A few years ago, my husband and I were enjoying catching up with some friends that live near Durango, Colorado. We started talking about Bereket and I wondered aloud, as I often have, if she might one day be a runner. My friend is a guidance counselor and she raved about Girls on the Run, a program designed to help girls fall in love with running while developing self esteem and learning to make good life choices. I had never heard of it before and wished it was available where we live.
Just over a year later, we got an email from Bereket's school saying that they were going to start a Girls on the Run program. I wished I could sign her up immediately, but she was only in 2nd grade and the program is for grades 3-5.
Bereket was finally old enough to take part in August of this year. She was part of a group of 20 girls and 6 coaches that ran together every Monday and Wednesday after school from August - November (with three weeks off for their fall break). When I picked her up, I often witnessed the end of each session. The girls enjoyed spirit awards and a joyful team chant of "Girls on the Run is so much fun!"
Bereket has loved every little thing about this group, from the yummy after school snacks to the service project to of course - the running. She came home from her first day with an arm filled with magic marker "warrior" stripes - one for each lap she ran that afternoon.
Bereket began setting goals for herself each practice session. Her principal ran with her one day and she was up for the challenge, keeping his pace every step of the way. That afternoon on the drive home, Bereket and I talked about where she was born and the gifted runners that come from Ethiopia. We talked about meeting Haile Gebrselassie during our Ethiopian vacation in January. He is widely considered to be the greatest distance runner in history. How blessed we were to encounter him in one of the hotels he owns.
Through Girls on the Run, Bereket has now completed two 5K runs with Jason, her adult running partner. The first was a practice 5K outside her school on a blissful, warm September day. Jason had to work to keep up with her :)
The big Mall of America Girls on the Run 5K wrapped up the season this past Saturday. It was crazy cold that morning!!! The organizers worked hard to make the event exciting in spite of the temperature. There was loud music and fun photo booths for the 1,700 young female runners and their adult running buddies. The girls on Bereket's team wore fun capes they had designed.
Bereket's toes began to hurt from the cold shortly before her turn at the starting line. Running was painful for her and she had to stop a few times because of it. After she crossed the finish line, she buried her head in my chest in tears. She was upset about the pain, and even worse the disappointment of not running at her full potential.
We went inside the mall to warm up, and her tears stopped after the promise of one ride at Nickelodeon Universe. We then celebrated with a family meal at a mall restaurant.
I am so proud of my Girl on the Run. I am so thankful her school has this program. I am also grateful to the 6 women who have volunteered so much of their time as her coaches.
I am most proud that she stuck through a tough race and crossed the finish line in spite of the pain and disappointment. If she keeps that spirit in life, she will do just fine.
