Girls on the Run

Back in June, I got an email newsletter from the YMCA inviting me to sign my daughter up for the Girls on the Run after school program at the YMCA. Apparently a lot of local schools have implemented this national program into their after-school programs but my daughter's school had just announced it would not be offering an after-school program. I work from home so I don't technically need after-school care for my kids but this program sounded great. Here is a quote from the "About" page on the Girls on the Run site:

"Girls on the Run© is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development."

My daughter is a high-energy girl who loves hanging out with her BFFs above all else and, reading this, I suddenly wanted to get her into this program. At first, she insisted she didn't want to run. Then I asked her to read about how it would be all girls, running, playing games, and connecting with their girl-power and she wanted in too. So we drove right over to the YMCA and put her on a list. Then nothing happened. A few weeks later, I called to ask about it. Getting to someone who knew about it was a pain and then I learned that not enough people had signed up for the at-the-Y program to get it started. We were both disappointed.

But I recently got an email from the program director at the YMCA asking me to see if I would help round up a few more girls to get this thing going. Jamie, the program director, has coaches ready. She has dates set aside. She just needs girls. The spring program will be "starting Tues. Feb 26, @4:00-5:00 and Wed. @ 4:00," says Jamie. "The program would be twice a week for 10 weeks and end with the May 2 Wilmington Orthopedic Azalea Run as their graduation run.  Last year we had over 400 runners in this race of all ages."

Got a girl? Like the sound of this? Call the YMCA (910-251-9622) and get her on the list. Do it now because my daughter – and several of her friends – really want to do this.

Update from Jamie:

The program is normally 50.00 but if a girl is part of the free lunch program at her elementary school she can participate for 10.00.  We are trying to start a group at the YMCA in addition to the elementary schools.  Moms can e-mail me at margie.butts@wilmingtonfamilyymca.org for more information.