Feature Friday: Girls on the Run

“The result-making the seemingly impossible, possible and teaching girls that they can.”

Girls on the Run Birmingham was established in the spring of 2011 and over 1200 girls in Jefferson, Shelby, and Talladega counties have completed the Girls on the Run program. Girls on the Run is a 10-week program for girls in the 3rd through 5th grades to inspire them to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Girls on the Run has a 20 lesson curriculum that also includes training for a 5K (3.1 miles) to help girls develop problem-solving skills, learn about teamwork and become healthier individuals. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. Birmingham Metro is an Independent Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of 200+ locations across the United States and Canada.

Girls on the Run meets once to twice a week in small teams of 8-15 girls teaching them life skills through conversation-based lessons and running games. At each season’s conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a 5k running event. Completing a 5k gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.

Girls on the Run also has a sister program for 6th-8th grades called Heart and Sole. Continue reading for more information!

6th-8th Grades (Heart and Sole)

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.

This 10-week program is accessible to all girls regardless of athletic ability or fitness level and considers the range of ages and varied experiences of middle schoolers. Physical activity includes strength and conditioning appropriate for this age group. The season culminates with the Girls on the Run 5k, which is the celebratory event that underscores the confidence, competence, connection, character and caring they’ve been developing in the program and gives them a tangible sense of goal setting and achievement.

 

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