On Saturday morning, The Huz was the picture perfect husband. He crawled out of bed at 7:30 on the only day he usually gets to sleep in so he could walk up to the Asphalt Green with me. I’m sure this program has been around for a while, but I’d never heard of Girls on the Run until just recently from Melissa’s blog and I was thrilled to see that the Manhattan chapter needed running buddies! Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to have dogs at the facility to he waited for me to get checked in, change my shirt and give him my bag to carry back home. That’s right, folks, I’ve got my very own pack mule. Good thing he’s much less ornery and much more handsome than most mules.
I was paired up to run the 5k with a very sweet, very smart little 5th (going on 6th!) grader. (She’s the little fashionista below).
The school I was running with was right up front so we were off like bandits with the whistle. Up through Carl Shurz Park and on to the East River Walk we ran. After about half a mile, my charge politely said, “I think maybe I’d like to walk for a bit.” Who was I to disagree? We chatted happily about her plans for summer vacation (Disney World!), her younger sister (who wanted to run in this program with her), and then I hit the jackpot. Apparently, Fashionista loves to sprint, rather than run long distances! From then on, we ran intervals (who says you can’t turn a 45 minute 5k into a good workout??) and added some skipping and galloping in for good measure.
I miss the days when I was more concerned with playing hand clap games and skipping than burning the most calories, or wearing the smallest size. I hope the happiness I saw on the faces of so many of the girls who ran the race today will remain well into their teenage years, when the going really gets tough. I also hope running continues to be a part of their lives.
Running is one of the first activities I’ve found that can be exactly what you want it to be. And it has opened my eyes to other positive activities, like yoga and pilates. Running, though, will always be first in my heart.
When did you first get into an exercise routine? What was it?
Filed under: Workouts |
A Runner Wife's Life 
what an awesome experience! i have heard some great things about GOTR, and I think it’s great that you’re getting involved. It sounds like you and your fashionista had a good time 🙂
This is sooo cute! What a fun program – I might have to check it out and see if there are any around here.
Love your little Fashionista – she’s adorable!
That is so cute!
My first exercise routine was actually one of my mom’s workout dvds made in the 80’s! lol
Ooh was it Sweatin’ to the Oldies?? I LOVED Richard Simmons! hahahaha
wow, I am so glad you got to check that out! I would definitely consider getting involved with GOTR in the future!
I was an avid dancer in high school but chose to study biology at Duquesne instead of ballet at CMU! (Sorry! :-P) Once I stopped dancing 9 hours a day I realized 1. I was no longer in double digits in weight and 2. I had SOOOOOO much energy! I got into the gym thing the very first week of college.
Seven years later now Im back dancing a mere 10 hours a week, but I still love the gym!!
How about you Katherine? When did you start?
Haha no hard feelings on school choice 😉 I started out at a bio major at CMU actually, too funny!
I was always overweight as a child and didn’t really start to get active until high school. Oddly enough, I started losing weight by joining the marching band (NERD ALERT!) and then discovered the gym toward the end of my freshman year of college. I didn’t really start running consistently though until 2006, shortly after I got engaged, and decided to register for a half marathon with a friend. Go big or go home, huh? 🙂
Glad you get to dance again!
Oh what a beautiful experience for both YOU and your fashionista. My name is Molly Barker and I am the founder of Girls on the Run. We are so fortunate to have amazing women like you seek us out and share a part of yourself with our girls. I, like you, am reminded of how simple having fun can be.
Thanks for your time, your energy and the “get-it-factor” you so obviously possess. I’ll mention…for any of your other friends… that we have Girls on the Run councils all across the U.S. and we would love to have all be a part of our “movement.”
Happy Trails.
Molly Barker
Hi Molly,
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!I will definitely continue to be involved in this organization and I’ll be sure to recruit others 😉
Take care!
Sounds like an awesome Saturday morning! I took ballet lessons as a little girl, but the first time I consciously exercised was when I was about 12 or 13. I was bit overweight and would go for after-school walks. A year or so later, I joined the jr. high track team. I’ve been a running addict ever since 🙂
Awww, what an awesome event!!! I’m so proud of you for sharing your love of running with these girls. It sounds like SO much fun!!! I totally agree that the days of “hmm… let’s walk for a bit, then skip for last half” were such a wonderful time! I think we all need to put a little of that fun back into our exercises and workouts. Who says you can’t get more than just physical health from exercise? 🙂
I started walking probably 6 years ago with my mom, and since then I’ve expanded my exercises to walking, running, biking, yoga, pilates, tennis, and whatever else catches my eye. It’s so fun to try new things and know that you’re doing your body some good in the process!
xxoo
Heather