Girls on the Run training was so much fun. I just love team building activities!! It’s so cool that a bunch of adult women (and one dad!) can sit down and play games and it’s actually fun and meaningful. And everyone turns into “be kind” mode, scooting over to make room for someone, pats on the back, smiles, encouragement and cheers. Why can we be like that all the time!?
GOTR is headquartered and was founded here in Charlotte by Molly Barker. When Molly walked in, I felt like a celebrity had entered the room! She’s been featured in tons of magazines (Runner’s World, O Magazine, Redbook, People, to name just a few!) and I recognized her right away. We started the day by going around the room of about 30 volunteers and doing introductions. When they got to me I did my usual, “I’m getting masters in nutrition and wanted to find a way to volunteer that would fit well with my career plans in health and wellness….was a camp counselor and love kids….yadda yadda.” And then Molly says, “Do you have a blog???” And I of course said, “Yess..” And she goes on to tell the group about how cool it is and that they should all check it out. I felt my face turning bright red!! I can’t believe she’s read KERF!! So I shared the site with the group and may have some of my fellow coaches check it out today (hello all – it was great to meet you!) Molly has one of those contagious optimistic personalities and shared the history of the program and her vision with us – it was all so touching. We went through a few of the GOTR lessons and even ran a few laps outside (grrr for wearing jeans!) By the time I left this afternoon, I felt confident and glowing 🙂 A reminder to us all to be proud of who we are inside and out!
On to the FOOD!
It was great to be in a health-minded organization because they had nice healthy options to eat. I was actually quite satisfied from breakfast, so I didn’t end up having anything when I got there, nor did I eat my packed snacks. My stomach rumbled around 10:30, but then we were up walking laps and having fun so I didn’t really get hungry until right around noon.
They had more healthy options for lunch – salads (!!), carrots, apples, chips.
I had some chicken Caesar salad with balsamic dressing, carrots, an apple, a few pita chips –
Plus I split a bag of Sun Chips with a new friend and had a Diet Dr. Pepper.
And I had 2 more pita chips on the way out!
After running an errand, I am home and am starting to get geared up for a workout. I want to RUN after this morning but it’s quite hot out there at this hour. Mmm…what to do?
Glad your first meeting with Girls on the Run went well! It sounds like a great program…maybe I should look into the one here in Houston, hmmm…
I know what you mean about running in the afternoon. Usually I go around 6am but on the weekends (like today) I make myself go by 8 at the latest, otherwise the 90+ degree heat and humidity keep me inside! Even at 8 it’s still about 85 degrees and super humid! Can’t wait for some cooler weather to come!
Sounds like your first day with GOTR was a great success! And hooray for being a celebrity!
Justy, I’m in a northern suburb of Houston, and I already contacted the Houston person to see about setting something up on this side of town. I’m super interested, as I’m an avid runner and a teacher! LMK if you want to do it together!
It sounds like you had a great morning! That’s what I love about team activities–the support, encouragement, and optimistic attitudes. It sure would be nice if we could all get a little more of that!
I was just wondering if you ever swim or do water workouts? I just finished a 2 month water workout program and the results are amazing! I went up 5 points in my VO2 max! Just thinking that if you wanted to do something outside and it’s too hot to run, you could go play in a pool!
I’m so glad programs like these have been developed. It’s a great option for parents and kids to get involved and get fit!
It sounds like such an amazing experience…I might investigate to see if they have one on Boston even though I am a runner for my college. I would say to wait for the evening if it is too hot…maybe because I am a night runner…ha.
Kate, what kind of workout did you do in the pool? Swimming laps or other stuff?
After meeting you today at the GOTR training, I had to check out your blog. Good stuff! This has been an inspiring day and I wish you luck at your GOTR site!
Kath when you were little and we were driving in the country, you’d always look at any wide open expanses and say, “Good place to run!” I guess I should have seen the writing on the wall, or should I say the writing on the grass.
And Dad and I think you look like your sister in your new bike picture.
Kath! I think that GOTR is one of the coolest organizations ever!! I first read about it in Runner’s World a few years ago, and it’s grown a ton!! I think it’s awesome that you are able to help coach a group of girls! I would love to do that! Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that I got hemp milk yesterday from Earth Fare! I have yet to try it, but can’t wait!!
kath…
your fun new bike totally inspired me to (finally) decided to get a bike for my birthday that was in june!!
i spent 3 hours riding today! i LOVE it. i think binking outside is better than spinning when the weather is good.
good luck with GOTR! sounds awsome.
Kathryn–I was participating in an intensive water exercise program for non-water athletes done by a masters student. We did lots of tethered work–sprinting, jumping, skipping…lots of circuits, underwater bikes, and upper body, and my favorite, “cross country skiing” where we imitated x-country motion in the water wearing floating belts. It was really fun and hard work!
Hi Kath! Glad to hear that Girls On The Run went so well today! It’s also pretty cool that Molly read your blog before and now you’ll have even more readers! Hooray for healthy options at events 🙂
I Love when my MOM comments on my blog! Go mom!
Candy
That is so great! What would that be like to have someone you admire -admire you back!?! I need to find a group so that I can have people to be accountable to, I don’t do so well on my own.
kath it sounds amazing! thanks for telling us all about it!
enjoy your evening!
that’s crazy that she knew you had a blog! i would totally blush too – but ultimately feel flattered!!
Kate ,
I wish I liked swimming more. I’m actually a pretty good/strong swimmer, but I have to admit I hate the whole equipment (suit, goggles, cap) and showering part of it. I wish I could just go straight from pool to weights, but the showering component keeps me dry. Bad excuse, I know. Maybe I”ll make it my fall goal.
Katy,
Thanks for stopping by! Lovely to meet you too.
mom ,
I remember saying that – and still get the urge when I see a big open field.
Kate(the teenager),
Cool you know about GOTR!! You’d make an awesome coach too 😉 Let me know about the hemp milk!!
Lindsay ,
Awesome!!! If only we could ride together 🙂
Kath
Fun meeting you at GOTR yesterday and hearing about your great blog! Love the recipes and photos. Looking forward to future reading.
Amanda B: I e-mailed the Houston contact yesterday and I just got an e-mail back from her saying that there aren’t any locations where I’m at yet (near the med center) but that she’s getting inquiries every day, so it may change. I’m more toward the south end of Houston, so not sure if I’d be able to make the trek up north every week once I start my grad program soon, but I’ll let you know if I hear more from her! Good luck with getting one started in your area!
Okay…so…I DO think this is one of the most well written and inspirational blogs. Kath, I’m so glad to have met you yesterday along with all the other amazing women (and man) that attended our Girls on the Run training.
You are doing beautiful work by inspiring others to take care of themsevles, both physically and emotionally. Thanks for sharing yourself with the girls in Girls on the Run…and with all of us that enjoy your blog so much!
Molly ,
Thanks so much for your comment 🙂 See you around this fall!
Kath