Girls On The Run Manhattan

Last night I met with the communications committee for the Manhattan chapter of Girls on the Run for our first meeting for the Spring season. The season actually started last month, but there is still a lot to do to get the word out about the local chapter and the great things that GOTR is doing for girls, and women, all over the city! I'm so excited to get involved with the organization!

If you're not familiar with GOTR, here is some info from the website:
GOTR Manhattan is an interactive life-skills program that uses the power of running to change the way girls see themselves and their opportunities! Our innovative health education and wellness program uniquely combines training for a 3.1 mile run/walk event with life-changing, self esteem enhancing lessons that encourage healthy habits and an active lifestyle in 8-12 year old girls. Girls learn to stretch themselves - physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally - and in the process, are inspired to a lifetime of self respect and healthy living!

This program is just what young girls need, especially now as kids are dealing with more stress than ever before and childhood obesity is a huge problem. There are 41 sites in NYC this year, including public, charter, and private schools. The majority of funding for GOTR comes from donations raised through the SoleMates running program (runners who raise money for GOTR while training for races such as the NYC Half, ING NYC Marathon and others around the country) and grants. There is a fee for schools to participate, but many schools are also able to receive scholarships so their girls can participate and learn valuable skills through the program. 

From time to time, GOTRM also holds fundraisers. Next Wednesday will be the first one for the season and if you're in NYC, I encourage you to come! Here are the details:
When: April 28, 2010  6-8pm
Where: Lugo, 33rd St and 8th Ave (www.lugocaffe.com)
What: 15% of all sales between 6pm and 8pm will go to Girls on the Run Manhattan. Plus, there will be a raffle and auction featuring items including: Yank's LEGEND tickets, cool accessories from Bikini Thief and an authentic Ranger's jersey from Marion Gaborik!
Let me know if you have any questions or if you're going to stop by. I'd love to meet you! Also, please spread the word about this great event! The more people who stop by, the more money we'll raise to help provide running and learning opportunities for young girls!

Aside from the extremely valuable SoleMates, GOTR also relies on a large number of volunteers to keep running. Some volunteers work on committees (like the communications committee), others volunteer as coaches, and even more participate as one time volunteers as Running Buddies for the 5K race at the end of each season. If you're interested in being a Running Buddy, click HERE to sign up!

I can't wait to tell you more about the organization as I work with them. If you have experience with GOTR, please tell us about it! Also, if you don't know her already, head over to Running Diva Mom's blog. She's a huge supporter of GOTR in Wisconsin and her blog is really inspiring and fun!

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Workout Stats -
17mi bike
2mi post workout walk
3x10 lat pulldowns
On bosu ball:
3x10 bicep curls
3x10 hammer curls
balance work (my foot injury has screwed up my balance on my right leg!)
stretching & foam roller