race report: girls on the run 5K

11/27/2012

When Hyedi emailed asking if I’d be a running buddy for the first-ever Girls on the Run Twin Cities 5K, I was thrilled. This incredible organization inspires girls in grades 3-5 “to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.”

Of course I wanted to be a part of it!

Thirty degrees and sunshiny over Lake Phalen in Saint Paul, it was the perfect morning to run a 5K. I met up with fellow running buddies Hyedi and KJ, and after we got the lowdown on our duties – running with the girls and encouraging them throughout the race – we joined the larger group for some fun pre-race warm ups.

IMG_6266

During warm-ups, I also ran into fellow Saint Paul runner and Birchwood biker, Heather, who partnered up with her friend’s sweet daughter, Evie. Fun to see you, Heather, and great to meet you, Evie!

IMG_6275
Evie and her running buddy Heather.

After official race bibs were pinned, about 40 excited girls toed the line for their first race. The start line was abuzz with energy, and the girls’ giddiness was contagious!

IMG_6256
IMG_6274

When the whistle blew, girls were off on the counter clockwise run around the lake. And, they were fast! I honestly don’t know if I could have ran that fast when I was that age – and, I definitely don’t know if I could have ran a 5K when I was a third grader! Sure, we ran the mile every fall and spring for the presidential physical fitness test (it still exists?!), but that was it in northwestern Minnesota.

It’s pretty awesome this fantastic organization exists today. Lucky girls.

IMG_6280

The run was relaxed and filled with smiles. I ran back and forth between the girls and other running buddies, chatting with why they volunteered – they love the organization, have previously volunteered or been a coach, or were recruited by a friend, to name a few. The girls: They were a little shy, but were beaming ear to ear… but, how can you not? You’re out running with your friends on a beautiful day!

One girl’s favorite part about GOTR: “Running!” she said.

IMG_6279

As we neared the finish (just up a hill… I forgot the couple decent-sized climbs on the Phalen path!), the girls around me took off sprinting toward the finish. Spectators lined the path, cheering and clapping as everyone ran under the TYR arch and were given a finishers medal.

IMG_6288

All the girls were pumped to finish, and several ran under the arch a few times, each time more excited than the last. I’m so impressed with how speedy they were! No doubt, some future tracksters and rock star runners!

IMG_6289

My race day favorites:

  • Girls on the Run, obviously. I hope to volunteer more with this amazing nonprofit in 2013.
  • The pure joy on the girls’ faces. Seriously, so cool.
  • Young girls being active. There isn’t enough of this in our laze-on-the-couch culture, and I love that GOTR gets them active in a safe, encouraging environment and builds their self esteem.
  • Catching up with Hyedi, Heather, KJ and Amanda. You ladies rock.
  • Meeting new a running buddy Melissa.
  • Nick cheering along the race course. He’s good paparazzi.

Congrats to all the Girls on the Run 5K finishers! You are all amazing.

IMG_6283
IMG_6293

You Might Also Like

14 Comments

  • Reply Andria 11/27/2012 at 11:19 am

    Oh yay!! I’m doing my first GOTR 5k this Saturday!!

    • Reply erin 11/27/2012 at 12:47 pm

      Yay! You’ll have so much fun, Andria!

  • Reply Emily Dingmann (@nutritionisteat) 11/27/2012 at 12:54 pm

    So cool! I think I’m going to look into my local GOTR, what a great organization.

    • Reply erin 11/27/2012 at 8:03 pm

      Yes, do it!

  • Reply Candice 11/27/2012 at 1:04 pm

    Hot pink wunder unders?! yes. Looks like you had a good time and what a great cause!

    • Reply erin 11/27/2012 at 8:03 pm

      They’re my favorite pair 🙂

  • Reply Luv What You Do 11/27/2012 at 9:37 pm

    Your pictures are so cute! I bet that is such an awesome event to be apart of!

    • Reply erin 11/28/2012 at 8:45 am

      Thank you! It’s a great organization… definitely check if it’s in your neighborhood!

  • Reply hyedi 11/28/2012 at 3:43 pm

    Wonderful recap and thanks again for being a running buddy! 🙂

    • Reply erin 11/28/2012 at 8:29 pm

      Thanks, Hyedi! And, thank YOU for inviting me 🙂

      • Reply hyedi 11/30/2012 at 2:18 pm

        Of course! 🙂

  • Reply Carrisa @ G-Free Runner 11/30/2012 at 2:52 pm

    What a great experience Erin! I always loved running with the girls I coached in NC that also did Girls of the Run! Such a great program!

    • Reply erin 11/30/2012 at 5:39 pm

      It is! Cool that you coached in NC! Definitely check it out here 🙂

  • Reply 2012 race season reflections… | sweet sweat 01/12/2013 at 3:30 pm

    […] 17: Girls on the Run 5K. I was thrilled to join Hyedi, KJ and Amanda as running buddies for this great organization that […]

  • your thoughts…

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.