Girls On The Run!

Busy Busy

In my last days here in New Jersey, I have struggled to get the mileage I would like. With last minute loose ends to tie up, training has fallen back some. When times get busy like this I usually try to force myself to sneak in both a morning and evening run. In the past I was able to get 50 mile weeks and still take a double zero on Saturdays and Sundays. Despite the shortage in valuable training I was fortunate enough to participate in "Girls on the Run VT". If you are unfamiliar stay with me here..

GOTR VT

WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY GIRL
CAN EMBRACE WHO SHE IS,
CAN DEFINE WHO SHE WANTS TO BE,
CAN RISE TO ANY CHALLENGE,
CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.
CAN.

www.Girlsontherun.org

Fisher Elementary at GOTR VT 2017

Last week was Libby's 5k for Girls on the Run. This program is a fantastic way to build self esteem, confidence, and fitness in elementary school aged girls. The program is in all 50 states and seemingly grows larger every year. This was Libby's second year participating and the 26th year of GOTR. Over the last few weeks, elementary schools have offered an after school program specifically for young girls to prepare them for a local 5k race. The 3.1 mile distance may not seem a lot for a seasoned runner, but as an ultramarathoner nothing sounds worse than 5,000 agonizing meters. The volunteers track the progress of the girls and show them that they can run a grown up distance if they train for it. 

Racing to finish their 5K, Mendon Peak in the distance.

Teamwork, and friendly encouragement made for a STRONG finish.

The girls on the back stretch...not pictured...the dopey stepdad

running and trying to take pictures....

Our event was in Rutland this year, along with several other schools. I am not sure of overall participation but I would estimate well over 600 kids plus parents and spectators. Ashley and I both registered to try to keep up with these fierce girls. Before the event the girls have the chance to purchase GOTR swag ranging from superhero pink capes to face paint. At the start the small group of girls Ashley and I were running with took off on us and we spent the first few minutes locating our front running adolescents. The course was thoughtfully designed, and wasn't an easy run. The Rutland fairgrounds boasts a half mile (8 furlongs for my gambling degenerate friends) horse track. This track was circled twice during the 5k, allowing parents and spectators to see and cheer on their kids at two separate points. The homestretch had Ashley and I running sub 7 minute miles to keep up with our little group of showoffs (who only showed signs of fatigue away from the watchful eye of any spectators).

Prior to the final event, Libby had a 5k PR of 44 minutes. She literally smashed that time completely out of the park finishing in 35:23 with an average pace of 10:53! Our tracks are below...

https://www.strava.com/activities/984827517

Some Tired Girls rocking their newest race hardware.

In the film "Finding Traction" Ultra Runner Nikki Kimball has a casual conversation about Girls on the Run with the GOTR VT that really resonated with me.  During her FKT attempt on the 273 mile Long Trail, Kimball insisted that one of the GOTR girls would come along and break her record in the future. I completely agree after seeing the support and encouragement these kids gave each other. I encourage anyone who has a daughter to get involved, or support this program! 

Happy Trails.