Girls on the Run

Overview
Girls on the Run-Chicago (GOTRC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating and preparing girls for a lifetime of self respect and healthy living. We use experiential learning programs which combine training for a 5K (3.1 mile) race with a lesson plan designed to promote good choices and an active lifestyle.  GOTR was created in Charlotte, NC in 1996 by Molly Barker, a social worker and 4-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete.  Girls on the Run International remains based in Charlotte and has expanded to more than 150 programs and 36,000 participants across the country. 
 
Each curriculum (one for spring and one for fall) covers 16 to 20 lessons. Each lesson follows a general pattern. 
 
Getting On Board
As the girls arrive and settle into a circle, the coach "checks in" with them, sees how each is feeling, gets a feel for the group's dynamic for the day and introduces the topic of the lesson. This portion of the lesson will include an activity and discussion.
 
Warm Up
Next is a game - perhaps a short relay or some other brief activity. The topic of the lesson is incorporated into the game. For instance, in one of the first lessons, the coach marks off a short running course. The girls stand at one spot and the coach calls out a "like statement" - "I like chocolate chip cookies," or "I like Math." All those girls who agree with the statement run (walk, jog - they set their own paces) the course marked out by the coach. These statements continue, with contributions by the girls, until everyone has run a few times at least.
 
With their muscles warmed up a bit, the coach leads the girls through a brief stretching session. During that time, the girls and the coach "process" the topic. In this example, they might discuss how people can have different likes and dislikes and still be friends. Or how our likes and dislikes develop, etc. 
 
Workout
This involves more actual running. The season starts with shorter periods of running and builds up as the coaches assess each girl's ability and pace. Eventually, the Workout will build up to a ""practice"" 5k to build the girls' confidence in participating the actual 5K event (see below). The workout also includes the lesson's objective.  For instance, in the session on positive attitude, each girl may be asked to make a positive statement about herself to the coach, each time she completes a lap. 
 
Cool Down
After the work out, there is cool down and more processing.  The hour always ends with a cheer and a treat.

The season will be starting the week of March 9th, meeting twice a week for an hour each day, and ending the week of June 8th. The spring race is set for June 6th at Montrose Harbor, 9am.

Contact Karin Ritter for more information.