Being a coach for Girls on the Run was so much more than I ever thought it would be. My first thought was that I would be able to assist the girls in increasing/maintaining a good physical regimen that would make them feel good or better about themselves, feel a part of a committed group and have fun all at the same time. For myself, I thought GOTR was an opportunity to give some of my time back to the youth in our community, learn about what girls that age are up to and maybe get in better physical shape.

What it really was….

Last year was my first time coaching GOTR. There was a girl that struggled with the running part and yet she worked sooo hard. Every session she was the one struggling. During the 5k she still struggled. As I approached her in the race, I patted her on the back, ran with her for a bit, and encouraged her. She told me how excited she was. Her smile extended from ear to ear. At that moment I knew it was okay to pass. As I did I started crying… finishing the whole 5k with tears in my eyes. It is so hard for me to put into words the feelings I went through that day, but being a GOTR coach is probably one of the MOST rewarding things I have done. It is an amazing program, the things it does not only for the young girls but for their coaches. ~ Amber, Mother of two handsome little boys, Wife of ten years, Accounting guru at Blaine County Recreation, and GOTR coach.

“Although I am a woman, now unbelievably to me—approaching 60(!) I am a busy, active teacher who, after attending a talk by Kristin Armstrong in our area felt the “call” to serve the very needy (but so wonderful) students at our school. Recently I have had to face some unexpected losses in my life and being able to fill my cup by GIVING in this very small way these past two weeks in GOTR has brought me incredible JOY, almost beyond words.”

Join us for the SoleMates informational night & beer tasting on Thursday August 19, 5-6 pm, at the Powerhouse in Hailey! Bring a friend and learn about Solemates, as well as meet other runners to share race goals, running schedules and taste a variety of beers offered at the Powerhouse!  Please RSVP to mary@girlsontherunwrv.org.
SoleMates is […]

Congratulations to 5th grader Michelle Casas at Woodside Elementary for winning the “How Girls on the Run has made you fearless” Essay Contest and two tickets to see Colbie Caillat!!  Thanks to the Wellness Festival organizers for making this opportunity possible.  Girls on the Run participants were asked to write an essay of 300 words […]

Those who have not found their true wealth, which is the radiant joy of Being and the deep, unshakable peace that comes with it, are beggars, even if they have great material wealth. They are looking outside for scraps of pleasure or fulfillment, for validation, security, or love, while they have a treasure within that […]

The 7th Annual New Balance Girls on the Run 5k & Healthy Living Expo is Saturday, May 22 at Heagle Park in Hailey.  Come out to run, walk, stroll this fun community wide event.  Thanks to our partners at the YMCA, following the race will be an AMAZING Healthy Living Expo held at Heagle Park […]

“Heaven’s, no.  That girl isn’t fat.  She’s big-boned.”  -Helen Wilmer
Do I dare do it?  The topic is kind of scary.  Actually it can sometimes be taboo.  But I’m going to go for it because…well…because I have to for me, you and the girls in Girls on the Run.
Obesity.
Yep that’s right.  And while we’re at it, […]

I want you to meet a new friend of mine.  His name is Bill Drayton.
I had the opportunity to spend some time with Bill the last several days at the Ashoka Future Forum.  (www.ashoka.org.)  Bill is the Founder of Ashoka.
On Tuesday afternoon, I was privileged to sit down with Bill, several other Ashoka Fellows and […]