madcity girl

Last Saturday I participated in the inaugural Spring Girls on the Run 5k with my future 9-year-old niece Hailey. A few months ago after one of her soccer games, Hailey asked me to be her Running Buddy for the race. The job of a Running Buddy is to accompany a GOTR participant during her 5k race—the culmination of many weeks of training—to provide encouragement, support, and pacing. I was so honored and excited that Hailey asked me to be part of her special day.

The Girls on the Run program, designed for girls in 3rd to 5th grade, “inspires  girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.” In a world where girls are exposed to drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, and risky behaviors far too early, the program is a breath of fresh air, providing girls with the strength and confidence to reach for the stars.

The inaugural Dane County Spring Girls on the Run 5K had more than 600 girl participants, 175 coaches, 600 community runners and 100 volunteers. It was such a great event—I loved seeing all of the girls reach their goal and how happy they looked in the process. Hopefully they learned that hard work pays off and yes, they can run a 5k, and so much more.

“We believe that
every girl
can embrace who she is.
can define who she wants to be.
can celebrate differences
can rise to any challenge.
can change the world.
can.”

Category: Racing and Training 3 comments »