Some thoughts on Girls on the Run (GOTR)

Following a less-than-routine day of teaching, I pitched in at my elementary school's Girls on the Run activity. The GOTR group meets twice a week and the energy of the girls (grades 3-5) is amazing! They are simply ready for anything. If you are not familiar with the program I suggest you visit http://www.girlsontherunvermont.org/ to learn about Vermont's participation in this nationwide organization.

My now-17 year old daughter took part in GOTR the first year it was offered at her elementary school, 7 years ago. I think that the culminating GOTR 5K race that year was the first "other" 5K I had ever walked outside of Vermont's Komen Race for the Cure. It was very different from the country road race I was used to.

Last year I went to both culminating GOTR 5K events - one in Burlington and the other in Brattleboro. I "mentored" students at both races. Both held in soggy conditions - the Burlington race following a huge downpour and the Brattleboro race in steady rain!

This Spring I will be cheering on my school's GOTR students on May 19 in Brattleboro, but might not do the 5K itself. Why? Because it is the day before my full marathon.

In the scheme of training doing 3.1 miles the day before a marathon probably does not seem like a problem, but thus far my group leader has always encouraged us to "lay low" the day before a race - even a little half marathon.

I have a feeling though that I will be drawn to the course - those smiling faces will be headed to the start line and I will have little choice but to join them as they run, for many of them, their first 3.1 miles.

I can hardly wait to celebrate their accomplishments!!

Oh, and in case you were wondering - I walked a mere 4.5 miles today! But that is another post.