I had the amazing opportunity to coach a Girls on The Run team for the second time this fall. The program usually includes 3rd through 6th graders. This semester, I worked to bring in the middle school program (Girls on Track) aimed for 6-8th graders to our Elementary School. Many of the older girls had participated in the program for numerous years and we thought they might be ready for something new.
My friend, Cynthia, and I coached 8 sixth grade girls for their first semester of Girls on Track. Working with the 6th graders was incredible. They were engaged, curious and interested throughout our 9 week program. We gave them a lot more input into the lessons and they really appreciated being treated more maturely. They were young enough to still think we were cool without being sassy. Let’s face it, there is a pretty small widow when it comes to teenage girls!
Throughout the 9 weeks, we discussed issues such a self esteem, bullying, assertiveness and loyalty. I noticed huge changes in the girls regarding how they interacted with each other and their level of confidence in general. Our practices consisted of about 20 minutes of a lesson and about 20 minutes of running. Although the ultimate goal of the program is to run the 5k, it is so much more than that. As our 5K date neared, we talked about strategies and goals for the race. The girls gave each other tips and we had a practice 5K the week before.
We donned our matching pink shoe laces and prepped for the race.
Many of the girls ran the 5K with their dads which I thought was so great for both of them. These girls crushed it on race day! I am so overwhelming proud of them. One of them finished second overall. I know that I only got to spend a short amount of time coaching them but I am so grateful that perhaps I had a small impact on helping them grow up to be stronger and more confident young ladies. I am a big fan of the program and I really look forward to coaching them again in the spring.
Have you participated in Girls on The Run?
Reminder that our new Ultimate Coffee Date link up starts up again in December and we’d love for you to join us. Details in the tab at the top of the page.
I’ve been wanting to do Girls on the Run…I think it would be a really great way for me to volunteer with something I enjoy doing (running!). I may look into it in the near future because I’m hoping to take on more volunteer opportunities.
Honestly it has been so rewarding. I can’t say enough about how much I loved it. If you have any questions about it happy to chat. I hope you give it a go. The next season will be in March or April. Thanks for stopping by!
I have heard a lot about this program lately and it sounds like such a great initiative. Empowering women through running is a great concept! I will definitely be linking up for some coffee dates 🙂 Can’t wait!
GOTR is great and I love to think that I am encouraging the next generation of female runners. Can’t wait to see you at the coffee date next week it is one of my favorite posts to write. Happy Thanksgiving
Girls on the run is such an amazing program, and I am so glad that they have wonderful mentors like you in the program!
Thanks! I can’t say enough about how much I am enjoying coaching these girls.
I’ve heard of this program, but never participated. I may have to check into it! I wish I had a program like this while I was in middle school. It definitely would have helped me deal with some self confidence issues I had!
I wish I had it in middle school too. I always regret that I didn’t start running until recently. I hope I can inspire them to keep it up. Thanks for stopping by Happy Thanksgiving
I love the concept of this organization. I volunteered last year at the 5k event and it was fun. I was chosen this fall as a coach, however w my work schedule I was unable to do so, maybe next time.
I hope you have the opportunity to coach sometime it really has been so rewarding for me.
I just adore this organization and I do hope at some point I’ll be close to one with job flexibitliy to allow me to coach!
I hope you do too. It’s really been such a great experience for me.
I don’t think we have a GOTR group here. I’ll have to do some research. It sounds like so much fun…and rewarding too.
Maybe you can start one!! I’ve really enjoyed being part of it.
I haven’t participated in GOR, but I would love to! It has to be so rewarding and how fun to share a passion for something you love!
They are always looking for volunteers and it is a great way to give back to your community.
I have heard such great things about GOTR and they are simply adorable!!! My daughter is 12 and this is such a critical age. She doesn’t want to run but loves art so we are enrolling her in art class – anything to help build her esteem and keep her mind occupied. I am sure you are a GREAT coach! #wowlinkup
Absolutely! Anything that builds up their self esteem is critical. I wish I had had this program available to me at that age.
This sounds like such a great experience! I’m sure the girls really loved having you as a mentor. We need more programs like this for our girls! #wowlinkup
They have it all over the country and they are always looking for coaches. It really is such a great way to give back.
This is so awesome!! I love the thought behind GOTR, I actually applied to volunteer years ago, but they never followed up on it after my intro meeting. Strange. 🙂 It’s awesome that you can work with these girls, such a big impact on their lives!!
That is odd! I’ve found it so rewarding and love to think that maybe I am inspiring the next generation of female runners.
Awesome story and a great way to give back! Through my membership with the Junior League of Winter Haven we sponsor a program called Kitchens in the Kitchen (you would love this) and we partner with Girls Inc and provide this program once a month to their after school girls group. We teach them that healthy food is fun and they make 3 new snack dishes to eat or take home. Girls that age are like little sponges, the more we can offer them the better our next generation will be!
I would love that program! What a great idea
Wow! I have tears in my eyes! I absolutely love the Girls on the Run and Girls Inc. programs and I think it’s fantastic that you volunteered, I would love to do that! I’m slowly working on my own confidence to lead a group such as that by volunteering to give the occasional presentation about various aspects of running at the local running store’s running clinics. As a mom of three daughters I personally thank you for volunteering to coach, that is awesome!!!
oh that is so sweet! I have truly really enjoyed my work with them and I hope I am helping in some small way for them to increase their self esteem. I wish I had done this when I was in middle school. I couldn’t volunteer until my own kids were older but I am so glad that I did. Thanks friend
What an amazing experience for the girls and you!! I have heard of Girls on the run and think it is an amazing program! #wowlinkup
It really has been such a great experience. I feel like I am using my passion to help others and it is so personally rewarding.
What a great program! I used to coach track and cheerleading. The positive impact that playing sports has on young girls is immeasurable. Way to go Coach!
It really is isn’t it? Thanks friend 🙂
Oh my gosh, I love this! I have participated in Girls on the Run before but I would love to! So awesome.
They are always looking for more volunteers. It really has been such a great experience for me.
What a great program! So cool that you get to coach those young ladies! Sounds like something I would definitely love to do in the future!
I wasn’t able to do it until my kids were older but I highly rec it. It’s really nice to give back with something you love doing
Aww super cute! I would love to get involved with the organization sometime in the future. Have a good Thanksgiving!
OH I hope you do one day! It’s a great organization and the girls get so much out of it.
Sounds like a wonderful program and a lot of fun!
It is a great program and I love to think that I am giving back to my community by doing something that I love.
I think its great that you help with that. Very cool program for girls.
Thanks! I really love to think that I am giving back with something that I love. Happy Thanksgiving!
I volunteered at a water stop with my MRTT group for the GOTR Fall 5K a couple of weeks ago. It was so fun to see all of the smiling faces and proud parents/coaches.
oh that’s so great! It is a great organization and I love volunteering for them
I love GOTR. I haven’t participated in any events.. yet… but plan to very soon. 🙂
I love working with them and giving back doing something I love.
It’s a great program! I’ve been a buddy runner several times + a volunteer at the race a few times. I love what it does for young girls. Glad you had fun.
I do too! I love thinking that I am inspiring the next generation of MRTT runners 🙂
So awesome that you coached those girls! GotR is such an amazing organization and I wish there was a chapter near me so I could get involved.
You might have to start one! It was so rewarding-loved it. Just did my Pie run this morning 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving
Love this. So awesome that you coached. I’ve heard so many great things about GOTR. While I haven’t volunteered myself (yet!) I have taught yoga classes for their coaches and solemates which has been a great way to get to learn more about the program.
I am sure they really appreciated that. We did a yoga and meditation day and they loved it.
I haven’t volunteered with Girls On the Run, but it looks like such a great opportunity! I’ll definitely have to check it out! #wowlinkup
I was so glad to have volunteered and it’s been so great to give back doing something that I love. Thanks for stopping by!
I coached Girls on the Run one year and it was so rewarding! I love that you were a part of this! How wonderful too that the girls’ family members were involved in the experience too!
It was really such a great opportunity and I am so glad that I did it again this season.
Wow this sounds like such an amazing program! Love that you got to coach such a great group of girls and make such a positive impact 🙂 #wowlinkup
It was a great experience and I love having the opportunity to give back to my community in a way that I love
I haven’t participated in Girls on the Run, yet, but REALLY want to!!! Thanks for sharing your experience.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it and how great it is to give back doing something you love.
How fun is this? I love Girls on the Run and the lessons that it teaches girls along the way. #wowlinkup
I do too! It’s a great program for them and I am so happy that I got to participate.
Sounds like an amazing experience for you and the girls! My 3rd grader is doing GOTR – our 5K is this Saturday, and my dad and I will be running with her. It’s such a wonderful program. I hope to be a coach when my kids are just a little bit older.
Oh that’s so great that your daughter is doing it and that your dad is running with her! How fun 🙂 I hope you get to coach in the future it’s a great experience