Girls On the Run…The Finish Line is Just the Beginning

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I’m always looking for fun ways to keep my girls active.  Last year my 9-year-old participated in an amazing program called Girls On the Run, a countrywide program that begins with girls in 3rd grade.  It was one of the most fun activities my daughter has been a part of.  It takes Girl Power to a whole new level!

 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: The program builds physical activity into its curriculum to inspire girls to like fitness and to build habits that hopefully will continue for the rest of their lives.  Throughout the 12 week sessions, the girls spend 45 minutes training for a 5K that they complete at the end of the program.

 

LESSONS: Each week the girls and coaches focus on positive messages that encourage girls to be themselves, be caring for those around them, and deal with issues for their age group such as peer pressure, body image, and bullying.  I love that half of the session is focused on emotional issues and the second half is devoted to physical fitness.  It is the perfect balance. 

5K: The 5K allows the girls to see that they can accomplish something if they work hard for it.  The route is rather flat and it is not a timed event so every girl that starts will finish.  There was nothing better than seeing my daughter’s face when she crossed that finish line.  She was so proud of herself! Another great thing about the 5K is they choose a running buddy.  My little cutie pie chose me and I must say that not only did it encouraged me to run before the event, it allowed me to be with her through the tough sections (those damn hills) and encourage her to keep going.  I loved crossing that finish line with her.

COACHES:  I can’t say enough about how amazing the coaches are.  They were so motivating and inspiring to each girl.  They helped build a community within the group and encouraged each one to express themselves because their voice deserves to be heard.  When the girls did their practice run the coaches had each girl create a motivational sign for a girl in the group and the signs were displayed throughout the park so the girls could see them as they ran.  They also gave each girl an award at the end that focused on the personality of each girl.

 

 

The girls ended each practice with their motto…

4, 3, 2, 1…Girls On the Run is So Much Fun!

What fun ways do you encourage your kids to be active?

40 thoughts on “Girls On the Run…The Finish Line is Just the Beginning”

    • mytravelingkids.com

      That’s a great idea! I know that here they are always looking for help. It would be a great way to give back.

  5. Robin Rue (@massholemommy)

    My youngest has done a road race before, but my oldest has to run a mile for his karate class a few times each week.

  6. Shalama

    Girls on the Run is great. We volunteer with them often since a friend of mine is the local executive director. It’s a great way to spend time with young ladies and share a passion for fitness.

    • mytravelingkids.com

      They feel so proud of themselves when they accomplish their goals. It’s a great way to teach them to reach for goals they couldn’t do when the program started.

  8. Jeanette

    I love the idea of getting the kids out running! My son can always use a little bit more exercise. We do karate and sometimes we play some basketball at the park. But there is more energy there to expel.

  10. Elizabeth O.

    It sure is nice to be able keep your kids active. Especially through running. Good to know they have very supportive and motivating coaches in that program!

    • mytravelingkids.com

      I wonder if there is? There really should be. the lessons they learn are perfect for all genders.

    • mytravelingkids.com

      That’s great! It’s a shame so many kids are indoors playing videogames every day. Good for you!

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