Girls on the Run 5K

Buried in the huge stack of flyers and catalogs that come in the mail daily, I actually got something pretty cool the other day.  A “thank you” box for running the Chicago Marathon as a SoleMate.  The box had a very thoughtful note, a super cute Girls on the Run visor and a warm fleece blanket.

                          Oh! How cozy!

I actually fell asleep on the couch with this blanket—That NEVER happens!

My grand fundraising total for Girls on the Run of WNC was $768!  I secretly hoped to raise $1000, but I underestimated  how hard it is to fundraise!!!  I’m not very good at asking people for money.  A BIG thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who donated.

(Here is the post where I talked about why I decided to run the Chicago Marathon as a SoleMate. )

The box also had an entry form for free entry to the annual Girls on the Run 5K.   The fun, non competitive (NO CLOCKS!) 5K seemed exactly like what I needed to push my running rut back into shape!  The race is mainly just for the girls participating in the program and the coaches running with them, but I thought it would be fun to run along and actually watch them accomplish their goals.

I’m so proud of my SoleMates technical shirt!

And I was right! So much fun!

Where else can you run a 5K with crowd lined streets ringing PINK cowbells and signs that say “Run Like Justin Bieber is at the Finish Line!” ?  HA!   The girls were all decked out in tulle skirts, pink hair and even capes.   I had a big smile the whole time just watching all of their outfits.

      I secretly wish I had worn a cape.

Don’t you know that capes give you super running powers?

The race started and finished on the UNCA track which was a fun way to mark that first and last quarter mile.  I decided I really want to try more track running.

My favorite part of the whole day was when I saw a girl struggling to run up a huge hill (SERIOUSLY HILLY COURSE!!!!)  I told her that I knew she could do it and that I’d run with her.  She really seemed to respond well and kept running with me until we got to the top of the hill. I gave her a high five and got a huge smile!  Success!  She just needed to hear she could do it.

A sweet viewer and reader snapped this photo along the course!

600 girls completed the 5K Saturday.  What an amazing accomplishment.  I hope they take away a love for running, new friends and a sense of self esteem or pride.  Run like the wind girls!!!  This is what it’s all about!

Ok, so I set my own stopwatch…

I couldn’t help myself

9:15 pace for last half mile – I’m getting there![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]