At the beginning of May, I signed up to be a running buddy for the Girls on the Run 5K promoting empowerment and perseverance for girls.
I had heard about this 5k run and what it stands for and wanted to give my support in many different ways. To see young girls move, be inspired by what their bodies and mind can do, supporting one another, having comradery, and all while having so much fun too was truly inspiring. Let’s just say that being a running buddy at this event was awesome!
I am not a huge runner, however, it was not about the run, or me at all. It was about those girls! It was about showing support and encouragement while helping them get to the finish line. And celebrating with them on what they just did!
I didn’t realize at the very beginning, but the 5K is actually the culmination of an intense program of physical and mental endurance led by a coach, usually a teacher. Introducing running to the girls is the icing on the cake!! Seeing that finish line and all of your friends and family cheering for you? What an awesome experience for these girls!! And, they get to do it with their friends too.
It was also a fun experience because it was at my old high school, Cherry Creek. Yes, memories came flooding back in as soon as I pulled into the parking lot. I even called an old friend while standing in a court yard, and went to see my class gift, which was given at our class’ graduation. In high school, I was a lot like many other teenagers. I felt anxious about the future, I was analyzing my relationships, and I was always wanting to be the best I could be… but also not stand out too much. It was a struggle. And, it also reminded me of people I haven’t seen, friends I no longer keep in touch with, and just simply the notion of time. Time passing and me growing. And, it made me happy by the end. I’m grateful to have followed my dreams and to be surrounded by a support system that rocks (my husband for one!).
With all of these emotions coming in with the event, with past memories, and what I have accomplished since high school, I tried to be in the present moment and give myself a pat on the back.☺
While I celebrated the girls’ day and their awesome achievement. I realized that it was also a day for me. It was a day for my thoughts. It was just… my day too! And theirs! It was awesome to hear everyone get cheered on, to see smiles everywhere and see all the positive posters. Let’s just say I was in my zone as a running buddy! And, it felt amazing to run/walk with the girls!
I felt so inspired!
Then, I was stuck in the parking lot for about an hour trying to get out…lol. But that’s not my take away. It’s just funny and sums it up!!! Basically, I had this amazing experience and then reality came and reminded me to “take two steps back” as I re-entered the “grind” of life. It’s all about the starts and finishes, the ups and downs, and those long stretches in between. At Girls on the Run, I got to really escape for a few hours in a very happy place! And, I got to give back to a cause that is near and dear to my heart.