Volunteer - Week 3

Volunteer – Week 3

I am more impressed with Girls on the Run (GOTR) each week.  I only wish I could participate twice a week instead of once a week.  This past week, I saw two of my girls outside of GOTR.  They are both so sweet and came up and said Hi to me.  I think this is when you really realize the impact of your volunteer work.  That it is more than just a running club.  You are really reaching these young girls and giving them the tools to deal with the many curve balls life will throw at them.  

Last week’s lesson was on stress and ways to relieve stress.  I liked the introduction of the topic.  I think it fit well for the age group.  We all discussed how we would feel if we didn’t have a chance to take a break.  Would our heads explode?  I know some days I do feel as though my head will explode!!  Running is my therapy.  It’s my escape.  It’s a healthy escape.  So, after warm-ups, we focused on running individually.  Taking the time with each lap to think and let our minds wander.  

In today’s technologically savvy world, we often do not take the time to let our mind wander.  The iPhone is dinging with every text, email, or Facebook message.  When do we have a moment to just smile or laugh?  These are luxuries or burdens I didn’t have as a child.  I didn’t have these interruptions.  It’s easy for me to sit back and think ... to turn the phone off because after all, I didn’t grow up with it attached to my hip.  But our GOTR girls don’t really know life moves on without the dings for this and that.  Life seems too quiet without the iPod playing your favorite song.  

So, here we go around the track.  Lap by lap.  Quietly looking at each other wondering how long each can last without stopping to talk to a friend.  I’m fairly impressed.  For the most part, the majority of the girls are going around the track on their own.  They get a word or two in when they stop for water.  

As I am running my laps, I notice how improved the girls are from the previous week.  You still have some that have not found their inner runner.  But as a long time runner, I know it takes time to find the inner runner in yourself.  And for those that have found their inner runner ... well, let’s just say, taking laps around the track on their own only propelled them to run smoother, cleaner, and faster.  After all, when the noise isn’t crowding your head and you can let your mind wander, there is nothing to slow you down.

At the end of the 12 weeks, I hope each girl finds the inner runner in them.  And I hope each learns how to let their mind wander.