Favorite Day of the Week
Thursdays use to be my least favorite day of the week. I’m usually tired and find it hard to get motivated to do what needs to get done. That all changed this past fall when I started coaching with Girls on the Run on Thursdays and Fridays.
Our team is made up of third through fifth grade girls who go to a public school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It may sound silly but they are everything you would expect from young girls and some things you wouldn’t; they wear pink, dislike boys, wish our team was named “glam sparkle”, are good at math, dislike Justin Bieber, and are still young enough that they don’t think adults are total geeks.
Having never spent time around girls in this age range since, well I was their age is fascinating.
I see myself in B* because she likes attention, doesn’t like to follow the rules, sometimes cheats when counting laps, but is also super sweet and a leader among her friends.
I see myself in G who is quite and somewhat shy, yet determined and focused.
I see myself in Z because she’s smaller than most the other girls, but she’s also the most athletic and can run laps around most adults.
When I see their smiles and I see their hopes and dreams in their eyes, I’m reminded of the hopes and dreams I had in third grade and how far we as adults travel from that place. When I see one girl run another girl’s laps for her because she isn’t feeling well, I’m reminded that they have it right. They help each other out, they cheer each other on. There are no clicks and there isn’t any real competition. In five hours of practice spread into two days, they show how we as adults should act. They try their hardest. They help their friends when they’re having a bad day. They don’t judge others and they don’t seem to judge themselves.
Thursdays have turned out to be the day I learn the most.
*no real initials were used.
This post makes my heart happy. What you’re doing with the girls is so great and admirable, Jess. I love that you’re learning from them as much as they’re learning from you. Hit me up if you ever need volunteers at the events!
I am always so tired by Thursdays too. I really want to help with Girls On the Run but there isn’t one near where I live unfortunately
Hi Jess! I’m a new reader to your blog and I started running last year to stay fit for swim team and because I was hooked from running in my high school gym class. I’m very happy I found your blog and it’s been a joy to read. I’m glad you’re coaching a GOTR team. Will you be at the 5K in December? I’m volunteering as well and running the race, but not as a running buddy, as I’m not old enough.
Hi Amy! Thank you so much for the compliments! Yes, I will be at the 5k on December 10th.
Awww. This is such a great post. Thank you for sharing!
Awww that’s so cute. I’m so glad you found something that makes you so happy. Also, so glad you included “good at math” in that list.
I have loved this cause for a while now, and love it even more now that you are involved. Anytime you need volunteers I am there!
Also, I would like to be on a team called Glam Sparkle too … I think I will always be an 8 year old girl at heart.
Sounds like an amazing experience! What an uplifting post!
What a wonderful thing to be doing Jess! I love the excitement in your post & that you learn & they learn & it is such a positive experience!
Aw Jess, that’s so awesome!