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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Coach Debbie Run and Train with Marc
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
12/05/2018 at 8:03 amI’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.
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Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 9:31 amOH yes! If you have the time to volunteer it is so rewarding. Let me know if you have any questions
Debbie says
12/05/2018 at 8:39 amI just love this program so much! Seeing the smiles on the girls’ faces is priceless!
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Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 9:34 amIt really is just warms my heart
Wendy says
12/05/2018 at 8:40 amWhat a wonderful experience! Several of my patients participate in GOTR and they just love it!
Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 9:34 amOh that is great to hear 🙂
Kim G says
12/05/2018 at 8:51 amI 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 amYes that’s exactly what I love about it
Darlene says
12/05/2018 at 9:08 amSuch 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 amYou would be the best role model and coach if you ever have more time I could definitely see you doing it
Michelle C says
12/05/2018 at 10:06 amOur 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!
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Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 5:49 pmthat’s the way to do it! Make the best of it and have fun
GiGi Eats says
12/05/2018 at 10:07 amI 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 pmThat’s so sweet Gigi thanks for saying that made my day!
Anna @ Piper's Run says
12/05/2018 at 11:07 amOh 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.
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Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 5:51 pmYes I agree it’s a wonderful feeling indeed
Katie Uhran says
12/05/2018 at 11:14 amAWESOME! 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 pmThanks I do truly love working with them
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
12/05/2018 at 11:15 amI 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!
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Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 5:52 pmThanks so much. I truly do love having the opportunity to work with them. Just makes my heart smile
patrick@looneyforfood.com says
12/05/2018 at 1:07 pmWhat 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 pmThanks so much I truly love working with them
Sandra D Laflamme says
12/05/2018 at 1:12 pmLove 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 pmIt’s a great program indeed I love having the opportunity to work with them
Jenny Albertson says
12/05/2018 at 3:02 pmI 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 pmI hope you do have the opportunity to participate with you and your girls some day. It’s a great program
Abbey Sharp says
12/05/2018 at 3:08 pmLooks like the day was a success! Thanks for sharing with us!
Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 5:55 pmIt sure was!
Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says
12/05/2018 at 3:25 pmI love the idea of girls on the run and have heard great things! Looks like such a fun experience.
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Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 5:56 pmIt is a really fabulous program to be involved with
Cari says
12/05/2018 at 4:25 pmWhat a great turnout. “Nothing to look at but lots to smile about” is such a perfect turn of phrase
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Deborah Brooks says
12/05/2018 at 5:56 pmAww thanks!
The Accidental Marathoner says
12/05/2018 at 6:01 pmWhat 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 pmI am pretty sure there are a bunch of them in the Chicago area. It’s really such a rewarding experience for me
Kimberly Hatting says
12/05/2018 at 6:43 pmThis 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 pmThanks so much!
Coco says
12/05/2018 at 8:24 pmSuch 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 amThanks so much friend!
De Bolton says
12/06/2018 at 4:41 amMy 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 amOH yes definitely a great way to get started. Hope they have a program by you
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
12/06/2018 at 8:10 amCongrats 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!
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Deborah Brooks says
12/06/2018 at 8:41 amThere 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.
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
12/06/2018 at 9:31 amGirls 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 pmThanks 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
chaitali says
12/06/2018 at 10:00 amThis is such a great program! That’s great that the rain stayed away for the race too 🙂
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Deborah Brooks says
12/06/2018 at 1:43 pmFabulous day all around!
Mikki says
12/06/2018 at 10:04 amLOVE 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 pmYes it sure is!
Renée says
12/06/2018 at 12:00 pmBrilliant 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 pmIt’s a fantastic program and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it
Marc Pelerin says
12/07/2018 at 2:53 pmThis 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 amOh that is wonderful that your wife was able to volunteer for GOTR as well. It’s such an amazing program
Esther says
12/07/2018 at 3:49 pmThis 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!
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Deborah Brooks says
12/08/2018 at 12:08 amThey really make me smile as well!
Zenaida Arroyo says
12/08/2018 at 8:26 amI 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 pmI hope you have the chance to it’s such a great opportunity. I love it!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
12/09/2018 at 9:00 pmCongrats to all of your girls! GOTR is such an awesome program!
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Deborah Brooks says
12/09/2018 at 9:05 pmThanks I really do love to work with them