Girls On The Run — More Than a Running Club

After 10 weeks of training this spring, third through fifth grade students in Girls On The Run (GOTR) recently completed a 5K, along with a running buddy; but the 5K run is not the only thing they accomplished. The girls in the club were active throughout training and learned to believe in themselves, be empathetic, and form healthy relationships with others. 

"The strategies we learn from GOTR through running are helping our bodies get into shape, becoming a team, learning teamwork, and empowering young girls that they can do whatever they set their minds to,” said Mrs. Sauber, team coach and sponsor for GOTR. 

Before each practice, the team stretched, recited a chant or played a game, and learned a lesson. One of these was called the star lesson. “[In this lesson] the girls are told to think of themselves as a star. If someone is rude to you, it takes away that shine of your star; but you are a star, and no one can take that away from you,” stated Mrs. Sauber. 

Fifth grade student and member of GOTR, Lyla, said, “GOTR is about bringing other people up and also running! It gives girls confidence and self-love; we run, but it is more than that!” 

The girls set goals at the beginning of the season, whether for running or personal growth. For Lyla, interacting with the girls in different grade levels and getting to know them more was an important goal for her. 

Although the season came to end on Saturday, May 15, 2021 with their 5K run, the team created lasting memories with their running buddies, their coaches, and each other.