Have you ever had one of those mornings where you leave thinking, “I needed that!”
That was Run, Roast & Refresh for me.
Walking past the Blue Wahoos stadium to the waterfront and Hunter Amphitheater this past Saturday, I could immediately feel something different. It wasn’t just a fitness event. It wasn’t just a Saturday morning activity. It was hundreds of people choosing to start their day by saying yes to themselves, to movement, and to each other.
More than 600 people showed up, and what I loved most was seeing that everyone showed up differently!
Some came ready to run.
Some came ready to stretch.
Some came ready to challenge themselves.
Some came simply because a friend invited them and they wanted to be part of something positive. **Shout out to Dawn Barton for being my positive fitness friend and joining me!**
And that’s the beauty of wellness—it doesn’t require us all to be in the same place. It simply invites us to take the next step from wherever we are.
As a mom, a friend, and someone who truly believes in the power of community, mornings like this remind me why I love what I do. I had so much fun moving, laughing, catching up with friends, meeting new people, and experiencing the kind of energy that can only happen when a community comes together.
People were cheering one another on.
Strangers were becoming friends.
There were moments of courage as people tried something new.
There were plenty of smiles and joy…
And yes, there were some very brave people sinking into the cold plunges!
But beyond the workouts, the coffee, and the incredible experiences, what stood out to me was the reminder that we all need spaces where we feel welcome.
Spaces where we don’t have to be the strongest, fastest, or most experienced person in the room.
Spaces where we can simply show up.
That is what makes Run, Roast & Refresh so special.
It’s not about perfection.
It’s not about comparison.
It’s about celebrating the fact that we are here, we are moving, and we are doing it together.
From the 5K and one-mile walk to Pilates, yoga, strength classes, HYROX challenges, recovery opportunities, wellness vendors, coffee, and conversations, there was truly something for everyone.
And the impact goes beyond the morning.
A portion of every ticket supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, creating even more opportunities for our community to pour into others.
That’s what wellness looks like.
It’s taking care of ourselves while remembering we are connected to something bigger.
It’s making time for our health while making time for our people.
It’s realizing that sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is surround ourselves with others who inspire us.
To the 600+ people who came out, thank you for bringing the energy, the encouragement, and the joy. You reminded me that our community is hungry for connection, movement, and moments that make us feel alive!
Run, Roast & Refresh is more than a morning event.
It’s a reminder that wellness can be fun.
It can be social.
It can be something we look forward to.
And I cannot wait to do it again.
Mark your calendars—Run, Roast & Refresh is back July 25th. See you there!
