When I was younger, every time I ran in a new place I would always make sure I wasn’t too out of breath that I couldn’t outrun someone if I were chased or attacked. That sounds probably crazy to most of you.
I’ve always been easily frightened. I’m not a pessimist but I’m usually aware of the worst case scenario especially now a days. In Boston, there were a string of sexual assaults on runners along the Esplanade, my favorite route for a number of years. It’s been awhile since I last heard of one but that doesn’t mean I’m going running in the dark along the Charles River any time soon.
Since I’ve always had this “fear” of being attacked while I was running, it made the story of Vanessa Marcotte that much more painful to see on the news. She was a 27 year old women who was tragically killed by an act of violence while jogging near her family home in August 2016. She moved to New York City after graduating from BU and worked at Google. She reminded me of many of my own friends, myself and many of the people that read my blog.
On Sunday, January 21st, I’ll be attending STRIKE for Vanessa, an annual self-defense and empowerment workshop to honor the life of Vanessa Marcotte.
This event is being hosted by the Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation and The Soteria Method – a unique practice of self-defense, fitness and empowerment for woman. This year’s event will be led by celebrity self-defense trainer and creator of the Soteria Method, Avital Zeisler. This event was created with one mission: to honor Vanessa’s life by empowering women to live boldly and fearlessly.
More information can be found here. The event is being held at George Sherman Union on the BU campus from 10am-1:30pm. It looks like registration is an hour long from 10 -11am as a heads up with the actual self defense workout from 11:15-12:45 pm. Student tickets are $25, regular are $40.
I have two tickets to give away!
I was first invited to attend on behalf of Health Warrior and then my friends at Reebok offered to give two tickets to two of you guys! I’m looking forward to attending because I can’t for the life of me remember what I learned during the last self defense class I took, which I think might have been 10 years ago.
If you are interested in attending with me, leave a comment below or on my Instagram photo featuring this giveaway, or both! Both tickets will go to one winner so they can bring along a BFF. If the winner doesn’t want the extra ticket, then I will give it to another person chosen from the comment section randomly.
To enter, just leave a comment with the last time you took a self defense class or if you never have!
**And in case you’re curious, I’m not being paid to post this. I am being given a $40 entry ticket to attend but that is it. I just wanted to be able to honor Vanessa’s life since her death made such a lasting impact on me to live each day to the fullest. **
I have never taken a self-defense class and definitely should! I live in Boston as well, and run outdoors with my dog. I get nervous in the winter when it is so dark , and I know my dog would be of no help in a scary situation!
As a runner also I was also extremely saddened by Vanessa’s attack, I ensure to carry some form of protection with myself when running since her attack. I do not want others actions to limit my hobby and fun, having the opportunity to attend the event to strengthen my defense skills would be amazing.
Never have taken a self defense class and neither has my 21-year old daughter who spends a lot of time in Boston. Would love to attend.
I would love to attend! I just moved to Boston (from Portsmouth NH -- not too far) and I am familiar with this story. So so sad. I’ve never taken a self defense class and would love to take this one.
Congrats Caroline! You won the tickets! If you only need one, let me know so I can give the other away as well!
Hi Sarah! I tried clicking reply to your comment but the submit button wouldn’t show -- this is awesome!! I will take both tickets 🙂 Thank you so much! Let me know if you need my email/anything else from me!