GOTR 5K

Saturday may 20, over 1500 girls and their runner buddies assembled in parking log K at George Mason University for the Spring Girls on the Run 5k.  Faithful readers, you know that I not only raised money for the GOTR-DC chapter, but then found a Northern Virginia chapter and local elementary school where I could volunteer.  Nervousness always creeps in before a race, and this one was no different.  Would my buddy run faster than me?  Could I motivate her enough to finish the race and continue to love running. 

When I arrived the parking lot was a sea of excited girls, and sleepy (adult) runner buddies…we hadn’t had our cup of morning coffee! Checked in, received my bib and free t-shirt and found the merchandise tent where I purchased a very cute GOTR hat (pink, of course) and a multi-band, a long tube that can be worn many ways.  I plan on soaking it in cold water and wear  around my neck during long runs in the summer, in the winter I’ll wear it around my neck and head and then pull the head covering down when I get too hot. 
8:00 am and time for the race. My buddy  and I started off strong running side by side, running  the whole route except for the two times we walked up hill.  A smile never left her face as we encouraged each other, crossing the finish line with arms raised in jubilation!

Even though raising money for GOTR was initially difficult, and I  felt like the new kid in school during the first GOTR meeting I attended, I had so much fun at the race…all that positive girl energy was inspiring.  Planning on continuing to volunteer for GOTR.  Join me!

A-Z Challenge…W

Weird.  I felt weird today.  Like the first day of school weird, where you are the new kid in the class full of kids who have known each other all their life.
Today was my first day as a helper in the GOTR group at my girls old elementary school. Through the GOTR website I found that there is a NOVA (Northern Virginia) chapter and  a group nearby. Here is my chance to write my story as it relates to GOTR.  I emailed the teacher the teacher in charge and she was very welcoming.  The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-5:00pm.  Perfect!
Parking and walking up to the school brought back memories of when I made that daily drive to drop off and pick up the girls.  Nothing has changed but the faces.  Walking into the gym, the girls were already in their circle and beginning their lesson.  One mom introduced herself and asked who was my daughter.  I don’t have a daughter in the group, I just like to run.  She must have been thinking I was some kind of stalker, preying on young girls, I thought.  Another mom didn’t introduce herself and looked at me like I was invading her territory.  I introduced myself and she was friendly, but a bit territorial.  After I was introduced by the teacher, the girls were very sweet, they all came up to me and introduced themselves.  Twenty-two girls approaching me with huge smiles and reciting their names…wonderful!
I know, it’s the first day, they don’t know me that well, and will eventually warm up.  It just felt weird.

Source: fun-n-first.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

A-Z Challenge…S

If you read the “F” post, I mentioned that I would continue that post with the letter “S”.  In the “F” post, I talked about how hard it has been to raise money for GOTR, the charity I was sponsoring for the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon.  Well, I can tell you that I was able to exceed my goal! Just as I had donated the money that I needed to meet the $450 challenge, I graciously received a check from a friend! With the help of my friends, I donated $500 to the DC chapter of Girls on the Run.  Yeah!
The reason I believe I had a hard time raising money for the cause is that I didn’t have a story to go along with the charity.  I had not participated in GOTR, I do not have elementary school girls participating in GOTR, nor am I a GOTR coach.  A personal story to go along with the charity would have hooked my friends and they would have felt a personal connection, and therefore, I think, more would have donated what they could. 
When I walked by the GOTR booth last October during the Army Ten Miler Expo and found out that by raising money for them they would pay the entrance fee to the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon, I jumped at the change.  I didn’t sop and think about ‘why’ I wanted to raise money for them, nor did I read the fine print-if I didn’t meet the fundraising goal of $450, that money would be coming out of my own pocket. I quickly signed up, went home and did some research on the organization. I learned that GOTR is an organization empowering girls to greater self-esteem through a healthy activity like running. 
Lessons learned for the next time I choose to sponsor a charity, choose something that I’m passionate about, and most definitely read the fine print. Or, better yet, sign up and become a GOTR volunteer and create my own GOTR story, so the next time I fundraise for them I’ll have a story to share!!
Participating in the A-Z challenge. The challenge is to write a post everyday using the corresponding letter of the alphabet. The theme I’ve decided to tackle during this challenge is running. The posts will spotlight varied running related aspects. Enjoy the running journey

5 Reasons why I need your Help

Yes, I need your help in raising money for GOTR (Girls on the run).  GOTR is the charity I’m sponsoring for the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon this March 17.
“Girls on the Run® is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development“……..

1. Running is a great way to exercise and release stress.
2. GOTR would be a great place to donate during this Lenten season
3. I wish this program had been around when I was younger! At 45 years of age I’m loving my new passion.
4. Reduce the obesity rate in young girls.
5. You like me!  You really like me!

Donating is easy!  Just go to my donation site here.
Thanks!


image from GOTR