Girls on the Run is So Much Fun!

Goood morning!

Today started out with my 11 mile long run on the treadmill (!) – gotta love the frigid weather

I’m about half way through my 10-week half-marathon training plan now and will be back with an update later this week!

After my run, my body was more than ready to refuel.

Bowl of oats and a veggie omelet did the trick

Normally, I only want oats post-run, but for some odd reason I was really craving eggs. This hot mess of an omelet satisfied the craving

While were on the topic of running and Spring time is just around the corner, I wanted to take a minute and talk about the new season of Girls on the Run that is about to start in April. I volunteered as an assistant coach last season and fell in love with the program.

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Check out my reasoning behind why I wanted to volunteer for the program and what my feelings were at the end of the season:

Why I’m a Coach for Girls on the Run

End of the Season Thoughts

I didn’t mind having to be at the practices every Monday; I actually wish I could’ve been present both days! Each week the girls would come to practice ready for the new lesson, and many of them were antsy to get running. We had a large group (24) of girls who got along quite well. They loved each of the lessons and were always willing to demonstrate what a Girl on the Run would do and act in different situations.

It was awesome to see them understand and absorb all the information we talked about – some of their answers to our questions even surprised me at times they were so good!

It’s crazy how young girls (3rd-5th grade) can open your eyes. Sometimes when I would arrive at GOTR, I wouldn’t be in a great mood. I would be tired and stressed from work and school, and the last thing I wanted to was run since it was during my marathon training. However, as soon as the girls spotted us coming around the corner, my mood would immediately change. There’s just something about sweet young girls running up to you, so excited to see you and asking you how your day was that instantly puts you in a great mood! I’ll never forget coming to practice the day after my marathon and all the girls running up to me with congratulation cards and hugs. It was the cutest thing and oh so nice of them to think of me

As the season came to an end, I was sad to say bye to my girls, but so happy at the same time since I knew I made a difference in their lives.

Although the program is geared toward helping the young girls, I, as a coach, learned a lot from the program as well. It really makes you stop and think about your own life and how you handle different situations.

This season, I unfortunately won’t be returning to my same girls because of my schedule this semester; however, I will still be coaching! Just closer to home

My time is extremely limited this semester with classes, work (hospital and spinning), volunteering, and Kel’s wedding, so I asked the County Director if I could coach closer to home since I knew I would be able to get there. To my surprise, my town lost all their coaches and were in need of a head coach. I worked with the director and brought on one of my friends as a new coach and figured out a way that I could commit the 2 days a week and be the head coach

I cannot wait for this season to start! I’m excited to meet the new girls and to coach with one of my best friends.

If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity or something to do to give back to others, why not try out Girls on the Run and make a difference in a little girl’s life? It’s such a rewarding program!

Girls on the Run is a national program, so there’s sure to be a program near you! If not, why not start one? Here’s the link to check it out! Girls on the Run

Have a fantastic day!

~ L