Running with the Girls

This morning, I had the pleasure of volunteering with the organization, Girls on the Run: Bay Area during their fall 5k event. It's is such a cool program. Girls around the city and their schools commit to training for a 5k each semester and than all come together to run the race and support one another. The coaches harp on the girls that it is not how fast you run, it's not a race or a competition. It's that you finish and you try and you get out and get moving. It's a neat goal for the girls to have. And not an easy one.

The course was all in Golden Gate park and it was a pretty day. I got in early to help with setup and organize some of the "pacing" (cheerleading) teams. It was so much fun. I had the chance to meet a lot of young women, some fun new running buddies, cheer on the girls and wear a hot pink cape.

What more could I ask for?

A lot of the girls were very excited, a few were not. I met a young 8 year old who was just not having a good morning. She clearly did not like running, her friends had all run ahead and her mom had gotten lost in the crowd. We spent about a mile walking together as she teared up here and there (she was having a tough morning). But I didn't want to leave her alone and we stuck together until we found her mom. It was nice getting to spend that time with her and encourage her along the way. Even if she was miserable.

I would love to do another one of these events whenever they come up. Such a neat way to spend a Saturday morning.