Girls on the Run is so much FUN!

Fall 2010

2010-06-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

With the fall season approaching, there's so much to share!!!

First of all, we're adding two sites to Jackson County, one in Independence and the other a Girls on Track in Raytown. At the same time, we'll be keeping our 7 other existing sites.

We are also in the process of expanding. Instead of just Jackson County, we will soon be Greater KCMO and include both Platte and Clay Counties. Hard to believe that just 3 short years ago we were becoming a council, and started that first season with just 6 girls. Now, we'll be in 3 counties with hundreds of girls.

We are also establishing our 5K's. We've partnered with KC Running Company (who brings you awesome events like Rock the Parkway, Love to Run and many others) to help us take our 5K's to the next level.

This fall we'll be running down Main Street in Blue Springs. Competitive Runners will start at 8 am and the girls will start at 8:10. We'll be giving medals to top finishers!!!

Our fall season starts August 23, so sign up today (while cost is only $50). Oh, and if you're wanting to run the 5K, you ought to go ahead and sign up for it to. Only $15 RIGHT NOW. Check out www.jacogotr.org for sign ups to both events.

9 weeks to go

2010-04-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on, I have 9 weeks to raise $1200 and to get mileage and speed up. I am sure I can do both. However, I obviously need your help with the fundraising piece. Please consider giving a donation of $10 or more to support my SoleMate quest. What does your money do???

Quick example: We have 83 girls signed up for GOTR this spring. Of those girls, half are fully scholarshipped in at our "closed" sites in the urban core. Now, where does that money come from to pay for the girls? You guessed it - SoleMates is our number one funding source for cutting costs and providing scholarships.

Donate NOW! See how easy I made it for you!!!

On to the training. My goal is to drop about 20 pounds for this event. Being lighter will help me run faster and avoid injury. I've made 3 significant changes to my diet and have dropped 5 of those 20 pounds in the last 2 weeks.

1. Drink WATER - just check out my profile pic on FB and all my water posts to know this is true.
2. No cream in my coffee. I'm still drinking my coffee every morning, just cut out all that sugar and calories the cream added.
3. Cut out chips. By far the hardest!! However, I've replaced chips with Wheat thin chip like crackers. I believe the factor with these are that while I'm making lunch, chip bag is not open and I'm not eating and eating and eating chips. (We've gone from 3-4 bags of chips a week to maybe 1.)

These are pretty simple changes and have huge results. Does this mean I'm planning to do these things forever? Mmmmm, the water is probably a good thing to keep up with, the cream I'm learning to live without. Chips, well, maybe doing portion control will be a better alternative. But while I'm training, YES!!!! I can live with these three things!!!!

Week Two - Done

2010-03-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hey, I did run three miles on Friday, they were slow, but they were a run. Foot feels so much better, I look forward to more miles and a quicker pace this week.

My goal for race day to improve speed is also to cut weight. As you know, I've been carrying Big Jug all around town including the zoo. At the same time, I've decided to give up cream in my coffee. I'm switching to splenda and skim milk. I'm also giving up chips - UGH!!! No chips for 2 months. I'll live, it's only 2 months.

With both my online and offline donations, I'm at $285, very close to that $300, and with a more than 2 months, I've got plenty of time to hit my ultimate goal of $1500.

Remember, it's easy and safe to donate on line, every little bit helps! Help support my efforts and GOTR.

Katie's Visit

2010-03-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a break from my solemate entries to share with you the last few days. First of all, I want to say, my brain is so full of stuff, I'm not even sure where to start or how this will go, so bear with me as I try to capture this moment, you know me, I'm a talker, chances are this is going to be really long. . .

Let me back up to last summer. David and I hit the 10 year mark with a bang, and not in a good way. David moved out for about a month which forced me to reevaluate my life and the direction I wanted to go.It was during that month that I first met Katie. She was this young, 23 year old, passionate kid who was running across the country to inspire people to live their passion. Hearing her message spoke deeply to me. My passion at that time came down to two things, my kids and my Girls on the Run. My GOTR included my board president, Emily who has been a big part of my life since the seed of GOTR was planted in Jackson County. She came over and helped me redecorate my house, ok, helped is not accurate, she redecorated for me. She and my vice president, Sarah, sat with me into the wee hours one night on Emily's roof top over looking the city while we talked about my future. My SoleMate coordinator, Aimee, came to my house and sat with me letting me vent, cry and whatever else needed to happen. Through that process, our friendships were strengthened and my commitment and passion for this program grew.

And then came Katie. She brought such joy with her and such determination, I took from that and realized I would be OK. I had great friends, a great organization and wonderful kids. And eventually, David came home. He saw the changes in me and realized that I too had changed. That I wanted more in life than just getting by.

The last year has been one of the toughest in my life, but it's also been one of the most rewarding. I've gotten to do some pretty cool things and meet some pretty fantastic people, and I've gotten to restore my marriage.

The last few days, Katie has been in town, staying at my house. Being around her reminds me of how much I love GOTR. Thursday she and I took a trip to Fairmount Elementary School, one of our sites. One of the most rewarding parts of GOTR are the stories. Seeing them unravel right in front of my eyes, watching and listening to the girls, seeing the difference GOTR is making. And so, Katie spoke to these girls. She asked them what their passions were. One girl said, "I want to be a model, but that won't happen." Katie took that opportunity to tell her that she could do anything she wanted. ANYTHING!!! Then it was time for the work out piece of the day, the girls clung to Katie, holding her hands, standing only a few feet away, just being near her. As I watched, I could only smile. I knew what they were feeling. Wow, here's this amazing person who has an incredible message, and she thinks I'm cool enough to hang with, AND she believes in me.

When we left, I asked Katie if that was pretty typical, "Do all the kids take to you like that?" I was not surprised when she said, "Yeah." Of course they do, adults do too, she's just that kind of gal.

Yesterday was a blast! It was beautiful outside, and we spent most of it outdoors, playing baseball, going to the park, riding bikes, hanging out. And then she cooked us dinner. AHHHHH!!!!!!

This morning we woke up with a blanket of snow. We all new it was coming, but we were hoping it would pass or the weather folks were wrong, they weren't. Oh well, off we went to Loose Park, where over 30 people showed up in the freezing cold snow coming down kind of day to meet Katie. Several of us had met her this summer, but for others, it was their first meeting. Nearly all the coaches showed up, including the Pave Your Lane coaches.

Wait, I guess I skipped that part of all of this. So, while Katie was running across America, she was raising money for GOTR. At the end of the run, she sent us a check which allowed us to open a site at Imagine Renaissance Academy (located at 17th and Hardesty). Because of her efforts, 15 more girls this season are touched here in Jackson County. This legacy will continue as we add more Pave Your Lane sites in the fall and spring!

And now, she's gone. Off to Trenton, MO and eventually back to Chicago on April 1. I miss her already, and I will cherish our time together. She reminds me of the importance of what I'm doing and of why I'm doing it. And she reminds me of the passion my board has, how amazing they are and how blessed Jackson County is to have such fantastic women passionate about this organization.

Running today

2010-03-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

went pretty well, .25 warm up, then 5.5-6.0 run for 2.5 miles (average 5.7 according to Treadmill, so 10:34) then .25 cool down. Total of 3.0 miles done. Foot is not grand, but not bad. Waiting to see how much I raise for SoleMates between now and 10 pm before I decide what tomorrow will bring. For every $10, I'm running a mile.

Want to up my mileage for tomorrow? http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2010/slea1 .

Also, learned that guys get a really cool shirt if they do solemates, not girly pretty like mine! If you're a guy and you're interested, you should totally do Solemates, the fundraising goal is only $262 (unless you're a maniac like me - $1500)

WATER LOGGED

2010-03-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

Week 2, Day 1: Yesterday I said I'd start hydrating. Today you could see me around town with monster water jug. Look at this thing, it's huge!!!!

. Celebrating that I got one of these big jugs down. All I can say is thank goodness for lemons!!!!

I'm thinking of doing a flat stanly with the water jug, where will it turn up next??? Keep hydrating while having fun, I always say, not always, but will start now!

Thinking I will make this one profile pic on FB, why not?? It's my new best friend.

Week One - complete

2010-03-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Training: On February 14, I hurt my ankle. I've spent the last month resting it, using non-impact cardio machines like AMT and elliptical, but not running. Yesterday, was my first day of "running." Running being a totally subjective term. I went a total of 1.65 miles at 5.0 - 6.0 pace, and walking every half mile. However, the foot feels good, and today I was able to run a total of 2.0 miles without walking in between. Pace was still between 5.0-6.0, but foot still feels good.

Fundraising: Over the past week, I've used my facebook account to begin encouraging people to donate to GOTR. In one week, I've raised $210, enough to convince me to up my goal from $1000 to $1500. That money will be enough to fund 2 inner city sites for one season or one site for an entire year. http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2010/SLea1 takes you right to my fundraising page. I'm encouraging everyone to give at least $10. Every dollar counts in an organization like GOTR of Jackson County!

Perks: Yesterday I received my welcome box to SoleMates. My $26 registration fee got me a lot of goodies!!! First, notice how cute welcome box is, tennis shoe box with footprints on it - ahhhhh.

In the box was a bunch of really fun loot, my favorite being the singlet. There's also a training manual for half and full marathon. . .gets me thinking maybe October will hold the KC half marathon for me. We shall see.

Besides my foot, the biggest struggle I'm facing right now is the weather, the long winter, and the extra pounds I've picked up to drag me down. So, starting this week, my first priority will be to hydrate with water. If you know me at all, you know I do not like water. However, yesterday I picked up some lemons at the grocery store, got my HUGE cup out of storage and will start downing at least one big cup of lemon water a day.

My SoleMate's Journey

2010-03-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

One week ago, I signed up for Solemates, the charity running piece of Girls on the Run. The event I chose is Hospital Hill 10K, and my goal is to set a PR of under one hour. You will be able to track both my training and fundraising progress through this blog. My hope is that everyone sees how empowering reaching a goal truly is. Stay tuned for all the perks and struggles this adventure will surely bring!

Make a Difference

2010-03-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Let me be frank, I'm asking for your money. (PLEASE DON'T STOP READING, unless you're going to scroll down to the link and donate right now.)

Jackson County Girls on the Run serves suburbs like Lee's Summit and Blue Spring, rural areas like Grain Valley and Buckner as well as the urban core in the heart of Kansas City - think VanBrunt and 17th Street and areas like Sugar Creek. This season we've nearly tripled in size going from 33 girls last fall to close to 90 this spring. We've added 3 fully funded sites - thanks to Pave Your Lane, LINK and SoleMates. At the same time, we've been able to maintain our registration fees to $50-$75 for our public sites. Our total out of pocket site per girl is $200, so offering it at an affordable rate means we need help!

I've signed up for SoleMates (the charity running piece of GOTR) this season with two goals in mind. I'll be running Hospital Hill 10K. Last year I completed it in 1:06, this year I want to do it in less than an hour. If you're not familiar with HH, let me just say, the name is NOT deceiving. This race is full of HUGE hills, and if you know me at all, you know I'm a treadmill kind of chick. But I'm up for the challenge - 60 minutes, 10 minute miles, YES I CAN!!!!

My second goal is to raise $1000 for GOTR through SoleMates. http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2010/SLea1 Here's the link to my page. You can see how much I've raised, who the biggest funders are and all that fun stuff. I will also be posting awesome stories about the girls and about how your gift of $10 (yep, that's all I'm asking for - 100 people to give $10) is impacting girls in our area.

Last season two women wanted to add a site at their inner city school, and I wasn't sure how we were going to fund the site. Basically they decided to do SoleMates which would cover the cost of their girls' registration fees. I am excited to share with you that they currently have 15 girls signed up for Girls on Track (6-8th grade girls). Here's a blip of how SM/GOTR has made a difference in this girl's life.

"Thinking about the girl who is overweight. . . I am really excited she is involved. She is looking forward to learning about healthy eating too. I think this will be great for her. When we first mentioned the group to her, she asked if she could just be the cheerleader or help coach, because she didn't think she could do the running. So, I'm glad she signed up. And, another chubby girl signed up once she saw this other had signed up. She said, "If she's gonna do it, then I'll do it too." I know GOTR is not a weight-loss program, but if they can see that exercise is feasible and can be fun, as well as eating well, then maybe they will eventually see a change in weight and lifestyle."

What chokes me up about this is that the girl wants to coach or cheer on other girls because she's already told herself she can't. She's already living in that girl box about what a big girl can and can't do. And she signed up anyway. She'll learn over the next 11 weeks what it's taken me most of my life to learn, I can do anything.

More to come!!!! You can donate right now, it's painless and easy - $10. . .and it does directly affect our girls right here in Jackson County!

Battle Wages

2010-02-16T05:39:00.000-08:00

Sunday was the Love 2 Run 4 Mile race around the downtown airport. It was also Valentine's Day and my birthday. We decided to celebrate by doing this run. At the time I signed David and I up for it, I wasn't thinking about the weather. . .Did I mention, I hate being cold. That morning we woke up at 7 am to a 27 degree day with wind chills in single digits, and oh, it was WINDY!!! I even considered staying home, well, more than considered. I told David it was really too cold, so let's not go. And as I sat there thinking about it, I changed my mind.

So we put on our warmest running clothes and headed to the airport. I'm not sure that I still understood how cold it was going to be outside. When we arrived, people were trickling into the parking lot. As I'm looking at them, I tell myself that they're pretty elite athletes (of course they are, what other kind of person would come out in this extreme weather?), and the voices start in my head. The ones of doubt and discouragement. They go something like this, "It's too cold, you hate cold, you can't really do this, you'll finish dead last, look how cold it is, this is going to hurt, you're not going to make it" and on and on.

However, there was another voice, the voice of my husband, standing right next to me, "This is going to be fun." Ahhhhh. . .so we got out of the car, and headed to the start line.

The race started right on time, so off we went. We were standing pretty close to the start line, and for about the first mile, runners passed us. Again, that voice, "You're going to finish dead last, what are you doing out here, it's so cold. . ." About the first mile, the inside voice started coming out. Each step was painful, cold and uncomfortable and I let David know."My knee hurts, we haven't even gone a mile, this is horrible." David loaned me his two holed hat to put around my neck and over my mouth, but when I'd wear it I couldn't breath, and when I didn't I was freezing. I complained about this too. Truth is, I fussed the ENTIRE time. And yet, David stayed strong, he kept encouraging me. I said, "I'm going to walk." He said, "No, we can do this." He held my hand going up the hills, he stayed calm and ran right next to me. I told him he could leave, he said, "No, we are doing this together." And so we ran.

At the 3 mile mark, I said, "Why couldn't this be a 5K?" We laughed, and kept on running. Finally, the finish line was in sight. That voice in my head continued the entire run, but David's company and encouragement allowed me to believe him and keep on running. We crossed the finish line at a little under 44 minutes. Afterwards, I was wiped out, cold and sweating at the same time. And I finished. And I ran the whole thing, yes, it was hard, and I didn't think it was possible, but I did it.

This is what coaches, running buddies, and family members do for our girls during their 5K. For most girls, this is their first 5K, and they wonder if they can really do it. They want to quit, but the person next to them says, "You can do this." "I'm staying with you the whole way, and we'll get it done!" Then they reach that finish line and realize they did it. My hope for each girl is that the voice she hears in her head when she tries something new or hard is that of her coach or encourager - "YOU CAN!!!" For me, that voice is getting stronger every day, and completing those seeming impossible things generates such empowerment inside of me! I can and I did!

On Line Registration

2010-02-02T12:42:00.001-08:00

is now open!!! https://secure.mysportsnetwork.com/kcsc/GirlsontheRunJacksonSpring10/Register.aspx Thanks KC Sports Commission for your patience with me and all of your help.

Sign your daughter up TODAY as space is limited to first 15 girls per site.

Record Number at Coach's Training

2010-01-28T09:15:00.001-08:00

Coach's training is this Saturday at DLT for the spring season. I have 12 women signed up to come and get certified to coach GOTR!!! HOLY COW!!!! The great thing is that each site will have 2 certified coaches. 2 certified coaches with the hope that in the fall each new coach will spread their wings and start a new site. I LOVE having a growth plan, and I love Girls on the Run!!!!

So What!!!

2010-01-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

I think there's this whole secret women thing going on out there where we tell ourselves we have to do it all. You know, things like "I am woman, hear me roar." "I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan." Suddenly, a woman's role is defined by how much she can cram into her day, how much she can get done. Never mind her own peace of mind, like DORY from NEMO, "JUST KEEP SWIMMING."

I've been talking to my sister about our struggles with juggling careers, parenting, marriage, housework, and everything else we have going on, and it's occurred to me, that we're not alone on this, even though I feel like that for most of my day. So, I'd like to take some time here and blast these lies and myths we, as women, convince ourselves of and then aspire to live up to resulting in pent up anger, frustration, and unhappiness.

I think we get this idea that women can do everything, and when we can't, what's wrong with us. This is the lie, it's a lie I've been struggling with for years. Why aren't I happy,I get to do it all. Why do I get overwhelmed and feel so broken down. No one else does. TRUTH: EVERYONE ELSE DOES, women just don't talk about it. I think there's this unwritten rule that you better not share your struggles with anyone else bc you'll seem weak. Well, who cares!!! I'm weak, I need help, I can't do it all!!!! Ahhhh, now that's freeing.

Someone posted on their FB status that Pink's "So What" is her theme song. Know what, me too. I am a rock star!! We all are! Let's start embracing that. Not the overwhelmed I can't do it feeling. Next time it creeps up on me, I'm going to stop whatever it is I'm doing, crank up that song and start dancing around. Sound stupid or silly or embarrassing? My response, "SO WHAT!!"

What does this have to do with GOTR, glad you asked. Because this is the direct opposite of that girl box. Being able to say, "Who cares. This __________ does not define me." That's empowering, and that's what we want to show girls. You don't have to do everything. You're awesome just the way you are! You are a Rock Star!

Overcoming doubt = EMPOWERMENT

2010-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

I teach a class each week at the Y, and at the end of class we've been doing forearm plank (see picture). We started doing this consistently with the start of the new year. Let me add that these women are amazing, the average age is 65, and right now they are doing forearm plank for 1:20 seconds (we increase 5 seconds a week). Watching them struggle through plank it occurs to me that I get to experience a glimmer of what the GOTR coaches experience through the entire season of GOTR.

When I first told the ladies that we'd be doing forearm plank with a goal of 3 minutes, their eyes nearly popped out of their head. Many of them doubted ever being able to do that for one full minute, much less 3. When coaches tell the girls that they'll be doing a 5K at the end of the season, you can imagine a very similar reaction, especially when the girls realize a 5K is 3 miles, and they can barely manage 1 mile.

And yet, at the end of the GOTR season as with the end of our "plank season" goals will be reached. Girls and women will come to realize they are strong, and what seemed impossible only a short time ago CAN be obtained. That feeling of empowerment is what draws me to both being a fitness instructor and council director for GOTR of Jackson County. As women, we often feel defeated before we've even begun, but with the help and encouragement of coaches/instructors/mentors, we can reach those goals (not necessarily with ease, but if it was easy, would we really feel empowered?).

LOVELOVELOVELOVE what I do!

2010-01-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

"I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!"

Ever had one of those moments, where you're so full of joy your heart is bursting? That's how I'm feeling right NOW! Energy and excitement are all around GOTR of Jackson County. Just when I think we've hit a new peak, something else happens that elevates us even higher. 11 at volunteer orientation, new site added last week, brand new partnership with Rock the Parkway (KC Running Company), invitations to speak at events (all of this in the last two weeks), and it keeps GROWING!!! What will this week bring??? So much potential, and I'm ready to harness it.

I hope that each of you have something in your life that you feel such passion and commitment too. Passion makes life a grand adventure. Find your passion and EMBRACE it. You can change the world!!!!

Seeking Volunteers

2010-01-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

Still trying to decide if you want to get involved as a volunteer with GOTR? Wondering if we even really need you? Well, wonder no more, WE DO!!!

Specifically we need assistant coaches (committed to once a week). Ideally, we'd love to have assistant coaches this season who want their own site in the fall - is this you???? I really think YOU should come to volunteer orientation Thursday night from 6-7 at DLT (6217 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133) and see for yourself!

Volunteers Needed

2010-01-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Hello WORLD!!!! Very soon, all this snow will melt and the arctic tundra living conditions will pass, then it will be time to head OUTSIDE!!! And do I have a super outside event for you: Rock the Parkway. Girls on the Run of Jackson and Johnson County are the exclusive charity partners for this event. So, if you're looking for a 5K, 10K or half to train for in the early spring, HERE YOU GO!!! This event takes place down Ward Parkway, so it's FLAT and BEAUTIFUL. Just talking about it makes me want to lace up my sneakers and RUN. Unfortunately, my commitment is to volunteer. What am I saying, unfortunately, I LOVE to volunteer, and I LOVE to cheer people on. "RUN RUN RUN, YOU CAN DO IT!!!" Now if that's more your gig, then contact me at jaco.gotr@gmail.com. We need you!

It's never too late

2010-01-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

Ever seen the movie Julie and Julia? Over the last two weeks, I've rented and watched lots of movies, but none of them has touched me quit like this movie did. While this movie focused on food, the universal theme was living your dream and realizing your passion. At the same time, what struck me about this movie was the message that it's never too late.

So, here it is, January of a new decade, who's ready to live their passion? To get involved in something they've always wanted to, but never really new how. For me, my passion is Girls on the Run. The mission of healthy living and self-respect for girls is something I wish I felt as a child, teen and young woman. Now, to get the opportunity to instill that in our girls and help them find their own passion, dreams and goals, is something I'll do forever.

Stop, right now, make a list of the things you want to accomplish, of the things your passionate about, of the legacy you want to leave behind. Go ahead, make your list. Now, look at it, what is getting in the way of you living it? What if you could put those obstacles aside and do what made you happy? Would you do it? What if you new it was going to be hard, of course it is, what if you new people would question you, would you still do it? That's what this movie was about, and you know what, both ladies did it. They set a goal and achieved it, with immeasurable results!

My challenge to all of you is to find your passion and LIVE IT!!!!! There will be challenges along the way, but in the end the rewards will be so worth it! Just look at me, I get to change lives, and 5 years ago I was an obese couch potato who had no clue what I wanted to do with my life.

New Year, New YOU!

2010-01-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

This year, pick a race to participate in and raise money for GOTR through SoleMates, get lots of support for event and for fundraising including your own fundraising page. What could be a better healthier way to celebrate 2010?

www.jacogotr.org or http://www.girlsontherunsolemates.org/ (Be sure to sign up for Jackson County, Missouri)

Here's two events we're partnering with: Hospital Hill - http://www.hospitalhillrun.com/ and Rock the Park Way http://rocktheparkway.com/ or there's always New Balance Girls on the Run 5K on May 22.

"Run at your Happy Pace!"

2009-12-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

The beauty of an organization like GOTR is that you never really know where it's going to lead or the people you may meet along the way. As 2009 comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to remember all the cool people and places we've been this year.

This year we had our first site down town with Janelle as our coach. What an amazing woman. She shared lots of uplifting stories about her girls and how they were being changed. How for many of these girls this was their first after school activity, and who could forget the story about the little girl who came from a war zone in Africa only to not be allowed to play outside in her new home in the city. How GOTR allowed her that freedom for 2 hours a week!

2009 also brought Katie Visco into our lives. We had a gathering for her in August and our entire board showed up. I think we were all moved in some way. For me, her visit brought an understanding of empowerment and how doing what your passionate about can lead to amazing things!

2009 also brought many fun events our way. Emily, Sarah and I got to hang out at the Martini Mile (really a 1 mile run that ends with a martini.) We got to promote GOTR EVERYWHERE - Independence Center, KC Marathon Expo, Power and Light Family Day, KC Women's Triathlon.

Emily spearheaded some awesome new relationships including Paradise Park where we got to host our Spring 5K, and the American Heart Association where we got to hang out at the Royals Game in their booth promoting GOTR. Emily also took charge with "Sing for Your Supper" providing us with a tear jerking performance showing all 500 guests what GOTR is all about!

And we got to hang out with dear friends. 2009 saw our relationship with RCG YMCA take off, they hosted our fall 5K, allowed us to meet there when we needed to, and provided a space for our bake sale. DLT continued to be a great place to host a site and a great location for coach's training and volunteer orientation.

Oh, and National came to town. I got to hang out with lots of GOTR staff from around the midwest as well as Molly and the gang from Charlotte. Now that was a great time!

What are your GOTR memories of 2009?

Spring Season Rapidly APPROACHING

2009-12-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

This March marks our 6th season of Girls on the Run of Jackson County. What started as one site and 6 girls has grown to 6 sites and up to 90 girls.

As we gear up for the spring season, it feels like we're exploding, and needing more volunteers than ever before. I want to urge you to GET INVOLVED!!!

Volunteer orientation is January 14, 2010 from 6-7pm at DLT (6217 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133.) Come, meet other women who are passionate about GOTR, ask questions, learn more about the program and decide where you want to help.

This orientation is open to anyone who wants to attend, but please RSVP so we know you're coming - jaco.gotr@gmail.com.

If you've been to volunteer orientation before, feel free to come again, it's a great chance to meet new people and share your experiences with new volunteers.

You know you've been wanting to get involved, NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!!!!!

Why GOTR?

2009-10-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

My goal for GOTR is to SATURATE the county. To offer the program to EVERY 3rd-5th grade girl REGARDLESS of athletic ability, finances or anything else that might get in their way. For me, this is my dream. I want to change lives and offer girls more options than I had. I want them to know that they have the power to make GOOD choices and AVOID risky behavior.

What about you? What makes GOTR unique to you? What keeps you here? What keeps you coming back? What keeps you spreading the word? Share with all of us as we continue to build a community of empowered women and girls!

Women are moved too

2009-08-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

For so long, I've been focusing on the girls, grow the program, get the girls, change lives. What has FINALLY occured to me is that this program does so much more than effect girls. It also effects the women it touches, the volunteers, the coaches, the moms in a way I didn't realize before. I think women get involved with the program to help encourage girls to live better lives. But what I've seen time and time again is how these women's lives are changed. Yes, we're teaching girls to have a voice, to live life to the fullest, but often, we haven't been doing that ourselves. This progam is about empowerment through running, and what I see wome realizing as they begin their GOTR journey is that they are empowered. They feel like they are changing the world, and you know what, they are, starting with their own.

Run with Katie

2009-08-14T04:48:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was probably one of those days that will stay with me the rest of my life. Ever meet someone who embodies the kind of person you want to be? Full of energy and positivity, following her dreams and passion and not letting anyone or anything get in the way?

The only person I'd ever met that inspired me in such a way was Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run, until two nights ago. Katie walked into the studio for the meet and greet with confidence and a huge smile on her face. Once she started talking, her message touched all of us who were there. Then my 8 year old daughter, Gracen, myself, and several board members took her and her mom to dinner. We talked about her run and in all she said, her passion for life and belief in people's goodness were evident.

In all the e-mails we sent and all the other interaction, I never heard one cross, negative word about what she was doing. People asked her about injuries and aches and pains, and she just smiled, "My knees hurt," she said but in a of course they do, I'm running 20 miles a day kind of way. At one point, she said, "I have to make it to San Diego." Simply stated, yet so powerful and so real, said with such conviction. I am going to start applying that kind of positive thinking to my own life.

But the most amazing part of her visit for me was yesterday morning. Gracen and I got up at 5:30 am and set out to meet up with Katie and run with her for a bit. We caught up with her on Highway 31 between St. Joe and Cameron. After the pics, we set off running down the 2-lane country road. Gracen had to go to the bathroom, so Katie's mom took her to a gas station (she's driving the van this week), and Katie and I ran. We talked about silly things, waves (see her blog www.paveyourlane.com), Missouri and Independence history, and music. It wasn't really the conversation though, it was just being around her. Running with someone who was so passionate about her dream that NOTHING has gotten in the way of making it happen. And so we ran.

I have spent lots of time running on treadmills as I am training for the KC half,but after running with her outside yesterday, I think I'm ready, willing, and able to take to the streets. It won't be as fun without someone to run with me (hint hint - ANYONE), but I will have lots to think about, how to make my passion a reality. How to saturate the county with Girls on the Run. How to provide experiences like my run with Katie, to other girls.

Gracen ran about a mile with us yesterday, and when we got home, she told her brother and sister that Katie is her new best friend. Then listening to her reflect on the night before and the run in the morning, I could tell that Gracen was changed too. She is now aware of what a passion is and how anything is possible if you decide you want to do it. That's powerful stuff!

Make a change. . .

2009-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror

I'm asking him to make a change

and no message could have been any clearer

if you want to make the world a better place

take a look at yourself and make that change."

- Michael Jackson

As I'm running, I'm listening to this song, and I'm thinking, "make that change." What do I want to do to make a change, what will my legacy look like? Then I realize, I've been so blessed with a way to change the world I live in and beyond, I continue to be a part of an organization here in Jackson County that will impact thousands of girls in years to come. Thank you to everyone who's a part of GOTR, who puts their time and and talent into making a change! We want to make the world a better place, and we are doing something about it.

Customer Service

2009-07-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Friday it was pouring down rain when I took the kids to the store for our weekly trip. Lately, I've been shopping at the new Hy-Vee. It's close to my house and it's new, what's not to like?

When I finished shopping, I went to get in line and realized I forgot the KoolAid Jammers. Becuase the kids are home, KoolAid Jammers have become a huge time saver for me, grab a bag and you're good to go - take them to to the pool, use them at meals, gotta have them! Anyway, I'm standing there, trying to decide what I should do, skip the Jammers or go try to find them. At that exact moment, an employee says, "What are you looking for?" I tell her, she says, "What flavors would you like?" "Uh. . . red and purple." Off she goes, returning with a box of each, and telling me they are in aisle two with the juice. YEAH!!!!!

While the KoolAid experience impressed me, nothing prepared me for what was about to happen. The kids and I finish checking out and head to the car. As we leave the store, several more employees including the store general manager are standing outside, "Can we walk you to your car?" They ask with umbrellas in their hands. WOW!!! Talk about customer service and anticipating your shoppers needs.

I didn't take them up on the walk to the car, we were pretty close, and it's only water, but the scene has stuck with me. So much so, that I'm taking part of the morning to write about it, and I will probably continue to tell this story to anyone who asks me what I think of the new Hy-Vee.

Training for my half

2009-07-03T18:50:00.001-07:00

So, last year I completed my first half marathon. We were in a bit of an odd place trying to get the studio open, and not having a gym membership, the only training I did was a long run once a week and maybe another short run throughout the week. NOT GOOD!!!

This year I am comminting to again complete the Waddell and Reed Kansas City Half Marathon. However, my goals and ambitions are much higher. Here are my commitments between now and October 17th.

1. Cut 20 pounds - taking off the weight will help me feel better, save me from injuries and make me lighter which will make it easier to run.

2. Run 3 days a week every week.

3. Work out 6 days a week every week.

4 Eat breakfast EVERY day.

5. Train with friends.

These five things will help prepare my body for the 13.1 mile run. My goal for race day is to go from a 12:43 mile to a 10:00 mile.

Who wants to join me?

"I am strong. . .I am an athlete."

Potential

2009-06-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an amazing couple of months we've had at Girls on the Run of Jackson County. Things are really moving forward, and that can seem really scarey.

I remember after I first began inquiring about GOTR, asking national LOTS of questions. Bombarding them with e-mails. I wanted to be sure that this was something worth doing, something that was going to change lives. One morning, I was still on the fence, I still hadn't commited to filling out the application, but was seriously considering it, and then I freaked, for just a split second. "UH OH, what am I getting myself into?"

When I was in 5th grade, I tried out for the 6th grade singing group. This was a very big deal, and considering that I'm tone deaf, the chances were pretty slim that I'd actually make it. And there I was one morning thinking about what the day would bring - would I make the singing group or not. And in that moment I was thinking about what I might have gotten myself into. Live performances throughout the city - YIKES!!

It's funny to me how I can pin point many moments like that in my life. Those times when I took the risk, and then for a brief second thought, "Was that a mistake?" The thing I've learned about those moments are that they're just my fear. They're not really the truth. The truth is in doing those risks, I'm getting ready to experience great things.

As a kid, my mom used to tell me, you have a lot of potential, and even into my 20's my mom was still telling me that. "When you realize all of your potential, look out world." I read a book once that talked about that. When you're a kid, it's a compliment when someone tells you they see potential in you, but once you're an adult, you should be realizing that potential.

It's in those moments of self-doubt where I experience my potential becoming a reality. I have a choice at that time, STOP, or keep going. I'm sure there are lots of times I've stopped, but I have to say, the only ones I remember are the ones where I keep going. The 6th grade singing group, going to college, teaching second grade, getting fit, and bringing Girls on the Run to Jackson County. All of those things seemed overwhelming to me, all of those things seemed so far out of my reach and beyond what I was capable of, and yet all of those things I accomplished.

Did I have my doubts along the way? You bet. Was it hard? Definitely. But was it worth it? Without a doubt. I wouldn't change any of it. We're on the brink of big things with GOTR. We're looking at 4-5 sites in the inner-city alone next spring. We're making new connections and networking everyday. Does it scare me? Only for a moment. That one moment where I think, "Do I really want to do this? Can I handle the growth?" My answer, "YOU BET!!! Bring it on!"

Spring 09

2009-06-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

This is the season that will forever mark the tipping point (the culmination of a build-up of small changes that effects a big change) for Girls on the Run of Jackson County.

10 Small changes as I see them:

1. Began a relationship with Paradise Park in Lee's Summit.

2. Had our first site in KC, MO

3. Had our first site in LS, MO

4. Key People stepped up to help lead GOTR

5. I made a commitment to make GOTR my career - volunteer or not, it's what I do.

6. Began building relationships with other non-profit pro women organizations in KC - WIN KC and KC Express

7. Team Tiara changed to Sole Mates

8. FACEBOOK

9. TWITTER

10. Lee's Summit School District partnered with Paradise Park for the 5K.

In and of themselves, these 10 things may not have amounted to much, but put them together this spring, and suddenly, our little grass root program has started to bloom. Each small change has led to more changes and more exposure for GOTR.

My vision (this is the big change part of the tipping point) for Girls on the Run of Jackson County is that we saturate this community. That thousands of girls are doing the program every season. That parents, teachers, and community leaders continue to embrace the program and realize the effect it will have on society for years to come.

So, how do we get there? Well, we start with this tipping point, with this momentum, and we continue to build it and watch it explode!!!!

2009-05-17T09:39:00.001-07:00

May 14 Practice 5K

2009-05-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

As stated in a previous entry, the practice 5K is my favorite part of the season. For many of these girls, it's the first time they've completed the 3.1 mile distance, and selfishly, I get to enjoy that with them. The community 5K is great, but I'm usually running around making sure it's going smoothly, and while I enjoy the feel of it, the practice 5K is much more personal.

Thursday night was no exception. Because the Lee's Summit and Raytown site have 16 girls between them, we decided to combine the sites for the 5K. We also decided that since we've run the 3.1 in Raytown before we'd bring all the girls together there and head down Blue Ridge - it's a flat stretch of road that travels through Raytown.

As the girls showed up, Julia, the Raytown coach, took charge. She introduced all the girls to each other and began warming them up. As I watched, I was so impressed with how she made the girls feel comfortable and encouraged them. "You can do this, no problem."

At 6:15 off we went. I got the privilege of running with different girls throughout the entire 5K. First I got to run with Asya. We talked about how she was liking GOTR and what she was learning. As we were running a couple of other girls joined us, so we ran and chatted. Some would fall back and others would catch up. As we passed the second light, I said, "We're almost half way there." The girls couldn't believe it. "Really? That didn't take very long."

Once we saw the water station, we knew it was the half way mark. Several girls were already there pouring water over their heads. AWESOME!!!! Brooke and Emily, two GOTR board members were manning the station, encouraging the girls and taking pictures.

After a quick break, we were off again. This time I was running with Rachel. She could walk as fast as I was running. She said, "I like going with you." As I was thinking what a nice compliment that was she added, "I don't like being pushed." So I picked up the pace.

About that time another board member was heading toward us, and Lulu, who was running with us at this time, said, "SARAH!!!" Sarah then began running with Lulu. Throughout the rest of the run I could hear Sarah saying, "Pump your arms, it will help." And, "Come on, Lulu, you're doing great!"

Throughout the 5K Julia had been running up and down the road encouraging all of the girls. The Lee's Summit coach, Michelle had stayed at the back to encourage the tail of our runners, and April, the assistant coach had run with girls helping them to pace.

As we got closer to the finish line, Brooke and Emily had loaded up the water station and returned to the finish/start line. They were there cheering and taking more pictures. By this time, Rachel, who I was running with was pretty spent. "She's taking pictures, this is your moment!" I told her. And so she ran. As she came across the finish line, Aimee, another board member, and the rest of the girls were cheering her on! Again, this is my favorite part of the season, getting to share that accomplishment with the girls and watching the rest of the girls supporting each other.

We waited for the rest of the girls to finish, and Julia headed back down the road to find them. She was yelling and cheering for them as she ran. And as the girls crossed the finish line, the excitement in their eyes was AMAZING!!!

Two things I will take away from this experience:

1. What a remarkable group of volunteers GOTR of Jackson County has. I am so blessed to have their energy and commitment to this program!

2. I never get tired of experiencing the girls' first 5K with them. It is such an honor for me!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T03:23:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed by what God has given me. Sometimes, (who am I kidding?) most of the time, I don't see it or appreciate it. So, since I am up at 5:26 this morning, I thought I might make a list of some of my blessings, which is really turning into the greatest things about my kids. Well, it's nearly Mother's Day, time for me to love on my babies.

I have three healthy beautiful children who care about each other. The little ones won't sleep unless they're in the same bed. They play Yahtzee together, watch tv together and root for each other.

Gracen, my oldest, is a responsible, mature 8 year old who excells in spelling (something her mama struggled with and still does.) She's learning to take chances and that it's OK if things don't turn out the way she thinks they should. (Another lesson I need to learn.) She has lots of friends and really gets along with pretty much everyone. She's the peace maker, and she's also the helper. She loves fashion and all things Hannah Montana. Of all my kids, she is most like me.

Jadon, my son. . .there's just something so special, so unwritten, and so unexplainable about the relationship between a mother and her son. When I first found out I was pregnant with Jadon, he was not developing as expected. I prayed and prayed over that boy, and God saved him. I know God has great plans for him. He's athletic, funny, witty, and oh so sensitive. He loves dancing around the house and playing with his little sister. He is growing into a strong, self-assured boy.

And then there's Abby, my baby. She loves animals, loves to laugh, loves to play. She's imaginative and loves stories. She's a trooper, will ride a bike that's attached to mine throughout town. She's clever, loves to play jokes on me. One morning I went to get the coffee out of the pantry only to find that she'd exchanged my coffee container for the play coffee container on the toy shelf. Being the third child, she gets the most mommy time, and together we get to have lots of adventures just the two of us.

I am really looking forward to school being out this year so we can hang out all day. We'll spend time at the pool, and maybe take a trip or two - St. Louis maybe Toledo. My kids are great travelers. Last October I drove them to Florida. It was three days coming and going. They handled it better than I did, and we didn't even have a DVD player for them to watch. We spent countless hours playing "I'm going on a Trip." We drove through Memphis and wondered if we'd see Miley Cyrus. We counted lanes of traffic coming into Atlanta. And then we hung out in Florida with my parents. It was a grand adventure, and I can't think of anyone I would have rather done it with.

Yes, I am definitly blessed. I have the three best kids on the planet, and I get the privilege of being their mother for their whole lives. Happy Mother's day!!

Boys run too

2009-05-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

For the last 2 1/2 years my life has pretty much been about GIRLS on the Run. My 8 year old who will finally be in 3rd grade next year has watched day after day while her mother has dedicated so much time to this organization. She is ready to start in the fall for sure!!!

But today was not about GIRLS on the Run. It was about my son. He's six and has never known a time before GOTR crashed into our lives. He's watched his big sister complete two 5K's while he's had to stand at the finish line.

A week ago I told the little ones that we were going to be doing a 5K with Char Char (grandma). He was very apprehensive, but I assured him that he would sit in the stroller while I pushed, Abby, my 4 year old would be pushed by Char Char. Then, last night at dinner, he announces, "Daddy, I'm going to run a 5K tomorrow." I said, "Well, you're going to sit in the stroller." "No, Mommy, I want to run. I can do it."

At 6:30 am he comes running into my room and grabs his clothes. He gets dressed and is ready to go. We picked up Char Char and her stroller for Abby and headed to race day. When we got there his mood quickly changed from excited to scared to death. "How far is it again?" "3.1 miles, but you're a strong boy, you can do it." "Well, if I get tired can you push me?" "Son, I'm not taking the stroller. We didn't bring it." "Oh." And so we stood, quietly.

At 8:00 am the race started with the horn blow, and off we went. About 100 feet in, he said, "are we almost done?" Oh boy, this is going to be interesting. "No son, we just started. We'll stay slow, we'll walk when we need to, it's going to be great." As we ran next to the railroad track an actual train passed us coming the other way. "Wasn't that cool?" "No, Mom, that was LOUD." But he ran.

We got to the first water station, and with his water he said, "Ahhh, that's better" and he took off running so fast. "Don't look back son, keep going forward." At about the half way point he was done. He'd given his all, and was tired. We took off his gloves and sweatshirt which helped him feel better and off we went again. We'd run to one mailbox then walk to the next. Walk, run, walk, run we went for awhile. Then we saw a second water station - GLORIOUS!!! The volunteers were cheering, and he got a second wind. He ran as fast as he could to get that water.

Then up a small hill was someone taking pics and he ran faster. Once we passed the photographer though we needed to walk. "OK son, we'll walk to the turn." At the turn we were told we could see the finish line. He got another energy burst, but it was short lived as the finish line wasn't actually right there. By that time, we were holding hands and putting one foot in front of the other. "Come on son, you're strong, I'm so proud of you" became my montra.

Suddenly the girl ahead of us squealed, "I can see the finish line!" So we started running a little faster, I said, "I can too, there it is!" At the same time, we could hear the crowd cheering for people as they crossed the line. We were definitly going to make it. The closer we got the faster Jadon ran until the last 10 feet when he dropped my hand and took off at a full sprint. The crowd was roaring and he felt so amazing. As a mom, I watched with such pride as my son had his moment. His empowerment, his time of accomplishment. It was truly remarkable, and I am so proud of my boy!

Blue Springs Practice 5K

2009-05-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the privilege to run with the Blue Springs girls during their practice five 5K. For me, this is probably my favorite part of the season. The practice 5K, unlike the community 5, is small and intimate allowing me to really see each of these girls. I really get to the know them, talk to them while we run, encourage them, and just hang out. This particular 5K was held at a park, and the girls ran around the trail 8 times to complete 3.1 miles. Here's the thing though, April and May in Missouri are guarenteed to be rainy, wet, chilly, HOT, unpredictable and messy!!! Since Monday we've had rain, huge crazy thunderstorms with daunting clouds have filled the sky, and last night was no different. But the girls were jazzed and ready to run.

I managed to get lost and arrived just as the girls were heading out. As I came over to the start, I could tell that some of these girls had "fallen" in the mud. I could also see that the paved trail was COVERED in standing water and mud in some parts. We were going to get dirty, but these girls have been working hard, and they were ready to go.

So we ran.

Here are some of my thoughts and observations about the run - pretty random, but bare with me. There was a dad who came out to run with his daughter. I watched them run and talk and dad encouraging her. I love that, watching a dad take an active role in his daughter's life. Running with her, even if he's not a runner or hasn't run. Although, this dad had one of those forerunners, so I'm pretty sure he was a runner, but still, to come out and run with your eight year old - way to go dad!

As each girl came across the finish line, Devon, the coach, and another parent put a streamer out so the girl could run through it. Watching the girls cross that finish line and breaking the streamer was awesome. This was their moment. For most of these girls this was the furthest they'd ever gone 3.1 miles, and when they crossed that finish line it was all about them, about their accomplishment, their overcoming something some of them did not believe they could do. And yet, every one of those girls crossed that line. WOW!!!

I think the 5K is a lot like life. It seems so overwhelming at first, but as one of the girls kept saying as we were running, "baby steps." Just put one foot in front of the other and move forward. That's what these girls did last night, even with the daunting, crazy clouds, the rain drops, and the mud, they put one foot in front of the other and moved forward until they finished STRONG!

2009-04-29T05:20:00.001-07:00

Now i can blog from my phone. Glad i got the key board phone.

GOTR updates

2009-04-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

What a busy week we've had at GOTR, and it's only Wednesday!!!! Shirts have been delivered to girls, our program shirts are lime green this year - COOL!!!

5K meeting Monday night, things are really coming together for that - HUGE shout out to Sarah, Emily, and the rest of the 5K committee. You gals are ROCKIN'!!!! The logo is amazing, the posters look fantastic. GOTR is so blessed to have a new energy.

Blue Springs has started recruiting for the fall - YES, the fall site!!! KC site has commited to another GOTR season as well as GOT.

Just got an e-mail from a brownie leader of soon to be third graders - she's ready to sign her TROOP up and possibly other troops as well.

We now have a fb group for GOTR as well as twitter and this blog. See, Girls on the Run IS so much fun - and hip!!!

Want to get involved with this life-changing org. that is exploding in the KC area? Visit www.jacogotr.org !!!! For up to minute details on what's going on, visit http://twitter.com/JaCoGOTR

News from KC Site

2009-04-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Girls on the run is going well here. Some challenges have been ecouraging the girls to push themselves. For about 90% of the girls I have out this is their very first ever sports experience. Teaching the fundamentals of running I learned is somthing that is not easy :) I am so thankful for my assistants that remind me how hard the girls are working. To gain perspective for me has been to look through the eyes of the other coaches who are either past runners or a non runner willing to try to get into running....

My three greatest stories come from three amazing girls. First there is Thalia. Thalia has had a difficult year. Transferring to this new school, moving a few times, being raised by older sisters, and has dealt with a weight issue for her whole life from what I have learned. As we had our community class meeting the other day, the girls in my class were sharing with the rest of the class how Thalia "is such a good runner, and is really fast!". She has dealt with the mean comments from kids in regards to her body size, but the smile on her face when her running ability was shared was unbelievable. She is by far my hardest worker. Her smile never stops!

In addition I have a girl, Awar, who lives in an area where she cannot go outside to play and previously living in Sudan with constant war, then refugee housing. She is a natural runner though. Often times I will take her and run with her for a bit because she wants to "run fast with me" so we do a few laps together. She pushes herself daily, and dreads ever missing a practice. To give her this opportunity has been amazing. She wants to continue to run with me. Never before has she had the opportunity to just run.

Finally I have Alondra. Alondra is the youngest of several kids and often does not have any opportunity to play outside either. Her only outiside time is the time she gets to be on the playground each day at school, and now at Girls on the Run. Unlike several of the other girls, Alondra is not opposed to running by herself if that is what she needs to do to push herself. Often times girls will not push themselves, and instead go with their friends (which is also a challenge) Alondra however will always push herself and never stops. Running is not an easy task for her, but she gives it her all.

Paradis Park 5K Adventure Run benefitting GOTR

2009-04-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hello GOTR fans!

We are in the process of planning a 5K to celebrate our 45 girls this season! Details are listed on website - www.jacogotr.org . This event is OPEN to the public, ANYONE can RUN!! Also, we need volunteers for race day as well as sponsors. You can sponsor as an individual or a business. This season we offered the program for $30 ($100 cheaper than national recommends). To run the program, we average $160/girl. As you can see, we need to raise lots of money.

Our 5K's are the major fundraisers we have, so PLEASE consider sponsoring. We have packages available for as little as $50.
Change a girls life!
Sabrena Lea
Council Director Girls on the Run of Jackson County