The fall season of Girls on The Run is flying by and in just a few weeks my team of 60 girls and 10 coaches will be lining up next to hundreds of other girls to run our end of the season 5K race. Throughout these last 8 weeks of practice, I’ve seen my team of elementary school girls grow not only as individuals but as a team. Thank you to Target and Always #LikeAGirl campaign for sponsoring this post and supporting Girls On The Run. All opinions are my own.
Making A Difference: Girls On The Run
Although our Girls on The Run (GOTR) season concludes with a 5K run, this 10 week program is so much more than a running program. Each week, the coaches lead the girls through various exercises that provide them with the skills they need to problem solve some of the issues they may encounter and learn critical life skills. We discuss topics the girls face everyday such as bullying, standing up for what they believe in and advocating for themselves and others.
As their confidence grows, we see that translate into their desire to succeed with the physical aspect of the program. They set their own running goals each practice and we witness them become more sure of their abilities and the courage to strive to achieve them.
Growing up in today’s world, is far from easy and the rules are forever changing. GOTR aims to provide elementary aged participants with some of the skills they need to navigate the challenges they face everyday. If they can learn these important skills at a young age, it provides them with a foundation of skills to use middle and high school.
Target along with Always #LikeAGirl campaign has generously supported Girls On The Run with a one million dollar donation to the non-profit. This grant will allow GOTR to give access to the program to thousands more girls who might otherwise not have the resources to participate.
Last week, we had our practice 5K run, sort of a dress rehearsal for the big day in a few weeks. The aim is provide each girl with the confidence to know they have the mental and physical skills to tackle the end of the season 5K. Their spirit and sense of accomplishment is evident on all of their faces as they cross the finish lines with huge smiles. That is the reason why I coach Girls on The Run and hope that I can make a difference in the lives of the girls on my team.
There are so many ways to get involved with your local Girls On The Run Chapter. Check it out and see how you can make a difference in the lives of the girls in your community.
Linking up
I really admire you for your dedication to GOTR. I know it’s a ton of work. Cool that Target and Always are supporting the program.
It is a lot of work but I really do enjoy it so much!
In light of all the accusations on the news lately, I think it’s more important than ever to involve girls in activities that make them feel strong and boost their confidence! It’s so great that you are a part of this!
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much
I’ve been brainstorming ideas on how to volunteer for something and this makes me want to find my local GOTR chapter or even just volunteer at a local school. Thanks for sharing Deborah!
Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
Fabulous! It’s so rewarding and I hope you have the chance to volunteer with them too.
What an awesome program! I love your dedication to it.
Thanks so much and I truly enjoy it
I would absolutely LOVE to do something like this in my community!
I really hope you have the chance to do it with your girls. You would love it!
I think GOTR is a fab program (though I have never participated in it). A group of us are working on getting a similar program going in our town, but it’s geared towards both girls and boys. I’m excited!
That’s fabulous! I know that you are going to love working with them too
Our 5k was last weekend (it’s getting COLD here in Michigan!) and both of my teams ROCKED it! Wrapping up our seasons next week. Have a great time at your 5k!
Oh fabulous! Ours is not until Dec 3 so hope it’s not too cold. It’s just so great to see their little faces running through the finish isn’t it? Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! Our race was snowed out a couple of years ago, last year it was raining and freezing! Last weekend was cold and snowy but much better than years past. Our local chapter is considering an alternative to the 5k for fall because of our unpredictable weather.
The girls picked their community impact project yesterday – they are going to make “teacher conference survival kits” for all the staff in the school.
Maybe there is an indoor track venue you can use for the race next year? Our weather is not that wintery yet here so fingers crossed
I often run our local GOTR 5k, but it was last weekend & we were going away, and unfortunately it didn’t start until 10 so I just couldn’t swing it. I was bummed. 🙁
It is fun to support the race as a local runner. Ours is always at 8 hope it’s not too cold this year
I LOVE programs like this! They’re just so empowering for girls these days and in today’s world – support groups like this are 10000% necessary! 🙂 They build character and last friendships!
Yes exactly! I so enjoy working with them
It sounds like a run that every girl should do 🙂
Yes for sure!
I need to look back into GOTR. I remember checking it out several years back but I think the closest chapter was quite a distance away. I need to find out if there are closer opportunities now!
I hope you are able to find a way to help them out it’s really just so rewarding
This is my first year coaching and while our group was a bit of challenge, I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this SO much. We just did our community project and I had tears running down my face!
I am so glad that you had the opportunity to coach as well. It’s really amazing how attached you can become to the girls and it’s so fantastic to see them achieve their goals. Thanks so much for commenting! Happy Thanksgiving
what a cool opportunity! love how this encourages fitness & empowers young girls! woot woot
Yes exactly! Me too
This is such an awesome program! What a great way to create healthy living goals for these young girls!
I agree it’s a fabulous program!
Love this program! Way to go girl
I do really love working with them
As you know, I loved working with kids in the fall. GOTR and Kids Run the Nation are two of many incredible kids running programs!
they definitely are!
This sounds like a wonderful organization, and I love reading your posts about it 🙂
thanks so much I really feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with the girls
You are inspiring to not only those girls but me and I’m sure many others.
Aww thanks so much!
This is such a great program! I admire how committed you are and the girls are so fortunate to have you as a coach!!
thanks so much-it’s really so rewarding for me
What a fun and inspiring group for young ladies! I can only imagine how down to earth/mature these girls are despite their age!
Some of them yes! 🙂