FAQs for Project RAISE Team Marathon Coaching Experience Benefitting Women Veterans Giving

General Information

Q: What is the Project RAISE Team Marathon Coaching Experience?

A: The Project RAISE Team Marathon Coaching Experience is a fundraising initiative supporting Women Veterans Giving. Participants can walk, run, or ride to honor and support women veterans, while receiving coaching, joining a supportive community, and raising vital funds.

Q: Who can join the Project RAISE Team?

A: Anyone! Whether you're an experienced athlete or just starting out, there's a place for you on our team. The program is designed to accommodate all fitness levels from beginner to pro.

Q: When does the campaign start?

A: The campaign coincides with the 76th anniversary of Women Veterans Recognition Day and runs for 76 days, but you are able to start whenever. The season runs from June until December.

Q: What is Project RAISE?

A: RAISE stands for Resilient, Accessible, Inclusive, Supportive Empowerment. Our team is wonderfully inclusive and believes that ALL people have a right to equitable access to healthy living, regardless of barriers. We are EVERYONE and ALL are invited: people of color, people with disabilities, people with connections to the LGBTQ+, Veterans, Community Members…we are really just people living in the universe that want to great things for others and feel supported and empowered along the way.

Fundraising

Q: How do I raise funds for Women Veterans Giving?

A: Participants can host a Facebook fundraiser, organize small events in their community, or seek sponsorships from local businesses. We provide support and ideas to help you reach your fundraising goals.

Q: Are there fundraising incentives?

A: Yes! Participants who reach certain fundraising milestones will receive exclusive Women Veterans Giving t-shirts and branded schwag as a token of our appreciation.

Q: Is there a fundraising minimum?

A: Yes and No, participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $76 in 76 days by completing 76 "actions". The couch to 5k and Marathon participants will each set their own goal that is meaningful to them! We want everyone to fundraise, but what that looks like is dependent on each individual. Some people are natural fundraisers whereas for others, fundraising is scary! We make it incredibly easy to fundraise as a team.

Q: What does my Fundraising Support?

A: 100% of all funds raised support Women Veterans Giving. These funds are utilized to build capacity and provide essential resources to serve more women veterans in their entrepreneurship journey. Your contributions help empower women veterans by offering them the tools, training, and support they need to succeed in their business ventures. 

Sponsorships for the Run Team or Movement Challenge

Q: Is the Run Team or Movement Challenge accepting sponsorships and what does that look like?

A: Absolutely! We welcome sponsorships and will design a sponsorship package tailored to the sponsor's level and needs. Sponsors can benefit from various levels of recognition, including branding opportunities on event materials, social media shoutouts, and the chance for brand activation with our participants and audience. Sponsorships provide crucial support to Women Veterans Giving and enhance our capacity to serve women veterans in their entrepreneurship journey. If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact us to discuss the possibilities and create a custom package that aligns with your goals.

Coaching and Training

Q: What is included in the Free Coaching Package?

A: The Free Coaching Package includes weekly individualized workouts tailored to your goal race distance, access to a peer support virtual group, weekly strength, mobility, and stability exercises, and monthly virtual team meetups.

Q: What kind of support can I expect from the coaches?

A: Our expert coaches provide personalized training plans, regular check-ins, and motivation to help you achieve your fitness goals, whether it's completing a 5K, a marathon or even an ultra!

Q: How do the virtual team meetups work?

A: Monthly virtual team meetups allow participants to connect, share experiences, and support each other. These meetups are held online one evening a month to accommodate participants from all over the nation.

Q: Who are the Coaches?

A: Drew Ryther was a nationally ranked runner, competed for Adams State and coached at Abilene Christian University. He has 15 years of experience training athletes of ALL abilities. Drew currently serves in the US Army as a pilot and flight instructor and has been a caretaker for his wounded Veteran parent as well as a best friend who was paralyzed. Having also been a competitive rock climber, Drew started an adaptive rock-climbing program as well. Karen Kantor is a previous Olympics Trials Qualifier who was paralyzed while serving in the US Army. After many, many years of recovery ad rehabilitation, Karen was able to compete professionally once more, though it took 15 years to learn how to run again. Karen has coached national champions, American Record holders and pro athletes, but her heart is really centered on supporting everyone to feel what she feels when she runs: empowered, confident, powerful…the list goes on. Karen has coached people with disabilities to national titles, supported people experiencing homelessness to train for marathons (and obtain housing, sobriety and careers), wounded Veterans, as well as community members that are doing great things for their community and for their lives! Jessica Beacham is the president of the Colorado National Federation of the Blind and has been a previous winner of the Blind Marathon National Championships. Karen also is the President & CEO of WE Fit Wellness, and inclusive wellness organization bringing access opportunity and support to everyone to support their fitness journeys. Depending on team size, additional coaches will be added.

Registration and Participation

Q: How do I sign up for the Project RAISE Team?

A: You can sign up on our website. Just follow the registration link and fill out the necessary information to join our movement.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to participate?

A: All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes for walking, running, or riding. If you’re participating in the cycling events, a bike and helmet are recommended as well.

Q: Can I participate if I am not in the United States?

A: Yes, the virtual nature of our team allows anyone from anywhere in the world to join and participate.

Events and Activities

Q: What types of events can I organize to fundraise?

A: You can organize small community events such as bake sales, car washes, pub meet-ups, pizza for a purpose or charity runs. Hosting virtual events like online auctions or virtual races are also great ways to raise funds. The team will also host fundraising opportunities and will have ideas to help you along the way!

Q: What are the 76 "actions" I need to complete for the 76 Days of Action Campaign?

A: Actions can include activities like running a mile, hosting a mini-fundraiser, or spreading awareness about women veterans on social media. Get creative and make each action count towards your fundraising goal! Daily ideas will also be posted in the FB group.

Q: What is the Couch to 5K program?

A: The Couch to 5K program is designed for beginners who want to complete their first 5K. Our expert coaches provide a step-by-step training plan to build your endurance and confidence.

Q: What does the marathon training entail?

A: Marathon training includes a personalized plan tailored to your abilities, guidance from experienced mentors, and support to help you build up to the marathon distance. For more experienced runners, training will enhance your current level of fitness and build you up to blast your next marathon goal!

Contact and Support

Q: How can I get help if I have more questions?

A: You can contact our support team via email or phone. Visit our website for detailed contact information and support options. Coaches will be available via FB messenger as well.

Q: Is there a way to connect with other participants?

A: Yes, participants have access to a peer support virtual group where they can share experiences, motivate each other, and build a sense of community. 

Join us today and make a difference in the lives of women veterans! Your participation and fundraising efforts will provide vital support and recognition to those who have served our country with honor and courage.