FOR Kayla Jeter, movement HAS ALWAYS BEEN PART OF her story.

Raised in a sports-focused household, she was inspired by her father, former NFL player Gary Jeter, to see fitness as both play and a pathway to confidence. But after losing both of her parents before the age of 30, Jeter’s relationship with wellness took on a deeper meaning. She became determined to live fully into the years they never had and to help others do the same.

That purpose led her to create 100 Miles of Summer, a global running challenge designed to make movement more inclusive and accessible for people of all paces, faces, and races. What began as a simple invitation to log 100 miles over the summer has grown into a powerful community that helps participants build confidence, challenge limiting beliefs, and feel supported every step of the way. For Jeter, success is no longer defined by achievement alone, but by how closely her work aligns with her values, health, and relationships. Read about Kayla Jeter’s journey in her C&C 100 interview below.

What’s your earliest memory of feeling connected to fitness?

I grew up in a sports household. My dad, Gary Jeter, played in the NFL for the LA Rams, New England Patriots, and New York Giants, serving as my example of competing and training at the highest level, directly influencing my interest in team sports and pursuit of a professional volleyball career. That said, being physically active first as play before structured fitness/training allowed me to explore movement without consequences while also spending time with friends and building self-confidence.

When did you realize this wasn’t just something you loved, but something you wanted to pursue professionally?

The realization of pursuing fitness as a career was more of a calling than a love. After my dad passing in 2016 from an unexpected heart attack at 62 and my mom dying at 58 three years later from a 2012 cancer diagnosis that spread to her brain, I was forced to assess what of what contributed to their early death and the premature mortality of the Black community—chronic stress, the mental health stigma, deprioritization of personal health, a sedentary lifestyle. At 29, after my mom died, my life goal became to live healthy, fully, into the years my parents never saw and answer the call on my heart to empower others to do the same.

What’s a behind-the-scenes wellness habit or ritual that plays a major role in how you show up each day?

Fiercely protecting my sleep. Not only by setting boundaries, everyone in my circle knows I’m in bed by 9pm, but also having a consistent wind down routine in my sleep sanctuary (what I call my bedroom) and making decisions throughout the day that promote better sleep; no caffeine after 12pm, not eating 2-3 hours before bedtime, limiting alcohol (notice I said not drinking because I enjoy an occasional glass of red wine). There’s a reason why children sleep so much when they’re growing, that’s where all the magic happens!

What has been the most rewarding part about building your 100MilesofSummer movement?

How many people, of all ages, have built confidence in what their bodies can do and found a community rooting for their success. Mainstream running looks fast, lean, and homogeneous but the challenge invites people of all paces, faces, and races to simply commit to showing up for themselves by putting one foot in front of the other. 100MilesofSummer is redefining what running looks like, who it’s for and empowering people all over the world to be mobile flowers in their communities. You can’t be what you can’t see and the movement first asks participants to challenge their limiting beliefs as it relates to movement/running and in doing so, they inspire everyone in their sphere.

As we get older, there are fewer instances of people cheering for you. 100MilesofSummer roots for every step.

“You can’t be what you can’t see.”

What are the most rewarding and most challenging parts of becoming an entrepreneur?

The most rewarding parts of becoming an entrepreneur include watching an idea root then blossom – measuring annual growth, hiring and expanding a team, formalizing the mission and vision, scaling, etc. All of which are also the most challenging parts but heart-led work lands differently in the soul.

When the stakes are high and all eyes are on you, what keeps you steady and confident in those moments?

Preparation. Taking a breath. Saying my mantra to myself in a mirror, “Left foot. Right foot. Breathe.” and knowing my angel parents got me.

What dreams/goals do you have for your business that both excite and scare you?

The possibility of 100MilesofSummer reach as a health initiative within the health tech industry is incredibly exciting. I see the challenge becoming part of community health programming, specifically at the Obama Presidential Center. As we approach our tenth year in 2027, I have a goal of creating “teams” within the challenge where companies can enroll and incentivize their employees to participate. Funding becomes the only roadblock as we continue to scale.

How do you define success for yourself now vs. earlier in your career?

After losing both of my parents before 30, how I define success today is less performance-centric. Success today is measured but closely I live and work in alignment to my values, my personal health, and the quality of my relationships.