Renowned runner talks to youth, teaches life lessons at College of New Rochelle

There are benefits to living a healthy, athletic lifestyle that go far beyond the physical: something College of New Rochelle students came to learn first hand last Thursday.

The college’s 2nd annual Day of Fitness began with a symbolic 1-mile run/walk, which saw faculty members and students alike lace up their sneakers to promote a healthy lifestyle; but it ended with a example of how sometimes running can benefit the body—as well as the mind. A nighttime talk, headlined by running and women’s rights icon Kathrine Switzer, stole the show.

Her talk encompassed her lifetime experiences as a female athlete—both the cruelty she suffered at those who tried to bar from events—as well as the lasting confidence and leadership abilities she took from her struggles.

While we might be worlds away in the 21st century in terms of perceptions of women’s athletics, there are still strides to be made, and her lecture resonated with the students.

“I was amazed at how well she connected with the students,” says CNR’s Director of Wellness, Adrienne Wald. “The point of the day was to offer the college community a chance to listen to her—we are a women’s college and we wanted our students to hear her message. We aim to develop future leaders and she’s a great example of someone who has broken gender barriers, and really become a leader for women’s rights.”

According to Wald, it is often hard for today’s youngsters to understand just how different our world was in the 1960s.

“Young women today don’t even realize that is was just forty years ago that this was happening. They were just in awe asking her so many questions about what it was like.”

Afterwards, Switzer opened the floor to questions and took time to meet students and sign copies of her book Marathon Woman—several of which were purchased for the students by Pete Rizzo, a Bronxville orthopedist, in a generous gesture.

“They were so touched by it,” says Wald. “The kids were really thrilled and everyone was lining up to talk to her…Katharine’s talk was the culmination of the day, and her message is one that we hope our students carry with them.”