March 17, 2012 Rock N’ Roll Marathon/Half Marathon SoleMates:

Ankie Barnes
Being married to a staff member of GOTR DC I was swept up in the enthusiasm of the event and surprised myself by signing up for the Half. I am a little older than the rest of the group but have remained fairly active so I thought it would be a good goal. An inoperable knee injury 17 years ago had stopped my running for about 12 years. I have been easing back into it again these last few years and doing triathlons to keep busy. However I have not run 13+ miles in around 40 years (!) since I was drafted into the army. To my amazement, I think I now can! Challenged my first injury through the training regimen hobbled me two weeks before the race, I have been resting up foe a few days now. I plan to tackle the race next head on and have fun. Thanks to the GOTR Solemates training group for getting me here!   

Charlene Bachman

Like most things in life, I was introduced to running by my big sister, Adrean—she also introduced me to rollerblading, wakeboarding, sailing, soccer and rugby. Adrean ran cross country in high school and during her senior year, when I was in eighth grade, she started inviting me to run with her so I could try out for the cross country team in the fall. Thanks to the competitive sibling training, I made the varsity team freshman year and running became not just one of my sports but a way of life and an activity that I could share with family and friends. My parents still ride their bikes next to me when I run around the neighborhood when I visit and I run in an annual beach2bar 5k every year with all of my friends and our moms over Thanksgiving weekend.

Freshmen year of college, I was introduced to a girl named Kate by a mutual friend because we both “liked to run”. So we became friends on Facebook and started planning running dates—Kate has been one of my best friends ever since. Kate ran the Boston Marathon in the spring of 2007, while I was studying abroad. I was so inspired that I trained for the 2007 Buenos Aires Marathon during my second semester abroad with a good friend I met in University there—training was amazing way to explore parts of the city that we may have never discovered. When Kate and I were both back in DC we ran the 2008 Marine Corps Marathon. Both of our families flew in to watch and all of our friends came out to watch the race and cheer us through the finish line. Having so much support and excitement made it one of my most memorable college weekends.

I share all of this because running has made such a positive impact on my life. From bonding with my sister while we ran our first 10k together at Disney while our mom cheered us on, to making my first friends at college, to using it as an outlet to unwind from exam studying and now those long hard days at work—running is my constant positive energy. When I discovered Girls on the Run in a magazine advertisement seeking volunteer coaches I looked into it immediately—this was my chance to introduce running to the next generation.

But GOTR is so much more than running! The excitement and smiles on the Ludlow Taylor team’s faces when they got to our first practice last Tuesday was priceless. It’s like they were waiting all winter to give their energy awards, to talk about why bullying is bad, and to start training for the 5k in June. “The 5k was so much fun!” they tell the new girls who they clearly recruited to join them this season. I signed up to be a Solemate because I believe that GOTR is an amazing organization and that we really are making a huge impact in these girls’ lives that will last a lifetime—just like is has for me. I should also say while it is no surprise, the group of Solemates that I have had the pleasure to train with were delightful and reminded me all over again that fellow runners make the best friends.

 Kimberly Cole

Before I started training, I was told that running is a metaphor for life.  While I thought this was an interesting concept, I didn’t really “get it” until I started running consistently and training for this half marathon.  But thirteen weeks into the program, I have learned several life lessons that transcend running.  If you have time, please read my top 10 so far (if you don’t have time, please skip to the bottom to see how you can help J):

 1.       “Oh, I am NOT a runner!”  When I first started training, this was my immediate response any time someone would refer to me as a runner (because they just saw me running, go figure).  Initially, running was something that I was just doing, but it certainly was not who I was.  In my mind, “real” runners were people who did it effortlessly, for fun.  WRONG!  Running is VERY challenging.   And it requires a lot of dedication.  That’s why so many people don’t do it.  But I’m doing it.  I’m waking up at 5:15 a.m. to get training runs in before I go to work, running on my lunch break, and waking up early on Saturday mornings to get in long runs in the dead of winter (albeit a mild one).  Yes, I am a runner.    

 2.       “What have I gotten myself into???  I can’t do this.”  When I started my training program, every mile was hard.  Many of the miles are still hard.  My first 3-4 miles of every run are always my hardest.   The first week we ran 4 miles, I couldn’t imagine how I’d ever finish 5. . .until the next week when I finished 5 miles.  And then the next week I did six.  Every week, I run farther (and a little bit faster).  Now, we are into double digit runs, and I can see the end in sight.  Yep, I can (AND WILL) do it!     

 3.       During the first two weeks of the program, I was one of the last people to finish (and the training program has over 100 participants).  Being near the back of the pack each week has been a very humbling experience for someone with a type “A” personality like mine.  But I am a VERY strong believer that slow and steady wins the race . . .and in this race (which is moreso mental than physical), I’m only competing against myself.  I WILL NOT QUIT!!!  And besides, no matter what pace I run, I’m still lapping everyone else sitting on the couch ;-)   “My race, my pace.” 

 4.       I have a full-time job that requires a substantial amount of travel, and I am currently working on my graduate thesis.  So, of course, I have frequently asked myself: “Of all the times you could have picked to train for a half marathon, WHY NOW?”  But I already know the answer.  There is always going to be something that could potentially interfere.   And no matter when I decide to train, it is always going to require willpower, faith, and discipline.  My new running buddies are working professionals, spouses, parents, visionaries, world changers. . .BUSY.  Yet, we get it done.  We make training a priority.  For me, that means that I don’t always hit every single run on my training schedule, but I don’t beat myself up about it either.  It means that I guard my time more closely and make the necessary adjustments to my schedule/lifestyle to ensure that I don’t miss the next one.  With every training run, I know that I am making improvement (even when I can’t see it immediately), and progress is my ultimate goal.

 5.        “It is 17 degrees outside.  I can’t believe I’m about to do this.”  When I started the training program, I intended to run most of my weekday runs inside on the treadmill.  It’s wintertime, and it’s way too cold to be outside.  But treadmill running got very boring, very quickly.  If I was going to do 5+ mile runs, I needed the change of scenery to pass the time, so I did some research to learn how to dress for frigid temps.  Now, I run outside every chance I get (even when the temperatures were in the teens). The body is amazing and warms up very quickly when in motion. . .layering is key!  Running on the dreadmill is now my last resort.  Lesson learned. . .in the face of even the most difficult environments/challenges, you can survive and thrive when you prepare for them.

 6.       When I first started running, I couldn’t fathom taking one step without my favorite music playlists, nonetheless running 13 miles.  However, one of my running coaches challenged me to run without music so that I could focus on my form and breathing.  Now, I’m running 10 miles with nothing but my thoughts.  And surprisingly, I now look forward to this time!  I have processed and resolved so many day-to-day issues during the course of my runs.  I use this time to reflect, plan, celebrate, and pray.  I agree with Maya Angelou. . .“solitude can be a much-to-be-desired condition. . .and in the quietude, we may even hear the voice of God.”

 7.       The first time I did interval speed training and hill work, I.thought.I.was.going.to.DIE!  But I didn’t.  I kept going back.  Now, I incorporate this challenging workout into my schedule at least once a week.  Of my weekly runs, it is definitely the hardest physically and mentally, but it’s the run I look forward to the most.  I attribute much of the progress I’ve made so far to this ritual.  No pain, no gain.  In running, no truer words have been spoken.    

 8.       I have made new friends based on our mutual interest in running.  I am a part of a new community of runners from whom I seek advice and encouragement because they “get it.”  We share similar challenges and achievements.  Ironically, having this type of support makes pushing harder easier.            

9.       I must admit. . .I now enjoy running.  I have already experienced physical and mental transformations and, without a doubt, I am in better shape in my 30s than I ever was in my 20s.  More than anything, I love the mental challenge of pushing myself farther than I think I can go in the moment.  A lot of my running friends are on a “runner’s high” and have now set their sights on running a full marathon (26.2 miles).  Not me. . .I don’t like running that much.  As of today, I don’t EVER want to run 26.2 miles at one time.  But that’s okay.  That’s their goal, not mine.  I will continue to push past my perceived limitations and challenge myself in other ways.  I will compete in my first triathlon in 2012.  I know that I need a multi-sport race to maintain my interest.  It’s about knowing what works best for you and not getting caught in the hype.  We’re not competitors, we’re friends, and we’ll continue to encourage and support each other despite our respective goals.

10.   For me, there is no false humility in running.  When I started distance running, I questioned whether I could really do it.  When I realized that I could do it, each time I wondered if I could run even farther.  Each time I run farther, I challenge myself to run just a little faster.  Above all, I challenge myself to be consistent.  I AM PROUD OF MY PROGRESS!     

Kara Farley-Cahill

When I first moved to Washington D.C., I had also just decided to run my first half marathon.  I had run a few shorter distance races before but I hadn’t gotten into longer runs yet.  I read quite a few articles and books in preparation for my training that suggested one of the best ways for runners to get and stay motivated was to find a local running group.  I had always heard that runners were a friendly group of people, and I believe that still to this day, so that is exactly what I did. 

Being a slow runner, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I had two strikes against me from the beginning.  First, I was still somewhat new to running and didn’t feel like a “real” runner (whatever that is).  Second, I was slow, usually clocking anywhere from 9:30 to 10:30 per mile depending on the distance.  This being what it was I was a little apprehensive when I showed up for my first run with the group.  Sure enough, although there were supposed to be three pace groups for this “fun” run (that was anything but for me), once the run started, everyone took off and left me in the dust.  Like I mentioned before, I was new to D.C., so although I tried to keep up, I wound up lost in Rock Creek Park.  Once I realized I didn’t know where I was, I did my best to backtrack and eventually worked my way back to the meeting place.

I had joined a running group hoping to find support, but instead I went home that night feeling more alone in my training than ever.  I started to question whether I should continue my training or just give up.  Even though I had such a terrible first experience with that group, I decided that I should give it another try, and then another, and another…  It wasn’t until one night when I overheard one of the fast runners laughing about how I was always at the back of the pack, that I realized this was not a good environment.  I decided that I would rather continue my training alone than be subjected to an experience that threatened my confidence on a regular basis.

Eventually, I found a home with a running group that is supportive and fun.  Training with my current group, I realize how important a good support system can be to a runner.  I look forward to my runs and on days where I am struggling to find the energy to get out and run, I know that once I meet up with the group, I will feel great.

This is my motivation for becoming a Girls on the Run sole mate.  When I heard about Girls on the Run and their mission, I thought of the experience with my first running group compared to my situation now. I also think of how the same experience may have impacted a younger girl, to be ridiculed for trying to experience something that is supposed to be positive.  I truly believe in the importance of providing girls with a healthy, comfortable environment where they can find the runner within.  I am running in the Rock n Roll Half-Marathon as a sole mate so that hopefully a few other girls will have the opportunity to be part of a running experience that is positive and motivational to them. 

Sarah Harrison

My inspiration to be a SoleMate is all bundled up inside a beautiful three year-old who wakes me up on the weekends, telling me “It’s morning time! The sun is up!” Her name is Reece, and she’s my world.

I’m a law student and a single mother, and I help to organize fundraisers and events with my various student organizations on campus, while working part time to further my career. Busy lady! But it has always been a priority that I find time to exercise, whether it be cardio, yoga or weight training so that I am healthy and happy, for myself and Reece. 

As her only parent, I want to be an inspiration to her. I want her to be excited about running or playing volleyball or hiking. I want to her feel confident in her body, and enjoy the opportunities all types of exercising can offer. And I want her to appreciate that while she benefits from being active, she can help others to benefit as well.    

 I was inspired by Reece to train and fundraise as a SoleMate for these reasons. I believe it is a valuable lesson to learn at such a young age that women can have a career, take care of their bodies and commit to not only doing well, but doing good, for ourselves and others.

Caitlin Maxwell

Tonia, Daja, Taelor, Jada, Bernice, Brandy, Tierra, Sache’t, Khalah, Brianna, Barbara, Taja’e, Morgan, Shantel, Chastity, Diamondnia, Daija, Tierra, Brittany, Simone, Carmen, DeAsia, LaDayza, Leif, Zionna, Domonique, Timeka, Shavonnia, Talia, Nykirah, Jena, Ivy, Destinee, Cortney, Shaniah, Javone…Thirty six girls who laughed at first when I told them about Girls on the Run.  Thirty six girls who have never seen someone running recreationally in their life.  Thirty six girls who don’t have access to a safe running area on a regular basis.  Thirty six girls who started the season walking and complaining but ended sprinting to the finish line with the biggest grin on their faces.  Thirty six girls who all received a scholarship to do Girls on the Run. 

Last year I brought Girls on the Run to AIM Academy. Within 1 year, our program has grown from barely 20 girls to over 30 girls participating and training to run their first 5k race.  When I realized that all of our girls were receiving a scholarship to participate, I knew that I had to pay it forward in some aspect. 

 Health and fitness has always been something that is important to me, and despite having run 100+ races, the Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon is especially important to me.  The past year, I sort of “fell out of shape”.  I found myself inside the girl box—comparing myself to anyone and everyone and putting myself down for everything Iwasn’t doing and being the definition of the yucky cord.  Leading lessons at school, I knew I could not stand up and say these lessons to my girls knowing that I was battling the same issues.  Having this race to train for has lit the fire inside of me to be the best me.  To me, this race is my comeback.  Armed with a healed mindset, a competitive spirit, and a healthy body, I am excited to be a REAL role model for my girls. 

 Running is the lifeblood of my sanity.  Girls on the Run has turned into a saving grace and an important part of our school’s community. Girls who have been through GOTR always say how much they love the program. Our girls gain a new healthy perspective in both running and life.  Despite that, without Solemates and other generous donations, our team and the impact GOTR has had on our team would not exist.  That very thought gets me up at five in the morning three times a week.   Last year we gave the girls journals and at the end of the program, two girls gave me their journals to read. I saved two of the quotes and often think of them when I want to quit.

 ”Today I loved the way I ran. It gave me time to stop thinking and actually breathe. I know I am a good runner now. It makes me want to cry thinking about how hard the first practice was and what I am doing now!” — ML, 8th grader last year

 ”Today I am proud, because I didn’t stop running. Mostly because I listened to my teachers when they said ‘You can do it’ and I did it. I had a wonderful time, they encouraged me and I did it. YEAH!!” –BH, 8th grader

 Girls on the Run at AIM would not exist without Solemates.  It would not exist.  We would miss out on opening the eyes, hearts, and lungs of 36 at risk middle school girls.  Girls on the Run is so much more than just a running program for our girls. It has become so much more than just a running program for me.  Girls on the Run and Solemates brought me my sparkly cord back, but more importantly, thirty six girls discovered their sparkly cord AND began their running career.  

 Attia Nasar

Moment of honesty: I signed up to be a SoleMate because Girls On The Run covered my race fees, and I figured $450 would be a piece of cake to raise.  But little did I realize how I would fall absolutely in love with this organization.

The past four months have been the most exhilarating and exhausting of my life.  I have never felt such physical pain before nor have I ever felt such a euphoric mental state.  Limping is not exactly the way I want to spend the rest of my day; but knowing that I am striving for my goal is how I want to spend the rest of my life.  Since becoming a SoleMate, I have done things I never would have done. I have had the confidence and courage to stand up for myself and to fight for things I love.  Most importantly, I signed up to be a coach.

I never imagined I would be a coach. My first practice the girls were so enthusiastic and eager to meet me and learn about me. They asked me all sorts of crazy questions from “Why do I wear that on my head?”, “Do I have hair under there?”, “Do I date?” and etc.  Their curiosities seemed unquenchable.  I am so excited to be working with an organization and to have a direct impact on the community around me.  

I am so proud of myself for reaching this point in my life. I am so proud of the fact that I am no longer at the end of the running group at Pacers but that I am in the middle and I actually help cheer on others.  I’ve cut my mile time by almost 2 minutes.  That is crazy. It’s such a tiny thing but running and being with Girls On The Run has made me realize that you have to celebrate those simple and small steps in life because that is what creates your foundation for a healthy you.

My running partner and good friend LaTalia has seen me break down and literally throw myself on the grass and start crying. Because when I started training for my first half-marathon over two years ago, yes I had a goal: to finish. But I didn’t understand or appreciate how in running my goal really is to make myself a better person and to run for my mental and physical well being. That is the greatest gift I could have ever given myself and I want to give that to all my friends and family and to all the girls who are part of Girls On The Run.      

I signed up for this marathon because I wanted another goal to achieve.  I have accomplished everything I set out for myself thus far….getting my masters, moving to DC, getting a big girl job in government.  I have been blessed. Now, I have the chance to share this amazing blessing with many more young girls and that is truly beautiful. Girls On The Run provides an amazing opportunity for young girls who might not otherwise have the chance to appreciate the importance of physical well being and to appreciate themselves.  I want these girls to know that we are not defined by the the social, religious or cultural norms that surround us but by the bridges we chose to build and then run across.

I find myself itching to be outside running.  It is addicting as we all know, but for me its the impact I can have on the lives of others that is truly inspirational and what motivates me to run.  If there is one thing that I want to teach others about running it is that running doesn’t require a certain skill set, it requires a certain mind set; a determination that comes from deep within an individual.  

Through running with Girls On the Run I have met my SoleMate in the form of a volunteer organization, one I want to dedicate my life to.
I am a better human being now than I was 4 months ago. Thank you for everything.

Kimberly Panicek
For my entire adult life I ran alone.  I trained alone all through college, my first full-time job, graduate school and my first two years in Washington, DC.  Running was for quiet mornings or Sunday afternoons. Running was what I did when I needed to get away.  I never asked anyone to join me. It was the one solitary exercise in my otherwise extroverted world.

I trained for and ran my first marathon in Paris in 2009 all by myself, no one there to cheer me on.  I woke up in the morning, ran for 4 hours and 4 minutes, and limped onto the metro. I realized later that night that I had been surrounded by 38,000 other runners and had not spoken a single word.

A year later, I had two goals for the New York City marathon: no walking and complete it in under 4 hours.  It took 3 hours and 55 minutes and I never missed a stride.  These victories reinforced my go it alone philosophy.

Running is for independent spirits. Running is for coping with life when things don’t go as planned.  Running is for broken hearts and triumphs, working tough problems and celebrating big wins.

And then on a random Tuesday afternoon, I tore the ACL in my left knee. I wouldn’t run again for nearly a year after the surgery.

Without a race to train for, I found myself with time on my hands, a desire to connect with my DC community, and a need to reconnect to running. Girls on the Run, an organization I had known about for a few years, was just the prescription. Slightly intimidated by the whole idea, I decided to take a baby step and signed up to be a Team Adelaide volunteer.  

After one GOTR practice, I was hooked. Spending time with 15 energetic girls, I had discovered a way for running to be a part of my life despite having many more months of physical therapy and another round of surgery to go. But even more transformatively, I felt the joy of sharing running with others for the first time. I signed up to coach a team the very next season.

After two wonderful seasons with Girls on the Run, it was clear to me that we were helping girls learn to live healthy lives and believe in themselves regardless of their backgrounds. Both teams I coached were entirely composed of girls on full scholarship, so I saw first hand the value of funds raised by GOTR. I was now healthy enough to run longer distances and had the desire to ensure that every girl in DC would have the opportunity to be a Girl on the Run despite her family’s income. I was sure that Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon SoleMates program was just what I needed.

Until I heard about the Saturday morning group runs. I was nervous about running with other SolelMates. Would I have to talk to them during the run?  Would they be too fast?  Or too slow? Would the routes be good? Would this somehow make me less independent?  

Thinking through what I would have advised my Girls on the Run to do, I decided to try it out.  I showed up on Saturday mornings. Each time I came home more energized and excited about running than before. The long runs brought me new friends, the courage to keep pushing, and new perspectives on what it means to be a part of a community. Although we didn’t have a formal curriculum, we had a Girls on the Run season of our own! This has made me a better runner, a better GOTR coach, and a better member of my community.

While I still love hitting the pavement solo, a group run can be an entirely different kind of therapy, challenge, and adventure for me. Girls on the Run and the SoleMates program have shown me that there is a whole wide world of running that exists beyond the solo run and race day.  It is spending two afternoons a week helping young girls begin to explore the gift and joy of running. It is a Saturday morning long run fueled by new friends working toward the same goals. It is inviting my friends and family from all over the world to make a small contribution on my behalf to help keep it all going.

The joy of running can be experienced in so many different ways. Running is a foundation for a lifetime of physical and mental health.  Running reminds me that I can set out to do anything I set out to accomplish.  

On March 17, I will run the Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon, my longest race since since knee surgery. This will be anything but a solo run. I will be surrounded by other SoleMate runners as well as the supporters cheering us on.  But those physically in attendance are only a part of what will make it a community effort. All of the folks who contributed to my fundraising effort to support GOTR will be a part of the race as well. And, most importantly, all the Girls on the Run throughout DC will be my inspiration.

SoleMates has made running about much more to me than time on a clock or miles ticked off.  And so, whether I run the fastest race of my life or the slowest, this will be a personal best. 

Salimah Velji

I have never been a runner, but I am one of the biggest self-help junkies you will ever meet.

I strongly believe that mentorship, confidence and a positive life outlook can shape your life path and prepare you to reach your full potential. I am consistently reminding myself and the people around me about the power of exuding positive energy, training your mind, setting your own limits and living in the present. At times, this stuff can sound cheesy and idealistic. My 13.1 mile race this Saturday March 17th for Girls on The Run has been a psychological exercise for me to test my life theories, with a special emphasis on learning the true power of how my mind, along with hard work, can achieve amazing outcomes. It has also served as an opportunity for me to champion for a cause that is very close to my heart –mentorship and the early integration of exercise in a child’s life.

 I have been fortunate to be surrounded by phenomenal mentors throughout my adolescence and young adulthood. These individuals have helped me recognize my own abilities, challenged my assumptions about myself and the world around me, taught me to think critically about my options each day and, above all else, motivated me to do the same for young people around me. In high school, I witnessed a young girl who made the decision to begin exercising and gaining control of her life. It was my younger sister, Fahreen, who first introduced me to the inexplicable, positive influence that exercise has on my daily level of happiness. Perhaps just an anecdote, her decision to wake up and run every single day led her to build an incredible amount of self-esteem and begin to succeed in all other facets of her life. Incorporating running into my life has not only improved my self-esteem, but has also helped me feel more in control of my mind and body while also cleansing my soul of any negative energy that life throws my way. As someone who rarely makes time to be alone, running has been therapeutic and a form of “me time.” I feel happier, firmer and stronger every single day that I throw on my running shoes and hit the road. We all have our moments of weakness. Our lazy days. Our days we think we can’t do it, or can’t find the energy or confidence to just get up and move closer to our goals.  My experience training for this half-marathon has challenged me to wake up feeling physically and mentally stronger every single day. It has helped me train my mind to do exactly what I desire to do.

 I challenge you to let your mind control your days. I encourage you to find multiple mentors to test your assertions and help reveal the best you. Finally, I urge you to become a mentor and change a young person’s life in small and big ways. I would like to leave you with a quote by John Bingham (runner and speaker) that truly resonates with me these days: “Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.”

I used to think I could only run a mile. This Saturday, I’m running 13.1.

2011:

Cindy Chang, Suntrust Marathon ~ March 2011:A few weeks ago, the Girls on the Run D.C. executive director, Betsy, visited my run club at to tell us about the program and the opportunity to raise money for Girls on the Run D.C. as a SoleMate for the National Marathon and Half Marathon (or any other race).  Our fearless run club leaders had previously told me about the program that serves pre-teen and teen girl by building their self-esteem and teaching healthy living habits through training for a 5k race.

At the time that Betsy came to our run club, I had been struggling with running and getting ready for my spring races due to unexpected health issues that forced me to take a nearly 12-week hiatus this winter from all cardiovascular workouts. I had just restarted my workouts, but of course, I was out of shape, weak, and achey (and SLOW!). I had signed up for the New York 1/2 Marathon, the National 1/2 Marathon, and the Cherry Blossom 10-miler last fall, and although I had every intention of still running them, I was feeling discouraged and lacking purpose.

So when I heard Betsy speak and I remembered how highly my run club organizers had spoken about Girls on the Run D.C., I had an a-ha! moment and signed up to be a SoleMate for the National 1/2 Marathon on March 26, 2011, in Washington, D.C.

What I realized and remembered then is that running has been so much more to me than finish times and PRs. Long before I ran my first marathon, I loved field day in elementary school and joined the track team in middle school. Much of my high school experience revolved around being on the track and cross country teams. Of course, then, a lot of running was about competition, winning, and PRs.

Due to an early growth spurt, I may have peaked in middle school running the 400 meter dash, 4 x 400 relay, and even the 110 meter hurdles! In high school, my teammates and, even more so, competitors on other teams caught up and far surpassed my “height” at 5-2.5. Although I still occasionally ran the 400, my coach quickly refocused me on the 800 meter race, and I was a middle distance runner, training with middle and distance runners. And while I ran at the state track meet my senior year as a member of the 4 x 800 relay, I did so as an alternate so that a teammate could focus on (and win) her individual races. In other words, on a team where my amazing teammates were setting state records and earning running scholarships to DI schools, I was…good? but certainly not the best.

But I was a team captain and learned about leadership. And I made incredible friends who inspired me with their speed and equally with their dedication. I learned about discipline, hard work, and goal-setting. Equally important, I learned to handle failure and disappointment. In an predominately individual sport, I learned about teamwork and team spirit. I gained a lifelong pastime and an activity that has provided me lasting pride and self-esteem.

These unquantifiable lessons cannot be timed or measured. And because I have seen too often the ill effects of girls, teens, and women who lack self-esteem, I believe imparting these lessons can have an unending positive impact on young girls’ lives.

Before Girls on the Run’s founder Molly Baker piloted the 12-week program in 1996, I was a girl on the run. I did not have the benefit of learning about healthy body image and eating disorders, and it broke my heart to see some of my teammates struggle with these issues. But with Girls on the Run, young girls can reap all the benefits of running while also participating in a 12-week curriculum designed (and proven) to improve body image and healthy eating attitudes.

At the same time, Girls on the Run is giving this grown-up girl on the run a new purpose for running and racing that rises above the time on the stop clock.

Read my blog post about it is here: http://livelovelulu.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/when-i-was-a-girl-on-the-run/ “