“I’ve never run. I am not a runner.” –This was the first thing I heard from the Elementary Education Department’s team captain for Colfax Marathon 2016, Tammy Giessinger, who is now leading her team into a second year of running for the DPS Foundation on May 14 and 15. Last year, when it all started, Tammy said it started out as a New Year’s resolution for her and her team and a great way to put Students First. It was a fun way to get 
healthy, work collaboratively as a team toward a goal, and to give back to students in a unique way. All who participated set the goal to raise $300 each, and those who weren’t able to run participated as cheerleaders and fundraisers for the Elementary Education team.
This year, Tammy said many of them decided to “why not just do it again!?” Tammy mentioned that for her, it’s a great way to challenge herself personally, and it makes it easier when they do it together as a team. Just like last year, they plan to practice running together, which creates a fun way to bond as a team in a different setting. Those who are not running with her this year have been helping to increase the fundraising efforts to show their support, which she said makes it so that everyone feels involved since they are all part of the collaborative effort and putting Students First together. Throughout the training process, they are sure to check in with each other and hold each other accountable. Tammy laughed, “One of my colleagues texted me last week to share that she had gone on her first run!” Encouraging her teammates during the training process makes it fun and adds to the feeling of comradery and that they are in this together.
What Tammy loves most about the Colfax Marathon is that it is an “opportunity to give in a different way”. She also enjoys getting to spread her passion for education with others by asking them to get involved to support her team with a donation to her fundraising page, which gives to the DPS Foundation.
Why not run for DPS students?! For those who aren’t runners, the 5k is a great option. Running for students not only raises awareness and fundraising efforts for the Denver Public Schools Foundation, but also is a great way to live by the core values that DPS represents. What better way to have some fun, put Students First, be collaborative and show your accountability? Find out how you can run with DPS educators like Tammy and her team.
Tammy wrapped it all up with her overall thoughts on the upcoming race. “I’m super excited to take on the challenge of running six miles again! Doing this gives me a feeling of personal achievement. I’m excited to fundraise again and be able to share with others how I did this last year. It’s a great way to connect with people and get them involved in DPS!”