Girls on the Run

photo credit ~ Girls on the Run

A few weeks ago, a coworker of mine, who has two super-cool girls (I think they are 10 and 12) asked me if I wanted to volunteer for a program to get girls psyched about running.  It's a national, after-school, volunteer-based program called Girls on the Run.  She said, "I think you could be a really great mentor for this age-group of girls,"  and I said, sign me up.  I had spent Christmas Eve with my coworker and her family, and apparently the girls thought that I was a lot of fun:  (Go figure!  I think of myself as just an overgrown kid!).

photo credit ~ lvrunningscene.com

photo credit ~ GOTR Los Angeles

The program will be based out of one of the local elementary schools, and to tell you the truth, each time I get an email update about training or what this will entail, I kind of get chills.  I am super-psyched to be working with elementary school-aged girls and inspiring them to run.  Running is where I find my clarity.  It's where when I have so many things going on, I figure out how I will get them all done.  It's where I feel strong.  It's where I feel vulnerable, but am thankful just for the strength and health to be on my feet.  It's where when everything else seems to be "wrong" in life, the running (especially with my dogs) feels "right".  I can't wait to share with the girls how running can translate into a balanced, successful lifestyle.  As stated on the website, one of the goals of the program is, "To positively transform how girls and women perceive themselves and their place in society."

photo credit ~ GOTR

When I anticipate telling these girls that I ran 100 miles (yes, all at once, without stopping), and got a sweet cowboy-style belt buckle for my finish prize, that will be inspiration enough.  For the elementary program, we will be shooting for a 5k the end of May.  I can't wait to see the smiles on their faces when they finish.  Especially after the grimacing they go through on the road to their destination.  Seriously, how sweet is it going to be to set up fun training programs for these girls every week?  It brings tears to my eyes to think of them in their pink t-shirts with finish medals around their necks at their race in May.

If you know anyone who might be interested in this program (girls, potential coaches, or volunteers), contact the directors at the link above, or let me know.