Girls On The Run - More Than A Running Program!

by Claudine Kurp

For years I have heard about the benefits of Girls on the Run.  My daughter is finally eligible to join, but before signing up I did some research to find out more about the program.  I was excited to find out that Girls on the Run goes far beyond a youth running club.

First and foremost, I wanted my daughter to embrace physical activity.  It will serve her well in life.  Not only will it make her healthier in the short-term, but also hopefully it will create a healthy habit that will stay with her through adulthood. Running for me has always been about more than exercise.  In my 20s and 30s I also experienced the therapeutic aspect of exercise.  Nothing seems quite as bad after a good run or workout.  In addition, with the pressures on today's youth, children need a vehicle to unleash their energy, angst and frustrations.  There is also no doubt that exercise can empower the bodies and minds of our little girls and future leaders.

What is Girls on the Run? 

When a girl joins Girls on the Run, what lies ahead is a life-changing experience that inspires girls to know and activate their limitless potential.

Meaningful Lessons: A nationally acclaimed curriculum that prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living, with lessons on positive self talk, choosing friends, nutrition and fueling pace.

Physical Activity: Running, stretching and team building games are woven into our program to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health.

Positive Role Models: Women with a desire to make a difference in the lives of girls volunteer their time as GOTR coaches to train and mentor the girls throughout the season.

Girls on the Run 5K: This unique, end-of-season event brings together thousands of NoVA girls, their families, and community members for a celebratory 5K run. Crossing the finish line is a defining moment of the program, when the girls realize that even the seemingly impossible IS possible.

Parents Too: Whether it’s training to run with your daughter in the 5K, cheering her on at the finish line, or reinforcing GOTR lessons using conversation startersfrom our Grown Up Guide, there are many ways you can be part of your daughter’s GOTR experience.

Great Value: Two 75-90 minute sessions per week, delivered before or after school for 10 weeks for just $175 -- less than $7 per hour, plus free entry into the 5K (scholarships available).

High Impact: Research studies show that Girls on the Run promotes the physical, mental, social and spiritual outcomes that help prevent unhealthy and risky behaviors in adolescent girls.

I was able to find out about Girls on the Run through my PTA newsletter.  For more information about Girls on the Run, I have listed contact information below. 

YOU GO GIRLS

For more information on the Girls on the Run experience, or to enroll in the program in Northern Virginia, contact GOTR at 703.273.3153 or www.gotrnova.org

For local groups in DC and Maryland, visit http://www.girlsontherun.org/

Image Credit:

Girls On The Run