All things Running
The before, during & after
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Last year was my first year running the Mohawk Hudson Hannaford Half Marathon held in Albany, NY. It was my first ever half marathon and I was happy to say I ran it for a cause. Last year I took the opportunity to run with a charity bib, which means I run for a local charity and raise a certain amount of money that goes back to the charity and I was then entered into the half marathon. Last year I ran for a charity called the United Tenants of Albany (UTA), a non-profit organization that worked to provide housing to the less fortunate in the city of Albany. I was able to raise $450 for the charity and aid in proving homes for folks living in the city that were struggling to find shelter. It was a huge success, and I was able to meet some great people during the process of fundraising and at the half marathon expo. This year however, I am running for a charity close to my heart; Girls on The Run (GOTR). GOTR is a non-profit organization devoted to helping girls activate their limitless potential, push them to pursue their dreams, develop confidence, and become leaders. This organization uses running to inspire, motivate, and encourage lifelong health and fitness through accomplishment. The result --making the seemingly impossible, possible and teaching girls that they can. The girls are split into two groups: a 3rd - 5th grade program, and a 6th - 8th grade program. The girls meet during an after-school program and participants explore and discuss their own beliefs around experiences and challenges girls face at this age. They also develop important strategies and skills to help them navigate life experiences. GOTR starts with helping the girls get a better understanding of who they are and what’s important to them. Then, they look at the importance of team work and healthy relationships. And, finally, the girls explore how they can positively connect with and shape the world. Physical activity is woven into the GOTR program to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health. At the end of each three month session, the girls participate in a Girls on the Run 5k event. This celebratory, non-competitive event is the culminating experience of the curriculum. Completing the 5k gives the girls a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. Crossing the finish line is a defining moment when the girls realize that even the seemingly impossible IS possible. The girls in the middle school program (6th-8th grade) have a similar curriculum, but follow the new "Heart and Sole" program. Heart & Sole creates a positive, structured space for middle school girls to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, strengthen connections and develop life skills that will help them as they move through adolescence and beyond. The Heart & Sole curriculum is rich with themes girls can relate to, addressing the whole girl—body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection—and building important life skills such as team building, developing a support system, boundary setting, decision making, asking for and providing help and more. I am a big advocate for GOTR because I believe in their practices and their story. If I had known about the organization when I was younger I definitely would have hopped on that train immediately. Being someone who struggled for years with bullying, and eating disorder, and self hate I 100% support programs such as GOTR that can teach girls about their worth and self beauty. It's hard growing up in our society as a female, everyday we are put on the lower stack of the totem pole, are bullied for our gender, and looked down on for our physical appearance. Running is the one thing in my life that stopped me from potentially committing suicide back in high school. Without it I wouldn't be here today and I wouldn't nearly be as strong as I am now. A program that can teach females the physical and mental benefit from physical exercise is one I can't help but to support.
This year I am looking to raise $650 for Girls On the Run, mind you I HATE asking for money so if you cannot donate or choose not to please if anything just spread the word. If you'd like to donate to this beautiful organization please click the link below, note that all proceeds will go directly to GOTR and help supply meals for the girls throughout their entire season. Thank you all so much for your support -- I am so excited for this journey with GOTR and I cannot wait to help them grow their programs all over the world. Link to donate: http://giving.girlsontherun.org/girls-on-the-run-capital-region-of-ny/Amanda-s-13-1-Journey-with-GOTR?source=gotrgiving Until next time... Stay Green & Strong, Amanda
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February 2018
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