Girls on the Run

Willow was interested in participating in Girls On the Run this fall, a running group after school for 3rd-5th graders. It's also a character development program. Throughout the season they set running goals for themselves for each practice, then at the end of the season they run a 5k. They did a practice 5k (19 laps around the school's track!!) the week before the official 5k and Willow told us she was the last one to finish. She hasn't really seemed to push herself too much with running very far before walking, sometimes telling me she ran 3/4 of the track before walking. One Saturday I took her up to the track to run 2 laps with her to show her that she could do it. They had a nice dinner then night before the 5k where each girl was spoken kindly about, then given an energy award (aka "cheer"). Willow was given the "Go with the flow" award. Here's what her coach said about her, then their funny energy award. 

The morning of the 5k they were able to decorate their bibs, dye their hair, and pick out a tutu to wear. Willow just opted for the bib decorating. 

The team warmed up together:

Her school's team and running buddies:

Each girl was given a running buddy for the 5k to run with and encourage them. Willow's was the coach's middle school daughter Madeline.

Willow had a fan club cheering her on!

She'd never told me that her running pants slid down as she ran! Every time we saw her she was pulling them up. 

 She was running every time we saw her!!

There was such a support system there! Virginia Tech students and lots of families were gathered at the finish line. I loved hearing them cheer for each girl as she finished!! Here's Willow rounding the final corner to the last 100 yards.

Willow's coach told us to expect Willow to take about 50 minutes to finish but assured us that Madeline wouldn't let her be the last one to finish. Apparently Willow just needs an audience or change of scenery as she runs because she ran the majority of the way (just a couple quick walks she said) and finished in 33 minutes! We are so proud of her!!!!

Here's her team after the race.

She even said she'd be interested in running another 5k so I'll have to find one for us to run with Aunt Kim!!

Willow is blessed with a great group of friends. Here are some of them at a recent birthday party at the roller skating rink:

Willow's doing basketball again this year. They've had two practices so far (clearly hanging on the bar in the gym is an important part of basketball...haha!). I guess I'd better finish going through those basketball videos from last year!! Eek!