Name: Amanda

Location: Austin, TX

Age: 24

Race: New Balance Girls On the Run 5K

Personal Tidbit: She is a professional Dating Coach who teaches men and women how to find the person of their dreams

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In Her Own Words:

 

I recently ran the Girls On the Run 5K in Austin.  My husband and I had signed up to be Running Buddies for three 8 – 10 year old girls – Alexis, Leticia and Sharon. These girls were SO excited and SO eager to start the race.  They told us all about their practices and how they run 4 times a week.  They were making me nervous because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to keep up with them.  

 

As soon as the whistle blew, these girls just full-on sprinted, as fast as they absolutely could!  But as you can guess, they lost steam really quickly and about 2 minutes in they took their first walking break to catch their breath and relax.  Halfway through, we took a few walking breaks and talked a lot.  My husband and I asked them silly questions, like what their favorite music is (pop), who their favorite singer is (Selena Gomez), if the Jonas Brothers are still cool (not as much, but still a little bit) and what their favorite subject in school is (math).  The goal was to get their minds off running and make it as fun as we could!

 

At the end of the 5K, parents, friends and coordinators had all lined up along the side to cheer on the girls and encourage them for the final stretch.  As soon as we crossed that finish line they were given their pretty pink medals, bottles of water and Powerade.  They were all hot, sweaty and full of pride.

 

We wrapped up the morning with a few group pictures, high-fives to the girls, cheering on the other runners who were still coming in, and chanting, “Girls On the Run is SO MUCH FUN!” This run was a great introduction to the racing world.  It was actually the best way to break into racing because the pressure wasn’t on me anymore… the focus was on the girls, getting them to complete the race, hit their goals, and have fun while doing it!

 

How to Get Involved with GOTR

 

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{ 19 comments }

 

  • dana May 24, 2011, 8:53 pm

    I volunteered for a local GOTR this past Saturday and it was so much fun! I definitely plan to get more involved in the future and I hope to find a chapter closer to my house.

    I had a lot of fun cheering on the girls…and everyone really. It was fun to meet other volunteers too!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife May 24, 2011, 8:55 pm

    Oh how cool! I need to check if GOTR is nearby. What a great way to volunteer and get some fun exercise with the little ladies 😉

  • maria @ Chasing the Now May 24, 2011, 8:59 pm

    I love that the program has adults racing with the kids to show them how much fun it can be to run. 🙂

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg May 24, 2011, 9:11 pm

    I so wish I had been in a group like GOTR when I was younger — it seems like such an empowering program!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) May 24, 2011, 9:24 pm

    I love this organization and what it does for girls. Thank you for sharing this.

  • Lu @ A Mix of it All May 24, 2011, 9:55 pm

    That is an awesome story. I’m still not running yet after my surgery, but I will again. I will! The GOTR group seems like a great experience.

  • Baking 'n' Books May 24, 2011, 10:28 pm

    I need to volunteer in something…I want to feel as good as that.

  • Katherine May 24, 2011, 10:45 pm

    I want to do something in this, will have to look into it.

  • Ilene May 24, 2011, 11:53 pm

    Hi Caitlin! This is irrelevant to this post, but I saw this website and thought of you (and several other animal-loving bloggers too!)

    http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/pictures-you-need-to-see-before-the-world-ends

    🙂

  • Jumanah (Healthy Living in the Middle East) May 25, 2011, 5:26 am

    GOTR seems like such a rewarding experience! Thanks to Amanda for sharing!

  • Cindy Robinson May 25, 2011, 9:23 am

    Thanks for sharing. I would love to get involved with this wonderful orgnization. Will check out what is close to me.

  • Marci May 25, 2011, 9:38 am

    nice to see someone else in texas! hi from houston.

    • Amanda May 25, 2011, 5:16 pm

      Hey Marci! Also sending some Texas love. I hope you’re doing well with the heat and humidity combo down in Houston. 🙂

  • Nicole Marie May 25, 2011, 10:10 am

    That is so exciting! I work in Kazoo! We just got an e-mail at work letting us know that the roads were going to be blocked off downtown due to the GOTR race. I would love to hear you speak. You are very inspiring 🙂

  • Katherina @ Zephyr Runs May 25, 2011, 9:46 pm

    Caitlin I’d really like to subscribe by email to your posts – I might just be missing it but is there a link somewhere on your blog?

    • CaitlinHTP May 25, 2011, 10:15 pm

      Hi there! I don’t have that function, I am so sorry!

  • Liz Kunz May 26, 2011, 6:57 am

    Amanda,
    Thanks so much to you and your husband for supporting our organization. It would not be possible for us to fulfill our mission without the amazing volunteers who serve as role models for the girls all across the country! Thank you for helping the three girls you ran with realize the limitless potential they have to fulfill all of their dreams!
    Liz Kunz
    President
    Girls on the Run

  • Dorothy June 4, 2011, 5:37 am

    Great pic! Girls On The Run is truly a great program!

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