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All in Adams--Adams County Foster Care 5K
33 Plays18 days ago
Welcome to All In Adams, the podcast that brings you the stories, people, and initiatives shaping our community!
Today, we’re lacing up our running shoes and hitting the pavement for a great cause, the Adams County Foster Care 5K! This annual event isn’t just about crossing the finish line, it’s about raising awareness and support for the incredible kids and families in our foster care system.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who just found their sneakers in the back of the closet, we’ve got you covered. We’ll talk about how you can go from couch to 5K in just 30 days and hear from foster care advocates who are running for a reason.
So hit play, and let’s get All In for foster care!
Links mentioned in the show:
Register for the 5k: https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Brighton/AdamsCountyFosterCare5K
Learn more about Adams County Foster Care Programs: https://adcogov.org/foster-care
Train with Strava for the Foster Care 5k: https://www.strava.com/register/free?cta=sign-up&element=global-header&source=reactful_about
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Transcript
Introduction to All In Adams Podcast
00:00:04
Speaker
Welcome to All In Adams, the official podcast of Adams County government, where we're all in for our residents, our employees and our community. So whether you live here, work here, or you just want to know more about what makes Adams County a great place to be, thanks for tuning in.
00:00:20
Speaker
We're all in Adams. Welcome back into another episode. I'm Nikki Kimballton, the Communications Director at Adams County.
Annual Foster Care 5K Event Discussion
00:00:28
Speaker
So coming up again on May 3rd this year is the annual Foster Care 5K.
00:00:34
Speaker
It's an event created in part by former County Commissioner Chaz Tedesco, who has a deep passion for foster care, and he just wanted to ensure that there was public awareness and community support for foster families in Adams County.
00:00:47
Speaker
So joining us today is
Erica's Journey into Foster Care
00:00:49
Speaker
Erica. She is a licensed foster parent along with her husband, Jason, who couldn't be here today. Correct. But um since 2019, so first in this episode, we've got a two-parter for you, folks.
00:01:00
Speaker
We're going to be talking to this wonderful family about their foster care journey and the why behind this event that's coming up. And then coming up a little bit later in the episode, no matter your fitness level, I promise you, no matter your fitness level,
00:01:15
Speaker
We are going to be joined by a personal trainer and fitness expert who's going to tell us how you can go from couch to course in just 30 days. Or if that's a little bit too much for a 5K, how you can tackle the one mile fun run that's also going to be available on May 3rd.
00:01:33
Speaker
So let's go ahead and get to know Erica a little bit more. Thank you for coming in. Absolutely. Thank you for letting us share our journey of foster care. Yeah, and that's exactly what we want to hear about. So this started for you in 2019. What was it?
00:01:44
Speaker
What was the inspiration um for you and Jason to to decide to become foster parents? Sure. Well, we had... um We'd been kind of exploring it through maybe some social media accounts. I had read some stories, um you know, just some books about foster care. was really intrigued by it, but I didn't know for sure if it was for us, if it was something that we could do.
00:02:04
Speaker
And, you know, then... A friend was placed in my life, a real-life foster parent, and she just made it very real to me. We started to interact more and more on our kids' playground at the school, and I just saw her being very normal. She was a mom. I was a mom. She had kids.
00:02:21
Speaker
She had foster kids. And i it it humanized it. It made her look—she was normal and— um And I realized in that moment, like, that's something I think that I could do.
00:02:34
Speaker
And so I had this list of questions in my mind of what does it look like to start doing this? And I had a person that I could ask. And then I got to that point where, you know, we, I knew all this information and I thought, wow, I think I could do this. And it broke me. And I,
00:02:52
Speaker
I remember driving home and I called my husband weeping because I was like, there is this need in our community and I think that we can help yeah out. And he had listened to me for years and years talk about it. And he said, now's the time. What do we need to do?
00:03:08
Speaker
And so that led us to um going to the Adams County um foster intro class and the rest is history. And, you know, i i I love that story. And thank you so much for sharing that and especially that emotional part of it, because we really do
The Need for Foster Homes
00:03:22
Speaker
need foster families. I mean, and we have a wonderful program here, um you know, at Adams County, our Human Services Center really walks you through it and tries to make it as easy as possible with being, of course, responsible as possible. But, you know, one thing you said is that you realize there's a need.
00:03:37
Speaker
I'm sure you realize that now even more that you've been in the system. Absolutely. You know, it's unfortunate that there is a need for foster homes, for kids in foster care. We wish that weren't the case, but the reality is there's a need and um we need more people to step up. um We are at a low right now for for whatever reason. And so, you know, my whole hope and desire for doing podcasts, for putting us out there is to say,
00:04:03
Speaker
you know It doesn't take an angel, a saint. you know We get a lot of different names. A lot of people say, oh, foster care, I could never do that. You must be someone special. You must be, you know like i could say ah like I said, a saint.
00:04:17
Speaker
It's like, no, I'm an everyday person. I am a mom of three really great kids and and a temporary mom for a number of other kiddos. I think you just have to have the love and care you know and and really want to welcome somebody into your family.
00:04:31
Speaker
which Well, first of all, You've had 10 placements, is that correct? Yep, we have had 10 placements since um we became licensed. So we were licensed in early 2019 and have since yeah welcomed 10 kids into
Role of Foster Parents in Reunification
00:04:45
Speaker
our home.
00:04:45
Speaker
And you know for you, adoption wasn't really the goal. It was really providing that safe, loving place until the right home was secured. I found that very interesting. Tell me a little bit more about that. Yeah, our our intent in foster care, I mean, the goal of foster care is always, always reunification.
00:05:04
Speaker
And if not with biological parents, with family members. And so our our place that we see our families serving in this area is truly to be a temporary home. We we talk about we just want to be a safe landing spot to kids in need for however long that is. I mean, some placements um have been with us for a a week um Our longest husband was with us for 10 months.
00:05:30
Speaker
And you know that was an amazing reunification story with his dad. and um But yeah, our adoption is but part of our story. We really feel that our place in foster care is that temporary space.
00:05:41
Speaker
um And we've we've found that to be the sweet spot for our family. Yeah. And even though it's temporary, you still now have a larger extended family.
Maintaining Relationships with Foster Kids
00:05:49
Speaker
What's it like to watch these kids thrive and and and grow after you've come in contact with them?
00:05:54
Speaker
I mean, that's the best part of it is yeah forming the relationships with the kiddos, um with the family members. I mean, it's like we've welcomed 10 children into our home, but we've welcomed so many of their families into our space as well.
00:06:08
Speaker
And so we get to know these extended family members or the biological parents. And just to say, you know, we we are here for you. We are here to love and support you. We are here to um take your child in for a season so that you can get the help that you need.
00:06:24
Speaker
um with that goal of giving your child back to you because it's it's not our desire to be that long-term placement. And so um it is incredible to watch them grow up and to remain in their lives. I am i am so grateful. Every kid we've had in our house, we have a have established a relationship with them. So at any given time, I can text the caregivers, the adoptive homes, whatever it may be, and say, hey, I get an update? Can I see a photo? How are they doing? How can we support you guys? And I bet it's been a huge benefit for your biological kids. Oh, it's awesome. Yeah. You know, people don't want to get into foster care because they often say I could never give them back.
00:07:01
Speaker
Right. This, first of all, not the goal of foster care, but second of all, it's, it's very real. I understand that. But when you're able to form that relationship, you can see the kids past, you know, the time that they are in your house and,
00:07:13
Speaker
And know honestly, it helps all of us to be able to say, ah you know, it's not goodbye. It's a see you later. And to be able to actually see them later and to get updates, it's I think it's why our family can keep doing this over and over. Yeah. And we appreciate the fact that that you are. All right.
Foster Care 5K's Impact and Community Support
00:07:29
Speaker
So we have this great event coming up, the Foster Care five k Great way to raise money and awareness. you know, in some years they've raised as much as $17,000.
00:07:36
Speaker
um Why do you feel it's so important for people to take part in this event and support the foster families that are here in Adams County? Yeah. Yeah. You know, there is a saying by my favorite author, um Jason Johnson in foster care, and he says, not everybody can bring a child in their home, but everybody can do something.
00:07:54
Speaker
And so I really want to honor that ah statement because I know not everybody is equipped yeah um with extra room in their house or extra free time in their schedules. And so... um And being able to say, but everybody in our community has a part to play for kids in need.
00:08:12
Speaker
And so maybe it's being able to show up and and see these kiddos that they are just kids that are just in a hard situation right now. These are foster families, but these are just normal everyday people.
00:08:25
Speaker
And then being able to to step into that and then give what you're able to give. Maybe you can't take that child, but perhaps you can come around and support a foster family through wraparound care Maybe you are able to um donate your time with a foster source, which is a nonprofit in our area that supports foster families. So yeah there's several ways to get involved. Foster care. 5k is a wonderful way to do that. I could not have segued this better. Thank you. Because really everybody can play a part.
00:08:55
Speaker
And that's the thing, you know, we want to talk to you folks that are listening and watching right now. um If you'd like to get involved in the foster program, that's fantastic. We're going to have ways you can do that in our show notes.
00:09:05
Speaker
But also, if that is not something you're interested in, here's how you can help.
Registration Details for 5K Event
00:09:10
Speaker
You can get involved in our 5K that's coming up. So the money raised from this event is put into a specific fund that is used only for Adams County foster care.
00:09:19
Speaker
We're going to tell you how to register once again in the show notes. You can go there. You can also go to adcogov.org slash fostercare5k. More about the cost to participate is coming up in just a minute. First, though, we're going to be right back.
Preparing for the 5K with Coach Noah Trins
00:09:33
Speaker
with our fitness expert who is going to tell us once again how you can go from couch to 5k in 30 days and I do promise you it is possible now you may not be running it you know you maybe you're like run walking it but we're going to give you the details I'm Nikki Kimballton the communications director and thank you so much Erica for coming in and and give our best to Jason as well absolutely thank you so much
00:09:58
Speaker
We are back with personal coach, fitness trainer, Noah Trins, talking about how to get you ready for the foster care 5K. It's a great way to raise money for foster care and ah for care and support and events in Adams County. So Noah, thanks for coming in. We appreciate it. Yeah, happy to be here. All right. So couch to 5K. It's totally possible.
00:10:18
Speaker
Correct. All right. Yes. Totally possible. so But the first thing that we really need to do is the mindset. Yes. Tell me about that. So a lot of us are under the impression that just because we've never run or we don't work out that we're not a runner or we can't do that.
00:10:33
Speaker
I think telling ourselves that we can do it and shifting that mindset from, oh, I'm out of shape and you can never do this to I am a runner. And even if that means, you know, partially walking, partially running, like I can do this. Yeah. So that's a big shift for it.
00:10:48
Speaker
Showing up, showing up, showing up, right? Yes. yeah Way more important than your speed or the mileage that you're putting under just showing up is way more important. So I'm not a runner anymore, but about 12 years ago, I had never done a 5k and I decided to do it. And I just started with walking like a half a mile. And then, you know, when I got up to walking the three miles, then I started like jogging.
00:11:11
Speaker
The first part and within three, three or four years, um which is a lot longer than 30 days, I did a 15 And I mean, so I know like, ah again, but it was really just me signing up, committing to be there on that start line and nothing feels better. Right.
00:11:26
Speaker
No, it doesn't. It it really feels good and and you're proud of yourself. And I think it's about celebrating those small wins too, right? So whether it's that first run, that first mile, that first week of training, um and you get this satisfaction that maybe you didn't have just sitting on the couch and and you can show up for yourself and those around you. And um I think it's a really important thing to do, not just for the foster care, but just for your livelihood and your mental health as well. Yeah. And and obviously to keep yourself in you know in good, healthy shape.
00:11:56
Speaker
So that's another thing, too. I think that when you're talking about the mindset, we want to tell people you're not competing against anybody. If people are passing you and you're walking like that's totally fine. Correct. It's you versus you.
00:12:07
Speaker
Yeah, that's it. There's there's no one else that's going to push you besides you. And and comparison is the thief of joy. That's a quote that I love to. That's a good one. use within my own fitness journey and for my clients that I've worked with, because, you know, you can see somebody that's, yeah, running way faster than you or lifting heavier weights than you, but, you know, they're on a different part of their journey and, and you should celebrate where you are in your journey. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
00:12:33
Speaker
But with all this said, you do need a plan.
Training Advice for 5K Participants
00:12:35
Speaker
Correct. Okay. So how do we plan for this over the next 30 days? So I would say putting it in your calendar is a great thing to do.
00:12:43
Speaker
You can use apps like Strava. They have a tailored couch to 5k program or anything, you know, a Garmin or ah apple an Apple watch, ah something like that to keep you accountable. But, um,
00:12:56
Speaker
Yeah, any of those options are are really great to help just propel you forward and and um move you towards that that goal. I knew you were going to mention the Strava program, and I took a look at it, and it's great. I think it really does give you accountability. It gives you a schedule, yeah and it really can build you up to that.
00:13:14
Speaker
Correct. Yeah. And, but once again, you don't have to, I mean, so what's, what would you say about, you know, like the, the walking versus running, you know, I mean, you kind of still want to get like a little bit of your jog on, right. Unless, unless you're, you know, unless you're not able to.
00:13:27
Speaker
Correct. If you have physical limitations or if you have severe injuries and um are unable to run, um that's totally okay. But it's also totally okay to walk you know a minute, jog a minute, walk a minute, jog a minute, and then build up over that month.
00:13:44
Speaker
Or um you know even if it's past the month, right this can be beyond the foster care it can be just... for your life.
00:13:56
Speaker
Um, but yeah, there's, there's, it's totally okay to, to walk for a part of the time. Um, and hopefully over that, that period, you can lessen the walking and increase the running.
00:14:08
Speaker
And, but even for advanced runners, there is benefit in running, ah excuse me, in in the walking and the running. So shouldn't get discouraged just because you are walking.
00:14:21
Speaker
Um, but it's totally okay to do that. Yeah. Absolutely. And for those listening and watching, I'm walking it. So if you want to, you can just walk it with me. And I promise, you know, yeah again, the compar what is what did you say? It's the comparison is the the thief of joy, thief of joy. So we'll just walk it together because that I'm my running days are are long gone.
00:14:42
Speaker
um You know, that's it too. We want to make it fun. but You know, you do want to make it fun. So one of your suggestions is it's what all about what you're listening to. Yeah. So whether that's a good podcast or an audio book or a great playlist, that can be beneficial in in helping you motivate get stay motivated to to run this or or run walk this or just walk.
00:15:04
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. And there's lots of places that you can get um really good playlists that are, you know, like inspirational. Correct. You know, um you know, one of the funniest stories I have I've ever heard. um And I'm not sure if you have any Foo Fighters on your on your ah I love the it right on the mix list.
00:15:19
Speaker
They actually asked the lead singer of the Foo Fighters. um Who do you listen to when you're working out? Because, you know, everybody listens to the Foo Fighters. Like that is actually one of the things that was on my old running mix.
00:15:31
Speaker
But it really is true, whether it's like a true crime podcast, yeah you know, um an education podcast, or you want like a good music mix. It's got to keep you busy and distracted. For sure. Yeah. Something that has like fast beats or something that's, you know, more intense a little bit to get that heart rate up just a bit. Yeah. I like it. Yeah.
00:15:48
Speaker
And then back to the Strava um app for just a minute, you know, I just want to reiterate to that. What I found so great about that is that you can put in your goal. Like if you want to run a portion of it, if you want to walk it and it's going to be tailor-made for what you, what what your fitness goal is. Correct.
00:16:03
Speaker
And which is a really great tool, but I also believe just like the ability to be able to walk and run, we shouldn't be so focused on the numbers as opposed to how we're feeling internally. Cause there's always going to be factors, right? We, you know, get in a fight with our spouse or our partner, or we had a bad day at work or we, you know, got sick.
00:16:22
Speaker
So I think, While we should stick to it as much as we can, we should also be adaptable with that and be like, all right, today, you know, I'm not feeling as great. I'm still going to move. And Strava is telling me to do X amount of miles, but I'm only going to do what I feel like I can do today because that's all you have is the person that you are showing up with right now.
Consistency in Training Amid Challenges
00:16:42
Speaker
Yeah. And that brings me to um one of the final points that you had you know prepared me for is that expect challenges, whether that's getting sore, yeah um your kids up all night sick and yeah you know you don't get any sleep. like What's the importance of working through those Um, that leads us back to that consistency, right? Like being able to have life throw whatever it's going to throw at us and continue to move to our goal.
00:17:09
Speaker
Um, because again, there's always going to be something we're never going to have a perfect week month where we're going to be able to train the way we want to train. So I think it's just taking those like kind of on the chin, but ah allowing us to flow and mold to,
00:17:25
Speaker
the goals that we are hoping
5K Registration and Community Encouragement
00:17:27
Speaker
to achieve. All right. Thank you, Noah, for coming in, getting us pumped up and ready to take on this 5K. So as I mentioned, we're going to put the links in the show notes. We'll put the link to the Strava app there as well.
00:17:37
Speaker
um But in addition to that, you can also go to adcogov.org slash fostercare5k to register. So there are several ways to sign up. I'm going to tell you really quickly about the pricing. If you register by April 18th, you are going to get a discount.
00:17:50
Speaker
It's $27.50 for adults. Students, and if you're under the age of 18, it's only $16.90 for you. You can also register up to a family of five at the same address.
00:18:03
Speaker
That's going to cost you $48.70. So that's a big discount. And if you are a current foster family, we appreciate you so much. And that family of five is only $27.50.
00:18:15
Speaker
and fifty cents We'd love to see you and have you help us to raise money for the much needed support of these amazing families and children in need. Noah Trends, thank you so much for being being here. And I'm Nikki Kimballton, communications director for Adams County.
Podcast Closing Remarks
00:18:33
Speaker
That's a wrap for this episode of All in Adams. Thank you for joining us as we explore the people, programs, and the policies that make Adams County a great place to live, work, and thrive.
00:18:44
Speaker
If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe and share with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know. We're all in for bringing you the stories that matter most.
00:18:55
Speaker
Until next time, take care of each other and stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and X. We're all in, Adams, and we're all in for you.