“Without a guide, every pothole, crack, curb, or branch could end my run. Every slight direction choice, adjustment, and verbal warning are the essential gifts which give me freedom to run. The only greater gift is the kindness and choice of my wonderful guides to make this possible each and every time we become a team.”
“Guide runners are my eyes. I trust them, as they tell me everything I need to know along our path. I am a visually impaired runner, and a happy runner.”
“Being able to participate as a guide absolutely reinvigorated my passion to run. I am now able to enjoy the sport I love more than ever, while making it possible for a visually impaired athlete to do the same. WIN-WIN.”
“Guiding has brought me such pleasure in a sport I have come to love over the past four years. I want to help anyone I can to accomplish their goals, from sprints to half’s and any training in between. Let’s have some fun!”
“Though most guides humbly disagree, I consider guiding to be a purely selfless act. I mean, they give up their own race – while still taking on all of the same effort – simply to allow me to race. Just incredible people.”
“Guiding a blind athlete opened my eyes to a whole new dimension in the sport of triathlon. I was apprehensive about it at first but learning to work together and be that much more attentive on the course has helped me view racing in a while new light.”
“Since going blind, I’ve looked for a way to push myself physically while staying safe. About a half-mile into my first run with a guide I knew I’d found it! More importantly, I’ve found a greater confidence in and respect for myself.”
“Without a guide, I could only run slowly and cautiously. I could not keep up with other runners. With a guide, I can run a faster pace. I can join group runs and run competitively in races. I can challenge my athletic ability. This opens up a new world of possibilities!”
“The idea that I could help someone while doing something that’s also good for myself physically and mentally seemed like a no brainer. Heck why aren’t more people doing it!?”
“Guiding takes the “self” out of racing and makes it the ultimate team effort. None of the races I have completed as an individual compare to the feeling I get when I cross the finish line with a visually impaired athlete. There’s nothing better than knowing that you helped another person accomplish their goal.”
“Running guides have made a huge impact in my life. Not only do they generously donate their time and effort to assist me at any event, but they also pace me and motivate me to compete at a high level.”
“The impact and difference guides have made in my life allow me to enjoy the freedom to train and run outdoors, participate in events, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. From each experience, a unique friendship forms, reminding me that the possibilities ahead are endless, as long as I take that first step forward!”
“I thought that guiding a visually impaired runner would be a unique opportunity to share the ultimate expression of independence that has been so meaningful to me. I was paired with an incredible athlete who inspired me not only with his athletic performance, but his passion and joy for the sport. Best of all, we’ve developed a strong bond and long-lasting friendship.”
“Guides have given me the opportunity fulfil my passion of running, for without their kindness there would be no running. They have also provided me with encouragement, motivation, and inspiration to push myself beyond what I thought I could do.”
“I love to run, and my guides make it possible.”
“Without my many guides, running would be a solitary slog on a treadmill. With them, my running is a chance to make new friends, to race, and to be a part of a great community. In short, because of my guides, running brings joy and freedom.”
“As a guide, you are able to give back to the sport(s) by giving those with vision loss a chance to do what brings us so much joy, and that we sometimes take for granted. I will do whatever I can to make sure that I participate year in and year out as a guide for visually impaired runners!”
“Guiding a visually impaired runner has put new meaning into running. Sharing the Boston Marathon with a visually impaired runner is one of the highlights of my running career. It wasn’t about what I could do for her, but what she did for me. I’ll never forget it.”
“Without a guide, every pothole, crack, curb, or branch could end my run. Every slight direction choice, adjustment, and verbal warning are the essential gifts which give me freedom to run. The only greater gift is the kindness and choice of my wonderful guides to make this possible each and every time we become a team.”
“Guide runners are my eyes. I trust them, as they tell me everything I need to know along our path. I am a visually impaired runner, and a happy runner.”
“Being able to participate as a guide absolutely reinvigorated my passion to run. I am now able to enjoy the sport I love more than ever, while making it possible for a visually impaired athlete to do the same. WIN-WIN.”
“Guiding has brought me such pleasure in a sport I have come to love over the past four years. I want to help anyone I can to accomplish their goals, from sprints to half’s and any training in between. Let’s have some fun!”
“Though most guides humbly disagree, I consider guiding to be a purely selfless act. I mean, they give up their own race – while still taking on all of the same effort – simply to allow me to race. Just incredible people.”
“Guiding a blind athlete opened my eyes to a whole new dimension in the sport of triathlon. I was apprehensive about it at first but learning to work together and be that much more attentive on the course has helped me view racing in a while new light.”
“Since going blind, I’ve looked for a way to push myself physically while staying safe. About a half-mile into my first run with a guide I knew I’d found it! More importantly, I’ve found a greater confidence in and respect for myself.”
“Without a guide, I could only run slowly and cautiously. I could not keep up with other runners. With a guide, I can run a faster pace. I can join group runs and run competitively in races. I can challenge my athletic ability. This opens up a new world of possibilities!”
“The idea that I could help someone while doing something that’s also good for myself physically and mentally seemed like a no brainer. Heck why aren’t more people doing it!?”
“Guiding takes the “self” out of racing and makes it the ultimate team effort. None of the races I have completed as an individual compare to the feeling I get when I cross the finish line with a visually impaired athlete. There’s nothing better than knowing that you helped another person accomplish their goal.”
“Running guides have made a huge impact in my life. Not only do they generously donate their time and effort to assist me at any event, but they also pace me and motivate me to compete at a high level.”
“The impact and difference guides have made in my life allow me to enjoy the freedom to train and run outdoors, participate in events, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. From each experience, a unique friendship forms, reminding me that the possibilities ahead are endless, as long as I take that first step forward!”
“I thought that guiding a visually impaired runner would be a unique opportunity to share the ultimate expression of independence that has been so meaningful to me. I was paired with an incredible athlete who inspired me not only with his athletic performance, but his passion and joy for the sport. Best of all, we’ve developed a strong bond and long-lasting friendship.”
“Guides have given me the opportunity fulfil my passion of running, for without their kindness there would be no running. They have also provided me with encouragement, motivation, and inspiration to push myself beyond what I thought I could do.”
“I love to run, and my guides make it possible.”
“Without my many guides, running would be a solitary slog on a treadmill. With them, my running is a chance to make new friends, to race, and to be a part of a great community. In short, because of my guides, running brings joy and freedom.”
“As a guide, you are able to give back to the sport(s) by giving those with vision loss a chance to do what brings us so much joy, and that we sometimes take for granted. I will do whatever I can to make sure that I participate year in and year out as a guide for visually impaired runners!”
“Guiding a visually impaired runner has put new meaning into running. Sharing the Boston Marathon with a visually impaired runner is one of the highlights of my running career. It wasn’t about what I could do for her, but what she did for me. I’ll never forget it.”
“Without a guide, every pothole, crack, curb, or branch could end my run. Every slight direction choice, adjustment, and verbal warning are the essential gifts which give me freedom to run. The only greater gift is the kindness and choice of my wonderful guides to make this possible each and every time we become a team.”
![Huge thank you to everyone who came out to the various events that United in Stride was at last week! Our members and ambassadors were present at multiple events across the country, and we had an awesome time getting out there, making connections with the community, and being active! This picture is from one of the events in California, where we had 14 blind and low vision athletes, 14 guides, and some additional blind/low vision athletes who we met at the event!
[Image description: Group of runners wearing medals smiling after completing a race, gathered together for a photo on a sunny day.]](https://scontent-ord5-3.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/485836884_17942236670981734_7692149551360954717_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=aCTix7b9z30Q7kNvwFznFwV&_nc_oc=AdkNUXXrz8yYXqcEvRLJ0xwQblnPm8LLqk71Y_q31vXZtvBwtwgngi1-SA1_xNxHsGA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-3.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=JA5gzRPpfp_9gGroPFC-AQ&oh=00_AfHew7rbisLlr45NNS6DuPqD0dFrnOL9t871IYj2zQNgjg&oe=681641E1)
![Did you know that United in Stride offers new activities beyond running and walking? Thanks to our brand-new expansion, our website now offers opportunities to connect for hiking, tandem cycling, and triathlon!
Log in now to update your profile with these new activity preferences and make some new connections! www.unitedinstride.com
[Image description: Promotional image for United in Stride featuring three sections: top shows two people hiking in the mountains, middle displays two people tandem cycling on a scenic road, and bottom captures a group participating in a triathlon event.]](https://scontent-ord5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/480439967_17938261880981734_77296370502600432_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=17iy_I9Og-QQ7kNvwGhcxnM&_nc_oc=AdlxEeOkeGPdiQrZiPKBxFO6AGiAI6fAPju9PxFCvDkZhtbFjXE7D1mwLvApN-CGpvk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=JA5gzRPpfp_9gGroPFC-AQ&oh=00_AfFG-MKDUAXUYfC_JFZx7idvD6F_LI1O-8S_DjkCxXyGEg&oe=6816439F)
![We are incredibly grateful to our sponsoring partner, Choosing To See, for funding our latest expansion! Thanks to their generous support, United in Stride now seamlessly connects blind and low-vision hikers, tandem cyclists, and triathletes with sighted guides—just as we do for runners and walkers. Their commitment empowers our community, expanding access to more activities than ever before. Thank you, Choosing To See, for making this possible!
Learn more about Choosing to See at their website, linked in our bio!
[Image description: Thank you poster featuring an image of two individuals biking, with logos and a website link for Choosing to See.]](https://scontent-ord5-3.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/480727815_17937999068981734_5989767611906097332_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=4LoktG3n5LEQ7kNvwGvUxcL&_nc_oc=AdkfyNMajUf1rTfWFwFMm2BO3UyPpFFNRF2EZUmVIVdy0eU3WRAMeid51vveJZ9OOb0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-3.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=JA5gzRPpfp_9gGroPFC-AQ&oh=00_AfH5aGdPQzx7HrciaG0LRUd2832KssasM-zsZ9I-zU6Ivw&oe=68165054)
![Featured Member Friday! Meet Scott Hudson, pictured here with two of his guides, including United in Stride Ambassador Cheyenne Meyer. Scott has used United in Stride to continue living a healthy life at his own speed.
Read more on our blog, link in bio!
[Image description: Three people smiling outdoors, the person in the center wears a headband and a shirt labeled "BLIND," while the person on the right wears a shirt labeled "GUIDE." They are surrounded by trees under a clear sky.]](https://scontent-ord5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/472738994_2361257780895064_7452352569440992722_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=vlfmMHFd0XQQ7kNvwE54R-q&_nc_oc=AdkAf7QpylcKu8oaUysCUsml0N0_4tlvHlxS2RGzAB6qH7gd1qVuxvVVoGGMEIt0YE4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfGmVS64yJYaS9rbA8zxsAcM4VCaHg9jfOU96Zm_L9G38w&oe=68162523)
![MABVI and our United in Stride program will be hosting virtual booths this Friday from 10am - 4pm at the Blind Health Expo hosted by @accessiblepharmacy. This event is free for all attendees.
Register at the link in our bio!
[Image Description: Advertisement for Accessible Pharmacy's booth at the 3rd annual virtual Blind Health Expo, happening from 10 AM to 4 PM ET. Features a registration link and a graphic of a sun.]](https://scontent-ord5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/469278046_935371428000918_4908873769676590102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_aid=0&_nc_ohc=62y4NjAR5L0Q7kNvwHohYY0&_nc_oc=Admyy7opd49PqtTi_vJ8E-T5NX979OGPBPdGLhrn3VTkEx7SWhJKWfZ5mzxq3XtPD9Q&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfFjH5LQXkkRg82SYtXj65DLQlPjJ7FJ0pxp4r85fW8Jyg&oe=6816328C)
![Please join us in congratulating blind runner Sonya Chapnick and her guide Aimee Spector who completed the Santa Barbara Half Marathon together just over a week ago. Sonya and Aimee connected on United in Stride, and because of their work together, Sonya completed her first half marathon! We hope that you have more awesome runs ahead together!
[Image descriptions: 1) Two people smiling under the 'Santa Barbara Half & 5K Start' banner at a race event, one holding a white cane and wearing a "blind" vest. 2) Two women smiling in athletic attire, one wearing a "guide" vest and one wearing a "blind" vest. 3) Two athletes at a sporting event, one wearing a "GUIDE" bib and the other a "BLIND" bib, posing near a tent.]](https://scontent-ord5-3.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/466973856_1534548177226057_6269210460777122314_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=pPr8P0Q37AYQ7kNvwGY4yrc&_nc_oc=Adm-HEyxCliQ7dK7vZcTkcI6jU9Tc3U3aRyBmld8KQp2jExRhSdT-lCUyiZ_3mv_jAk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-3.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfGvFP_JhuaGaYbEznuvHyfylcILIPz-96OvvRKVmQkFRw&oe=68164B01)