First of all, THANK YOU to the GOTR who came out for the practice 5K and amazing party on Friday! Can’t wait to share the pictures!
What a blessing “Girls on the Run” has been for both the girls AND the coaches! I have to admit, when Reggie approached me, I was skeptical that we would be able to generate enough interest to form a team, and that families would be willing to invest the cost that “Girls on the Run” charges for participation. But after the first practice, I was 100% on board and a true believer in the time this organization spends preparing the schedule and curriculum. And that’s not to mention the fact that interest generation was no problem… we had so much interest we were able to bring on a 3rd coach, Tammy Tubbs (that was a HUGE BONUS), and unfortunately we even had to tell a few girls to wait until the next season because we had reached our allowed limit.
The biggest thing we have all learned during this season is that the running portion of the program is kind of small compared the lessons the girls receive at each practice. We talk about faith, confidence, self-esteem, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, how to handle difficult situations and so much more. Each week we hear amazing testimonies from the girls about how they are utilizing what they learn at school and at home. We all know Rome wasn’t built in a day and attitudes don’t change overnight, but we are confident that if the girls make an effort to implement what they are learning, along with parents who are onboard, this will be a life-changing opportunity for all involved.
Back to the running, we have witnessed girls who were reluctant to even jog in the beginning catch the “running bug”. Watching them push themselves even when practice is over and everyone else is packing up is truly inspiring. Running is not only making their bodies healthy, it is such a great way for them to build confidence, feel as though they are accomplishing something and burn off stress and tension that can develop at an early age with their crazy schedules. Because of the value they receive physically, emotionally and mentally, we strongly believe this program should not be treated as secondary to their other sports or “one more thing to try to squeeze in”. Instead, as the program grows, we hope that parents will see it as a crucial addition to their other activities.
The big 5K they have been working toward is April 30th! If you are a parent of a current Girl on the Run, please encourage her to keep working hard and make a really BIG deal of her accomplishment when she completes this fun race. It is NOT about “winning” that day, but it IS about them doing their best and encouraging one another!
Thank you to all the girls for their commitment, and to these parents for allowing them to be a part of this. We can’t wait to share race-day pictures, and hope we get a chance to work with your daughter in the Spring!
Argyle Hilltop PTA Current Events 
