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You are here: Home / Healthy living / Girl Power-Girls on the run 5K

Girl Power-Girls on the run 5K

12/05/2018 by Deborah Brooks

This week wrapped up the fall season of my Girls on the Run season with our 5K race. The 5K race is huge celebration of Girl Power where all the teams in our area come together to run and support each other. The program is quite popular in our area and our race had well over 2000 girls and their families.

Girl power girls on the run 5k

Girl Power

Quick recap in case you are not familiar. Girls on the Run is an international program that runs for 12 weeks in both fall and spring. Girls from 3rd through 6th grade meet twice per week. While the program uses running as an end goal, the focus is really on building self esteem, team work and problem solving skills. The girls use these skills to identify and channel their strengths thus finding their Girl Power.

girl power 5K

This was my 10th season coaching (at my kids’ old elementary school) and my 10th Girls on the run 5K race. I cannot say enough about my passion for the program. Growing up in today’s day and age is harder than ever. I have heard girls at younger ages talk about the stress they have in their lives and their feelings of not measuring up. The lesson based program helps to provide them with skills they can use to problem solve, stand up for themselves and make smart decisions as they prepare to enter middle school.

Race Day

Luckily, the forecasted rain moved off and we were given perfect running temps in the 40’s. We met up with our team of 70 girls and did a little pep talk before heading to the start line. I started off with a couple of my fellow coaches and a few of the girls. Because there were so many runners, it was difficult to stay together.

Girl Power at its best! @GOTRnova #GirlsOnTheRun

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The course was basically a 3 mile loop through a big mall type shopping center area. Nothing to look at but lots to smile about. Seeing so many young girls running with their moms, dads, siblings, grandparents is a sight that never fails to warm my heart.  Girl power at it’s best!

girl power

Before I knew it, I reached the finish line and was there to congratulate many of our girls as they crossed the finish. Seeing the huge smiles of accomplishment on their faces is just priceless every single time. Always warms my heart and I am so grateful that I am able to give back to the community in this way. I like to think that I am grooming the next generation of my Moms Run This Town Group.

girl power

Our pizza and cupcake celebration was of course a big hit as well! Congrats again to my girls and a huge thank you to my wonderful friends who donated their time and efforts to coach this season. Can’t wait to see all the girls again in March for the spring season.

girl power

girl power

linking up Marcia and Erika

Coach Debbie Run and Train with Marc

Girl power girls on the run 5K

girl power girls on the run 5K

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Filed Under: Healthy living, Running Tagged With: 5k, coaching, girl power, Girls on the run

Meet Deborah

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. I love to keep up to date on new running & fitness trends. I definitely choose my running gear based on color and love to express my fashion sense while exercising.

Comments

  1. Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says

    12/05/2018 at 8:03 am

    I’m so happy the rain held off for the race! GOTR seems like a wonderful organization and I should really look for a local chapter near me.
    Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real recently posted…Party Prep BeginsMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 9:31 am

      OH yes! If you have the time to volunteer it is so rewarding. Let me know if you have any questions

  2. Debbie says

    12/05/2018 at 8:39 am

    I just love this program so much! Seeing the smiles on the girls’ faces is priceless!
    Debbie recently posted…2018 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for RunnersMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 9:34 am

      It really is just warms my heart

  3. Wendy says

    12/05/2018 at 8:40 am

    What a wonderful experience! Several of my patients participate in GOTR and they just love it!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 9:34 am

      Oh that is great to hear 🙂

  4. Kim G says

    12/05/2018 at 8:51 am

    I love everything about this program. It’s such a joy to see the smiles on their faces and i love that the program gives them confidence.

    So happy that the weather held up too!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 9:35 am

      Yes that’s exactly what I love about it

  5. Darlene says

    12/05/2018 at 9:08 am

    Such a great a program. I was a running buddy a few times. I wish I had more time. I’d love to coach them.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 9:35 am

      You would be the best role model and coach if you ever have more time I could definitely see you doing it

  6. Michelle C says

    12/05/2018 at 10:06 am

    Our GOTR 5K was very cold, windy, and rainy. I hated it for the girls but honestly they didn’t let it get them down! I was so excited to get to run with them this year!! We jumped in the puddles and sang and rocked it out!
    Michelle C recently posted…Week two: Rocking K trail marathon trainingMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:49 pm

      that’s the way to do it! Make the best of it and have fun

  7. GiGi Eats says

    12/05/2018 at 10:07 am

    I just love how supportive and motivating you are for women of all aged Deborah!! I never don’t see you actively smiling and trying to make a positive impression on everyone 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:51 pm

      That’s so sweet Gigi thanks for saying that made my day!

  8. Anna @ Piper's Run says

    12/05/2018 at 11:07 am

    Oh how I love this!!! We need more of these events around for girls! I coach my girls in soccer in the summer and love being able to give back to my community and the sport of soccer.
    Anna @ Piper’s Run recently posted…The Book Gift Guide (from a non-reader runner)My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:51 pm

      Yes I agree it’s a wonderful feeling indeed

  9. Katie Uhran says

    12/05/2018 at 11:14 am

    AWESOME! All good stuff here and love seeing so many young girls have women like you to inspire them…to encourage them to run…to have fun and live a healthy and active lifestyle.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:52 pm

      Thanks I do truly love working with them

  10. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    12/05/2018 at 11:15 am

    I had no idea you’d been a coach for GOTR for so long! Wow! That’s as long as I’ve been running. Nice job giving back!
    Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Have I let myself go? + a GiveawayMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:52 pm

      Thanks so much. I truly do love having the opportunity to work with them. Just makes my heart smile

  11. patrick@looneyforfood.com says

    12/05/2018 at 1:07 pm

    What an amazing program! You are amazing for doing it for 10 seasons! That is so wonderful.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks so much I truly love working with them

  12. Sandra D Laflamme says

    12/05/2018 at 1:12 pm

    Love Girls on the Run! Such a great organization. I coached one year and had a blast! Hooray for Girl Power!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:54 pm

      It’s a great program indeed I love having the opportunity to work with them

  13. Jenny Albertson says

    12/05/2018 at 3:02 pm

    I heard about this program a few years ago and thought it was really great! I love that you’ve been doing it for so long. I think when my kids are a little older and I have a little more time, this is something I’ll look more into.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:55 pm

      I hope you do have the opportunity to participate with you and your girls some day. It’s a great program

  14. Abbey Sharp says

    12/05/2018 at 3:08 pm

    Looks like the day was a success! Thanks for sharing with us!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:55 pm

      It sure was!

  15. Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says

    12/05/2018 at 3:25 pm

    I love the idea of girls on the run and have heard great things! Looks like such a fun experience.
    Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy recently posted…Intuitive Eating and Motherhood (Going Through Each Principle)My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:56 pm

      It is a really fabulous program to be involved with

  16. Cari says

    12/05/2018 at 4:25 pm

    What a great turnout. “Nothing to look at but lots to smile about” is such a perfect turn of phrase
    Cari recently posted…November, you’re a wrapMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 5:56 pm

      Aww thanks!

  17. The Accidental Marathoner says

    12/05/2018 at 6:01 pm

    What an amazing program! It is so true that kids, and probably especially girls, are under so much pressure these days. I’ll have to look into whether or not we have such a program in our area. I would love to participate, though I know I wouldn’t have the time to start one up.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 8:16 pm

      I am pretty sure there are a bunch of them in the Chicago area. It’s really such a rewarding experience for me

  18. Kimberly Hatting says

    12/05/2018 at 6:43 pm

    This is just fabulous!! Congrats to all the girls on their achievements, and to YOU (and all your volunteers) for making this possible 😉

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/05/2018 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks so much!

  19. Coco says

    12/05/2018 at 8:24 pm

    Such a great program! You are amazing to head up a program with so many girls! The lessons they learn are priceless and impactful. It’s do important in this day and age.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/06/2018 at 8:40 am

      Thanks so much friend!

  20. De Bolton says

    12/06/2018 at 4:41 am

    My middle daughter is looking like she may be runner. Ive heard of Girls on the Run near me and I am going to check it out.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/06/2018 at 8:41 am

      OH yes definitely a great way to get started. Hope they have a program by you

  21. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    12/06/2018 at 8:10 am

    Congrats to the girls and a successful season! Love that you’re such a great role model 🙂 I need to at least find a race in Philly to participate and support the cause!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…December Running Goals and November RecapMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/06/2018 at 8:41 am

      There will be another one in the spring season usually early May is the race. I am sure they would love to have you as buddy runner.

  22. Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says

    12/06/2018 at 9:31 am

    Girls on the Run is such a great program! I love that you are such a big part of it, you are a wonderful role model!! Love your tights too!!!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/06/2018 at 1:42 pm

      Thanks I truly do love working with the girls and I love to see their smiles of accomplishment as they realize they can do hard things

  23. chaitali says

    12/06/2018 at 10:00 am

    This is such a great program! That’s great that the rain stayed away for the race too 🙂
    chaitali recently posted…Race 13.1 Baltimore – race reviewMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/06/2018 at 1:43 pm

      Fabulous day all around!

  24. Mikki says

    12/06/2018 at 10:04 am

    LOVE this! Sounds like so much fun! What a great opportunity to inspire younger women to care for themselves in a fun way!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/06/2018 at 1:44 pm

      Yes it sure is!

  25. Renée says

    12/06/2018 at 12:00 pm

    Brilliant program, Deborah , with a brilliant end result! Congrats to all the girls who participated! Setting these girls up for future success is amazing and you deserve huge kudos for that!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/06/2018 at 1:46 pm

      It’s a fantastic program and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it

  26. Marc Pelerin says

    12/07/2018 at 2:53 pm

    This is so great! My wife volunteered to do this for a local chapter last year. She got so much out of it. Plus, the little girls adored her. So cool for inspiring ladies to mentor and support young girls!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/08/2018 at 12:07 am

      Oh that is wonderful that your wife was able to volunteer for GOTR as well. It’s such an amazing program

  27. Esther says

    12/07/2018 at 3:49 pm

    This post makes me so happy! All the girls smiling faces just bring me joy!
    And that pile of medals is amazing!
    Thank you for inspiring girls of the next generations to learn to love running!
    Esther recently posted…Baking Cheer!My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/08/2018 at 12:08 am

      They really make me smile as well!

  28. Zenaida Arroyo says

    12/08/2018 at 8:26 am

    I was a coach for one season and would love to do it again. Love the medal! I cannot remember if when I coached, the girls got a medal.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/08/2018 at 9:24 pm

      I hope you have the chance to it’s such a great opportunity. I love it!

  29. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    12/09/2018 at 9:00 pm

    Congrats to all of your girls! GOTR is such an awesome program!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Reining it in Whether I Like it or NotMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      12/09/2018 at 9:05 pm

      Thanks I really do love to work with them

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Hi, I’m Deborah

Successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I’ve always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I’ve met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into.
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Hi, I’m Deborah

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. Read More…

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Curried Chickpea, Green apple & cashew salad

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