Girls on the Run

Throughout the fall semester of 3rd grade, Callie participated in a great program called Girls on the Run, or GOTR for short.  Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon after school she and her group got together with their adult leaders and did a variety of activities.  They were training to run a 5K, but the program is about much more than that.  More than anything it is about girl empowerment, believing in yourself, and supporting others.  In other words, it's a great program, especially for young girls.

The actual day of the 5K it was cold - very cold.  But Callie was excited to get out there with her friends on her team.  Some of them are pictured here.  Lydia, the one in the middle with Callie, ended up being her ultimate run partner throughout the race.

But Callie's true running soulmate was Sarah.  Each girl had to find a parent or other adult mentor to run with, and for some reason Callie chose the parent least prepared for the event.  Nothing says mother-daughter bonding like a 5K in cold weather with two people who needed more encouragement than they could give.  Of course, we all know that Sarah is game for anything, so this was just a little mind over matter kind of event.

It certainly helped that Callie and Sarah had the best cheering section out of anyone there.  John and Reese got to show up a little later and stay in the warm car a little longer, but when called upon to support Sarah and Callie, they were ready and raring to go.

Because GOTR is a district wide program, race day saw girls from all the elementary schools in Lexington.  That meant there were hundreds of girls there, which was awesome to see.  Needless to say, Callie ran into many friends, but loved seeing Janie and her dad, Coach Patrick, who has known Callie since she first put on a soccer cleats and couldn't stay on the field for more than five minutes without complaining about her tired legs.  She has come a long way.  Callie and Sarah finished the race strong, and showed they definitely have what it takes.