Who runs Charlotte? Girls.

I’ve always liked exercise, but haven’t always claimed to be a runner. After a bad breakup I decided something had to change. I could continue to drink glasses of wine over Lifetime movies each night or investigate what all these seemingly happy, smiling and fit Charlotte runners were all about. 

While choice one was tempting, I decide to commit to becoming a “real” runner. I began showing up at NoDa Brewing run club and signed up for what is now the Charlotte Marathon. I met new friends, began enjoying running gels and gained fresh perspective. With each stride, I found a better me. I was pushing forward while being embraced by a community of support. 

When I heard about Girls on the Run, I was excited to get involved. The program helps 3rd through 8th grade girls develop skills to navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. Cooler yet, the program started in Charlotte and has served more than 1 million girls nationally. 

I signed up, participated in training and became a coach. I can’t say I was the best at giving lessons but I rocked at high-fives, cheering and spreading enthusiasm for the activity I love. 

It was eye opening to hear the challenges even 3rd graders face – from eating issues to bullying to gossip. At age 9 my biggest fear was coming home to my brother decapitating a favorite Barbie. Girls on the Run does a great job of helping the girls be prepared for different scenarios while building a network of positivity and support. 

The program works. More than half the girls with lower confidence in physical activity and self-worth show improvements over the course of the season. They become 5K finishers too, with 90 percent crossing the finish line. No matter what life might hand these girls, they now have extra tools to make positive choices. 

Thinking about getting involved? 4 more reasons you should. 

• Charlotte grown. The program started with 13 girls at Charlotte Country Day School. It currently serves more than 3,700 girls in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Lincoln Counties and continues to grow year after year. The next two weekends over 1,500 girls, 1,500 running buddies and 400 coaches will participate in the Girls on the Run 5Ks in Charlotte. 

• Not just a running program. Yes, you do run at the end of each meeting. But you don’t need to be a runner to participate – you can walk or walk-run. Many of my fellow coaches used the program as catalyst to get in better shape and be a positive role model.  
• So much fun. Cheers, outfits, races and medals. Need I say more. Every practice is ended with the girls nominating each other for energy awards – these typically included a silly dance and cheer. When’s the last time your day ended like this? 

• Easy to get involved. April is National Volunteer Month and volunteers are needed for the upcoming 5K races in Huntersville (April 30). Learn more here.