But in the last few years, I have been running. Willingly running! And in the last few years, I have run in seven 5Ks! Not bad for a non-runner! So why have I, a self-professed non-runner, been lacing up my sneakers and joining races? I'd like to thank a little after school program called Girls on the Run.
Girls on the Run (GOTR) began back in the 90s in North Carolina, and in the last 20 years, it has expanded to offer programs in all 50 states. The GOTR mission is simple: "We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running." Their core values include intentional decision making, embracing differences, expressing joy and positive intent, and "standing up for ourselves and others." The GOTR program is open to girls in grades 3-5, and they've recently introduced their grades 6-8 program, Heart & Sole.
Here's how it works: Girls in the program meet with their coaches 2 times a week, after school. The first part of each session is a lesson, based on developing the core values of the program. Lessons might include things like "plugging into the positive and unplugging the negative," and activities might include writing affirmations on post-its and sticking them on classmates' lockers or working on a community service project. During the second part of each session, they run, building up their endurance for the culminating activity: the 5K!
When Jelly Bean first came home in 4th grade, asking to join GOTR, she informed me that for the 5K, she needed a running buddy. And she wanted me to be her running buddy. How could I refuse? Trying to shove the bad memories of gym class aside, I enlisted the help of my running friends, downloaded the Couch to 5K app on my phone, and started training. What I found was that while I never did develop a passion for running, I found a tolerance for it. I built up my endurance. And when the 5K (3.1 miles, btw!) rolled around, Jelly Bean and I stood at the starting line with 3 goals in mind:
1) Finish!
2) Don't be last!
3) Have FUN!
Well, we finished and we weren't last. And we had so much FUN! GOTR isn't about who is the fastest, although they do time you and at some of their 5K events there are prizes awarded for finishers in various age and gender categories. GOTR is about supporting each other and finding joy! When you show up for a GOTR 5K, you'll find girls getting their hair sprayed in a rainbow of colors. You'll see participants of all ages writing positive notes on stickers that they stick all over themselves and others, to keep everyone inspired while they run. You'll notice participants in a rainbow of colors: tie-dyed shirts, wacky socks, and even tutus. Even running buddy Dads will join in the fun--I've seen several wearing tutus themselves! During the race, you'll hear cheers not only from the spectators, but from the volunteers spread throughout the course (many of whom have pom poms!), and from the runners themselves. Coaches, running buddies, and the girls themselves cheer each other on, encouraging those around them to keep going and reach the finish line. It doesn't matter whether you run or walk (we usually do a mix of both), it's about setting a goal and meeting it--together.
Jelly Bean and I just finished our seventh 5K, (6 with GOTR), and now Rosie joins us, too! She's been a Girl on the Run and has run in four 5Ks, and Jelly Bean is now a part of the new Heart & Sole program at our school. We've added to our list of goals above, trying to beat our time at each race. We don't always reach that goal (there have been some hot and humid races that have slowed us down!), but we have fun trying. One of the best parts is the friends we see each year at the 5K. As the program continues to expand, more and more schools in our area offer GOTR. It's not unusual to run into friends from our neighboring schools at the 5K, and that just adds to the fun!
I still don't love to run. I probably will never post about the joy of the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, and the open road stretched out ahead of me. In the month before each 5K I have to fire up the old C25K app to get myself back in running shape. But I will continue to do it as long as my girls continue to be a part of this fabulous program. Everyone who I speak to about GOTR has such positive things to say about the experience, for their girls and for themselves. I am blessed that my girls are a part of this inspirational program, and I'm happy to have (sort of) discovered the joy of running!
Would you like to learn more about Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole? Click here to read more and discover programs in your area! Leave a note below if you've had a joyful experience with Girls on the Run, Heart & Sole, or running in general!
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