Who has heard of Girls on the Run?

I remember first encountering this organization on my runs by the Bay when I was living in San Francisco.  When I moved to Norfolk, I decided it was time to research them a bit more.  I loved what I found, and started volunteering as an Assistant Coach last season.  I’m off to practice soon, and wanted to give you the heads up on this great organization.

As stated on their website:

“Girls on the Run is a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running.  Our curricula addresses all aspects of girls’ development – their physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being.”

It’s Girl Power, minus the mini skirts and British accents.  (That was a Spice Girls reference, for those of you that weren’t tweens in the ’90s).

Girls on the Run is so much more than just a running program; I love the emphasis it places on teaching young girls a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle that includes, but goes far beyond, physical fitness.

At the end of the season, the girls complete a 5K.  It was awesome running (or walking) with these girls and watching them cross the finish line.  It was so exciting to see their sense of accomplishment and for many, new-found sense of confidence as they finished the race.  There is no ugly competition, just girls working together, encouraging each other and cheering their teammates as they all strive to accomplish the same goal.

Last season's GOTR team with their finishing medals. No pictures of current team yet, but will post some soon!

Of course, the 5K is just the finale.  All season long, the girls train physically while simultaneously building their own self-esteem, practicing positive thinking, learning to be a good teammate, etc. etc.

Teamwork!

I’d encourage you to check it out!  If you don’t have time to be a coach, there are also lots of other ways to get involved.  Volunteering to be a Running Buddy on the 5K race day, for example, is a great opportunity to support these girls.  We’re still early on in the season so there’s plenty of time to get involved.  I’m sure I’ll post more about my team as the season progresses.

Time to go train!