Why I Love Coaching Girls on the Run

It feels like forever ago when I started coaching Girls on the Run! But really it has only been a short three years. However, in that very small amount of time not only have I made a positive impact on many girls lives. They have made an even bigger impact on me.

A friend talked me into coaching Girls on the Run. I was really hesitant to coach. See, I have never been big on kids. I have know this since my senior year in high school when I was a student aide in the classroom. However, I felt like it was time to push myself outside my comfort zone and try something new. So, I dove in head first. If I was going to do this I was going to be fully committed.

And fully committed I was, somehow, I ended up being the head coach my first season. I had never coached in my life and I was still unsure how I was going to do being around a bunch for 3rd-5th grade girls. There were lots of bumps that first season but not only did I get through it, but I also fell in love. I found a love of coaching! But more importantly, I realized that 3rd-5th grade girls were some of the most amazing individuals.

Before I go on much more I think I better tell you a little bit more about Girls on the Run!

What is Girls on the Run?

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Running is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment. Important social, psychological, and physical skills and abilities are developed and reinforced throughout the program. At each season’s conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a 5K running event which gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. The result—making the seemingly impossible, possible, and teaching girls that they can (source – Girls on the Run International)

What Does the Girls on the Run Program Look Like?

Over a period of 10 weeks, girls in the 3rd through 5th grade participate in an after-school program like no other. Designed to allow every girl to recognize her inner strength, the Girls on the Run curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms. Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, build their confidence and celebrate all that makes them unique.

The Girls on the Run lessons encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development.  Participants explore and discuss their own beliefs around experiences and challenges girls face at this age.  They also develop important strategies and skills to help them navigate life experiences. We start with helping the girls get a better understanding of who they are and what’s important to them.  Then, we look at the importance of team work and healthy relationships.  And, finally, the girls explore how they can positively connect with and shape the world.

Physical activity is woven into our program to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health.  At the end of each three month session, the girls participate in a Girls on the Run 5K event.  This celebratory, non-competitive event is the culminating experience of the curriculum.  Completing the 5K gives the girls a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.  Crossing the finish line is a defining moment when the girls realize that even the seemingly impossible IS possible (source – Girls on the Run International).

So, that is Girls on the Run or GOTR as many of the girls lovingly call it. Now, I will share why I love coaching Girls on the Run so much!

Why I Love Coaching Girls on the Run?

There are so many reasons why I love coaching! Here are just a few!

• The Girls! For someone who isn’t much of a kid person, the girls are what make coaching everything it is! There have been many days where I have gone to practice where all of my stress and anxiety from the day melts way because of the girls!
• The Curriculum! It does a great job of helping the girls build skill sets that will take into mid-school and high school. Honestly, the curriculum benefits even adult women! I use some of the lessons in my life!
• The Coaches! I don’t know how Girls on the Run does it but the caliber of people they find to coach is AMAZING! I have coached with some of the most amazing people, both women and men! Yes, men can coach!
• The Local Council and Girls on the Run International! Between the two they have thought through every situation you will ever encounter. And on the off chance you do encounter something out of the norm they will support you through whatever it is!
• The Energy Awards! They are cheers that the girls share with their teammates to show gradtitude and celebrate acheivements!

So, do you see why I love coaching Girls on the Run? If I was to ask another coach about their experience I would bet you would hear close to the same thing!

If after reading this you have piqued interest in coaching you can get more information from GOTR International or feel free to out to me! I promise coaching Girls on the Run will impact you too!