Feature Articles

Run Like a Girl!
Contributed by Bree

Running Buddies

Ever since I started participating in sports, I have always had the support and guidance of a coach. Coaches have taught me how to excel in a sport, and have shown me the difference it makes to have someone to count on, someone to look up to. After seeing what an impact my coaches had on me, I thought it would be fun to be a coach myself. I heard of a local non-profit group called Girls On the Run (GOTR) and decided to volunteer as a coach. Girls on the Run encourages young girls to develop self-esteem and healthy lifestyles through running. I couldn't wait to pay forward what I had gained from my coaches growing up … and hopefully inspire a girl to reach her full potential.

I was assigned to an elementary school in Oakland, CA., volunteering as an after-school running coach for a group of girls that were training for the Lollipop Family 5K Run later that fall. After the first practice, we were each assigned a running buddy. This would be the girl we would run the 5K race with.

It was so amazing to get to see my running buddy progress over the few weeks I worked with her. The most rewarding part was the development in her confidence and endurance. She started out thinking she was a slow and weak runner. But by the end of our program, she was in the front of the group looking like a true leader. She had some doubts that she would be able to finish the 5K run, but with a little encouragement and support, I showed her that she could do anything she put her mind to. Later that month we ran the entire 3.1 miles side by side, with a sprint finish to top it off! It felt so good to see this young girl accomplish her dream and support her during this incredible journey.

We did it!

I recommend checking out GirlsOntheRun.org to see if there are any local events near you. Last year, I decided to show up at the Lollipop Family 5K Run in San Francisco and see if they needed any extra volunteers. I ended up running with an extremely talented and determined girl who got second place! There is nothing like watching a girl cross that finish line.

And this is the special race where I met Lisa and started my involvement with Girls Are Champions.

So go out there and get involved in your community. You not only make a difference in the lives of others, but you also learn and grow yourself. I now know how much I love coaching and what an amazing experience it is to be on both sides. Plus, you never know who you will meet and what other opportunities will open up.

For more information, check out GirlsOntheRun.org!