Lincoln Girls on the Run put best foot forward on hottest day

[May 05, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

It was hot in Lincoln Wednesday afternoon, a record setting 89 degrees. That heat, however, did not stop the Girls on the Run from West Lincoln-Broadwell and Carroll Catholic from practicing for the 5K Run coming up on May 19 at Lincoln Land Community College.

Girls on the Run is an International organization focused on teaching life skills in a fun way, helping girls understand who they are and what is important to them. “Over the course of the program, girls will develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful contribution to community and society.” The girls at WLB and Carroll meet twice a week with their coaches to work on these skills.

Joining the girls for the practice run at Kickapoo Creek Park were coaches from WLB, Chynna Farmer and Dana Holmes, and coach from Carroll, Jennifer Block, along with family members and friends. Special guest, Mayor Seth Goodman, ran with the girls cheering them on to the finish line.

The girls started the afternoon warming up for the race with stretches and dances. Coach Farmer told the girls a story about a girl named Addy.

Addy’s Girls on the Run team practiced for eight weeks getting ready for the big race. As Addy got ready for school she caught herself thinking about it. She was nervous and excited at the same time. Addy’s coaches reminded the team that they had been preparing their bodies and their minds for the 5K race. When Addy started to worry about the race, she took a deep breath and thought about what she could do to stay positive. Addy remained optimistic and knew that she would give the race her best effort.

Coach Farmer reminded the girls that, like Addy, they had prepared for this practice and they all needed to do their best.

With that story in mind, Coach Farmer asked the girls what encouraging words they could use to reassure themselves. The girls responded with phrases like, “I can do it” and “I’ve got this.”

When asked what they could do for the other girls, they responded, “We can encourage each other” and “We can motivate each other.” Inspired to do their best, the girls and Mayor Goodman lined up at the start. Lead by a Lincoln Rural Fire and Rescue truck the team took off for two laps around the park.

The highlight of the afternoon happened at the finish line. One young lady had a broken arm making it difficult for her to keep up with the rest of the team. When the other girls finished the race they all ran back, got the last girl, and finished the race with her. THAT is what Girls on the Run is all about.

[Lisa Ramlow]