Run Like A Girl Youth Program

Hump Day! 

Monday I took a semi rest day with some mat work at home.
Tuesday was a 5 mile run around Chester before lots of tasty food and wine at Book Club-  Reading The Gold Finch by Donna Tartt

My legs felt heavy during my run but I was feeling super motivated and pushed through for 8:37 average.  I was feeling really inspired and "run happy" after Sunday's run and my encounter on the track. 
Sunday morning, I finished the last 6 miles of my 16 miler on the track.  About 3 miles in, a swarm of young girls entered the track.   I figured it was some kind of a "Run-A-Thon" for charity.  

There were about 20 girls with a few parent/runner chaperons.  I kept on with my run, and by the time I finished, they were still there. 

 I had to ask what was going on.

 I stopped to stretch and asked one of the girls what they were doing today.  Apparently they were part of a program put on by the town.  I stopped to eaves drop on the group and the girls were there  as a group, running laps, leaning about nutrition, and learning how to take their pulse and about heart rates while running.  

      

When I got home I was so intrigued and proud of my town putting on this even that I did some research.  This is what I found.  

The program is called "Run Like A Girl" 

and is put on by the Lyme Youth Service Bureau (LYSB)

Ages 8 and up they meet on Sundays and do a group run 

followed by a half hour meeting.

The finale for the program is training for a 5k! 

" Embracing differences; stretching; nutrition; dealing with injuries; “your look”; team spirit; stress relief; goals and plans"

 No need to pre-register, just show up

This made my heart smile.  SO BIG!

Getting young girls exciting and educated about running.  Instead of spending their Sunday watching cartoons, they are together on the track training for a 5k, learning about healthy routines, healthy eating habits,  and team spirit.

I really love this because this can be applied to any community.  You don't need any fancy equipment, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on lacrosse gear, helmets, cleats, baseball bats, and balls. 

All you need is a good attitude, and a pair of running shoes. 

What an amazing program  and I hope to hear more about it.

Does your town offer anything like this?

Spark the idea in your town with your community!  

Run Like A Girl ;)