I was up bright and early this morning for a very exciting 5k: the Girls on the Run end of season race!
Girls on the Run has been on my radar for a few years now, but I haven’t had a change to join in. I love their mission of teaching girls inner strength while preparing them for a final 5k. I signed up to be a running buddy, a partner to run with a girl on this final race day, and help them to the finish line.
The GOTR groups hooked up with The Great Candy Run and I made sure to arrive early to get my bib and sign in as a volunteer.
About 45 minutes before the start time, I met up with my assigned group to meet the coaches and the girls. Fortunately for the girls, but unfortunately for me, their parents had decided to race with them that morning so no one needed a running buddy. I was pretty disappointed, but happy to see the family support.
The other volunteer and I stuck together instead. With over 3,800 people participating we couldn’t squeeze into the corral until the race had started and people began to move.
With the crowds, there was no way to “race”, so the other volunteer and I just enjoyed a jog around the lake, weaving in and out of people, and chatting. I forgot how quickly the time passes when you have a running buddy.
We kicked it to the finish line for a 34 minute 5k. Not a stellar performance, but for a great cause.
There is something really exciting to me about seeing so many people in the community out for the same cause. I love how it brings everyone together, gets people moving, and the overall happiness. Even though I didn’t get a running buddy, it was inspiring to see all the girls there, so excited to run, and honestly just enjoying themselves. It was a nice community-involved morning!
RQ: Have you ever heard of Girls on the Run? Do you ever volunteer at races?
I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.
I think GOTR is a great organization!! That race looked super fun; I’m glad you had a good time even though you didn’t get to run with the kids.
When I was working at the elementary school where my boys went, they started a GOTR program. I couldn’t help with it at the time because of my hours and now I just can’t add in another thing but I love the program!!
Glad to hear that. I thought it was such an inspiring race day.
I so want to get involved with a GOTR but I don’t think there is one in my area 🙁
You can always start one. I love the message they send to girls and they were so pumped at the race!