5k Run!

Here's a quick rap up of the past couple weeks!

1) Service Project: One day for practice, the girls and other coaches and I worked for an hour weeding and planting flowers around the gazebo area at Hastings Middle School. It looked 100 times better when we were done! The yellow and gold flowers made the gazebo look a lot more welcoming for the kids who will use it in the future.

2) Practice 5k: Last Tuesday, the girls did a "practice 5k" to prepare for the read deal! The weather was rainy and cold but spirits were high and they all did quite well despite Mother Nature :)

3) THE 5K RACE!!!: Sunday was the girls' 5k race! The weather was beautiful and they all ran so well! All 7 girls started out the race together and and even though they had spread out by the end, the other coaches and I were able to distribute ourselves so that no one was alone. All of them ran under 35 minutes, which is truly amazing for 6th and 7th grade girls. They got medals, t-shirts, and headbands, but I think the girls would agree that the best prize was the feeling of accomplishment they got at the end.

Day 12!

Today I realized that all of the girls and coaches have become a lot closer and more comfortable with each other since the beginning of the season. It really makes for a positive environment when the girls can joke with each other and have fun while working together. I think there is a direct connection between strong relationships and having confidence, because when others care about you then you are more likely to care about yourself. The Girls on the Run environment of friendship that we have worked to develop is one where girls can be themselves through running. What a wonderful thought :) The girls ran just over 2 miles again today, they are slowly but surely preparing themselves for the 5k! It'll be here sooner than we know it.

Day 11!

Today the girls, Bethany, and I decided that for our service project (part of the GOTR curriculum) we would have beautification project around the school. We are going to weed and plant flowers so the area we, and others, run around is prettier to look at! The weather was beautiful and the girls ran a little over 2 miles, with only one break in between each mile. The two girls who I have mentioned as the most shy at the beginning of the season ran up with me the ENTIRE time! They didn't stop running once or fall behind me. I was extremely proud of them and really tried to keep encouraging them to finish strong. They were both glowing and I could just tell that they were proud of themselves. Everyone ran well, but I was especially proud of them today.

Day 10!

Today was VERY rainy so we ran inside, but the girls love running inside so it was fun! We had a good lesson beforehand and briefly brainstormed for our service project. The girls ran for 25 minutes today and did an incredible job of working together and pacing themselves. I'm really proud of the progress they are making and the encouragement they give each other, especially since we will be talking about teamwork and communication for the next month. The girls are really coming out of their shells and I feel more and more comfortable with them every time I go.

Developing Physically Active Girls

While going through my Girls on Track/Girls on the Run Curriculum Overview today, there was a page called "Physical Activity in Girls" that talks about the mission of GOTR as far as encouraging girls to be more confident with their bodies and physical abilities. This page referenced a study called Developing Physically Active Girls by the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sports at the University of Minnesota, which I found extremely interesting and applicable to my project! The study discusses the physical activity trends of young girls, the psychological dimensions of girls' physical activity participation as it pertains to different relationships and environments, as well as the effects of physical activity of their motivation, self-esteem, etc. Its an amazing study! Check it out!

Day Nine!

Today before we ran, we had a short lesson on gratitude. I felt like the girls were really sincere in naming things and people they are grateful for. At first I kind of wondered how being grateful relates to running and having confidence, but it only took me a second to remember how grateful running makes me. I personally find amazing solitude in running and whenever I go, I feel more appreciation for the world around me and the good things in my life. Instead of wishing I were faster or stronger, I'm grateful that i'm healthy enough to even be able to go for a run. When you're more grateful, you're happier. And when you're happier, you're more confident.

Speaking of confidence, my confidence in the girls' abilities went up yet again today. I lead them on a run that was a little over 2 miles, and they all did AWESOME. It may not sound like much to experienced runners, but for 6th grade girls they did extremely well, especially considering the warmer temperature. We're just over halfway through the season and I think they are well on their way to being ready for the 5k :) The girls shine brighter each and every session, I really am growing to love them. I used to be nervous to go to GOTR, but I am enjoying it more and more.

Day Eight!

Today our lesson was about how running can be used as a way to relax. I can definitely relate to this but I didn't know if the girls would feel the same way. For the workout, we had them run in silence, away from each other, so they could focus on themselves and their thoughts. The results were honestly amazing; the girls ran better today than they ever have before. They seemed happy and focus each lap when they passed us, and walked a lot less than usual. I'm so happy with the improvements they are making, not just physically but socially and hopefully mentally. The other coaches and I agree that two of the more shy girls, Holly and Lindsey, have really come out of their shells the past few weeks. I'm so glad because they are all adorable girls and have great running potential! I think that relaxation and just having time for yourself each day is a benefit that pre-teen girls can gain and really learn to appreciate through running.