Regarding the Aug. 29 Press of Atlantic City story, “On the brink of change”: I am the owner and head coach of the Running Center, a fitness company founded in New York City in 1999 that specializes in training runners. I agreed to be interviewed for this story because my understanding was that it was going to be about why I moved to Atlantic City from Manhattan last fall, which was two-fold: to expand my fitness business to the shore area and to help Atlantic City by bringing fitness, health and wellness to the local community.
Since the story did not key-in on these positive endeavors, I’d like to shed light on them now.
Ingratiating one’s self into a new community is never easy, but I have diligently taken the proper steps to become “a local” and now I can say that I have sand in my shoes. I have joined several community organizations and I attend local government meetings. I have educated myself about the region and, some might say, have brought networking to an art form.
Over the past year, I have donated my time and knowledge to local events, leading pre-run stretches, distributing free energy bars, and writing articles on fitness topics. I’m also bringing running and fitness programs to non-profit youth organizations and local health clubs.
New media streams are opening, bringing business opportunities that will create jobs, enrich neighborhoods and champion a positive economic impact. The race is on to bring Atlantic City into a new era, and I look forward to being a key player.
Coach Mindy Solkin, Atlantic City
As seen in The Press of Atlantic City