Lily and her tired old red faced mom, post race.
In 1996 a very energetic and motivated woman named Molly Barker- who happens to be a four time Hawaii Ironman triathlete (heck yeah, she's motivated!) founded Girls on the Run with 13 girls in Charlotte North Carolina. Now the 12 week program is offered in 150 cities in the United States and has reached hundreds of thousands of girls and women. GOTR combines the physical training for a 5k with a confidence building guided discussion curriculum for 8-12 year old girls.
Thanks to the dedication of a few wonderful teachers who volunteered to coach, Lily's school was able to host a club for the 4th grade. Lily was nervous about participating at first, but loved being a part of the club from the her very first meeting.
Last weekend the girls from GOTR clubs throughout the city came together for their end of season 5k run beginning and ending by the Paul Brown Stadium, with plenty of steps in between.
Lily did great. She was apprehensive at the start of the race, there was a big crowd, which is good for the organization, but a little bit intimidating for my 10 yr old chica. We jogged the first part holding hands, maybe unconventional- but it worked for us.
I am proud of my Lily and all of the girls who participated in the event and the program. Watching this overflowing display of girl power gives me confidence in the leadership of the women of tomorrow.
Girls are cool.
up the first hill
rounding the stadium
"We believe that every girl
Can embrace who she is.
Can define who she wants to be.
Can celebrate the differences.
Can rise to any challenge.
Can change the world.
Can."
Molly Barker
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