Coaching.. Girls on the Run

By Julie Beebe

I was approached to coach our girls on the run team at my daughter’s school. I have to say I am very honored that they see me as a good role model for this program, even if I am not a “ runner”. If you are not familiar with the program I would ask you to check my local page at www.kcgotr.org . There are many of these programs across the US . The idea is to train the girls for a 5K, not so that they make world records but just to finish. Through both goal setting and curriculum lessons, they hope to plant the seed for healthy living in these girls.

I am not a runner, well I try but I just don’t enjoy it. I find I need to really find ways to make it fun for me. I am hoping that I can find someone to be my assistant coach and help me with the running training part. I really don’t know exactly what proper running conditioning is. Maybe the gym teacher would know?

On the other part of the program I am really excited. It is very rewarding to watch the kids develop the skills that let them succeed at the goals they set. I watched this last year when I ran the 5k with my daughter at the end of her season. The curriculum will set the topics each week but I find teachable moments with my kids all the time and expect that I will with this as well. I also love that the girls get involved in a community service event. I feel the things you learn from volunteering and giving back to others just grows your soul, no matter what age you are!

Love to hear about any experiences you’ve had with this organization, or any other youth organization. Maybe it will help me to create a better experience for the girls involved! Since I will be new to coaching anything!

3 Comments

Respond on facebook (Post to facebook and HelloLife)

Jessica Corwin, RD
Julie,

I am a huge fan of Girls on the Run! Props to you for taking on the challenge of coaching a team :) I have a couple of friends who coach as well and they have had nothing but positive things to say. Personally, I have not participated myself due to time constraints with work, but I have recently been invited to help with the nutrition component and I am looking forward to it.

This time in a girl's life is so critical to developing a healthy lifestyle and a positive body image. I could go on and on... :) I recently learned there is a Boys on the Run in many areas as well!

Let us know how this goes for you and your team!

Jessica
Commented on HelloLife November 01 2011 at 12:11 pm
Cassie
My daughter participated in GOTR last year, and is already looking forward to it this year! Her coaches were amazing, and made it fun for the girls to train. They pushed the girls hard, but never over their limit. I was thinking about volunteering to coach, but working full time kind of stands in my way... but I am definitely recruiting friends and family to volunteer and stand along the route race day to cheer the girls on! This was such a fun and rewarding experience for my daughter, and I am thankful for the volunteers (like you!) that make these things possible. Thanks Julie :)
Commented on HelloLife November 02 2011 at 8:44 am
Julie Beebe
After attending the GOTR meeting last night I found that there are alot of ways you can volunteer to help this program. I am sure all teams would love to have running buddies on race day. Not to mention the number of volunteers needed to just get that going.
Commented on HelloLife November 02 2011 at 10:34 am