Girls on the Run

Most of our team waiting for the 5K to begin

I would like to begin this post with a disclaimer. I am not a runner. In fact, I hate running. So when I was approached by a parent (now a co-worker) from school to start a Girls on the Run team I pretty much wanted to do anything to get out of it. It was one more thing to do and something I didn't even like. All this being said...I am beyond thankful that this is something I was talked in to. Bennett started it's first GOTR team this spring and it has been one of the things that makes me happy to go to work (even if I had to be at practice at 7:30 on Tuesday mornings for the last 10 weeks). It helps that I couldn't have asked for 20 better third through fifth graders to work with.

For those of you who haven't heard of GOTR, it's a running program for 3rd through 5th grade girls that incorporates lessons about friendship, self-esteem, bullying, and leadership with training for a 5K that the girls run together at the end of the season. We had a great group at the beginning and I can't believe how much the girls have enjoyed it. I feel like I'm rambling, but I really can't say enough good things about this program.

These are some pictures from our 5K at GMU last weekend. Every girl finished and we were definitely the  best dressed team. Today we finished with a celebration. We will continue in the fall with two Bennett teams (so 40 girls) because of the success and amazing feedback from parents. I'm really excited! Can you tell?