Girls on the Run, Maryland

Girls on the Run is the name of our organization, but we have two programs:

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is for 3rd-5th graders, helping them prepare for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living using interactive and creative running activities, games and discussion.

Girls on Track

Girls on Track is the middle school program geared for 6th-8th graders. The principal philosophy behind both programs is the same, yet the depth of processing varies in order to be age appropriate. The Girls on Track middle school curriculum allows for more mature processing around certain topics including eating disorders, internet safety, cyber bullying and tobacco and alcohol use.

The Basics:

• Weekly meetings occur: 2X per week
• Entire season lasts: 10 Weeks
• Each meeting lasts: Approximately 1 hour or 1 hour + 15 minutes
• Meetings consist of: An introduction, warm-up, a workout for girls of all ability levels, and a wrap up
• 5K Fun Run celebration at the end of the season. For safety reasons, each girl is required to have a designated adult running buddy for the race.(Running buddies must register and pay a $25 race entry fee)

Costs To Enroll:

The fee for the program is $163, however there are several levels of financial assistance available. Visit our Registration Page for more details on fees.

A Peek at a Weekly GOTR Lesson:

Each lesson focuses on a specific issue related topic and follows a five-part format that provides consistency and structure for the girls’ experience:

Introduction: Getting on Board
As the girls arrive and settle into a circle, the coach "checks in" with them, seeing how each is feeling, getting a feel for the group's dynamic for the day and introducing the topic of the lesson.

The Warm Up:
The warm-up is a brief activity or game that energizes the girls and warms up their muscles. The warm up activity is usually a short interactive running game that incorporates the lesson topic for that day. For instance, in one of the first lessons, the coach marks off a short running course. The girls stand at one spot and the coach calls out a "like statement" - "I like chocolate chip cookies," or "I like 50 Cent." All those girls who agree with the statement run (walk, jog -- they set their own paces) the course marked out by the coach. These statements continue, with contributions by the girls, until everyone has run a few times at least.

Processing:
With their muscles warmed up a bit, the coach leads the girls through a brief stretching session. During that time, the girls and the coach "process" the topic. In this example, they might discuss how people can have different likes and dislikes and still be friends or how our likes and dislikes develop, etc.

The Workout:

The workout follows the warm up/stretch. This involves more actual running. The amount of running varies based on each girls' ability, pace, and their stage of process. The program starts with shorter periods of running and builds up as the coaches assess each girl's ability and pace. Eventually, the workout will build up to a "practice" 5K on site, to give the girls the confidence helpful in participating in an actual 5K running event. The running also involves the "topic of the day." For instance, in the session on positive attitude, each girl may be asked to make a positive statement about herself to the coach, each time she completes a lap.

The Wrap-Up:
Following the workout is a cool-down and stretching period where the girls do a group processing and discussion. Each session ends with positive reinforcement from the coach, a group cheer and a snack.

Each session concludes with the opportunity to participate in a community 5K run chosen by Girls on the Run of Montgomery County. Sound like fun? Visit our Registration Page to join up!