, we internally live the lifestyle we're talking about. We all work out. It's not like there's a department somewhere that came up with an idea that this would be a great image. Actually, all of us are walking the walk, rather than just talking the talk.

IRON GIRL has attainable goals even for ones who work in front of a computer all day. Like the 5k. It's not overwhelming and the physical activity is beneficial in many ways. Take writers, for example, it's a way to create a space in your brain, so amazing ideas can flow.

It's not like the Ironman race, where it's every man for himself. No, here if you bump someone, you say, "oh, I'm sorry, are you okay?"
Your readers would love it; because it's the same sensation as putting everything into your writing, and then experiencing the feeling of exhilaration, knowing you have truly accomplished something.
So, it's about way more than having a great body, it's about feeling good. It's a great way to take care of ourselves. And as we get older, we realize that it's about more than being able to fit into your jeans...that, it's better to fit into your soul.
You can't hang onto your 'twenty-five' image forever. This is a way to grow into being a real woman, feeling good about yourself--reaching your full potential

We thanked Katie for her time; and Angela and I left knowing we were right when we chose RYKA's IRON GIRL, as the focus for our Inspiration column.
Iron Girl and RYKA are authentic. That's what makes this so special--they live what they talk about, including a 5k that Katie did in San Francisco ...straight up!

Check this out!

"This was my first race ever. I participated in the 5K run and did it in 34 minutes. This time is amazing for me. I have only been training for five weeks, so I am really excited about this finish. This is a huge success for me, as I am a single-working mother who also attends SPU full-time. I start nursing school in just a few weeks!

In the last two years, I have lost 40 pounds and with my new method of exercise (running), I know I can lose more pounds; but more importantly, I can teach my son a healthy lifestyle.

I feel great! I am so excited about life! Thank you!!!" -- Beth

"I feel so inspired by all the girls and women I saw on race day. We can do anything we set our minds to. Thank you, Iron Girl!!!" -- Tricia

"My first triathlon, WOW!! I was so impressed with all the sponsorship and volunteers that made this an awesome experience. RYKA, you rock. Love the shirt and the photos will be treasured forever. Thank you." -- Leslie S.

That RYKA has become more than a company to many women is easy to see. Let's give a few more women a chance to share their expressions of appreciation, for all that IRON GIRL has given to them.

"I ran the Iron Girl 10k in Clearwater and enjoyed every minute of it. What a great way for women to come together and raise money for a good cause but also do something good for themselves." -- Marjorie Pulver

"Thanks for such a great time!!! Nice work!" --- Pamela S.

Maria expressed the heart of what we've tried to share: