‘Girls on the Run’

A focus on self-esteem spurs youngsters to achieve.

By: Lisa Pettit
   "It’s fun." "I am proud of all the lap bands I have earned for completing a quarter mile." "I like meeting new friends and cheering on my teammates." "I like learning about stuff, like eating good food and not gossiping." " I run better now and I am stronger."
   These are just a few of the comments from the girls enrolled in "Girls on the Run," the Montgomery Recreation Department’s after-school program. The collection of bands on their wrists for each quarter mile completed, the pride in their eyes, the friendships formed, spoke volumes about the success of the pilot 12-week program.
   "Girls on the Run" began in 1995 and now has chapters throughout the world. Its charter is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. The goal is to instill a positive self-image and overall self-acceptance so that girls will make healthy decisions throughout their lives.
   "Girls on the Run" was launched in April in Montgomery with two groups, totaling 37 girls from the third and fourth grades. The program was introduced through the Friends of Somerset County Youth and sponsored by the Montgomery/Rocky Hill Alliance on Substance Abuse Prevention and Youth Services Commission.
   Kathy Sinclair, a coach for "Girls on the Run" and a physical education teacher in Montgomery, said, "Over the last eight weeks, you can see (the girls’) progress not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. If we had asked them to run one mile the first week, they would have said ‘no way.’ But now they are physically stronger and they believe in themselves. Even when it’s hard, they cheer each other on and they know it is worth it."
   Ms. Sinclair shared her favorite moments:
   "Watching them come to get their wrist bands as they complete a lap is wonderful. You can see it on their face that they feel so good. It is especially rewarding seeing the girls cheer one another on; they demonstrate cooperation, not competitiveness," she said.
   Montgomery’s girls are working toward a goal. On June 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, they will participate in the first annual "Girls on the Run" 5K Race, sponsored by Friends of Somerset County Youth. The race will help to raise funds for "Girls on the Run" programs in Somerset.
   The Montgomery program is about much more than getting in shape for the race. Diane Fay, one of the five coaches overseeing the two groups, said, "I like the format of each training session because it’s two-fold. First, we use fun activities to explore self-esteem issues and develop stronger social skills. And second, we also do the physical conditioning to prepare for the 5K race."
   Each training session addresses a social or personal theme, such as cooperation, listening skills, eating healthy, not gossiping, and being involved in the community. The experiential activity brings the lesson to life. The girls spend time debriefing, sharing feelings and asking questions.
   Lisi Barros-Sehringer, mother to fourth grader Isabella, likes the many aspects of the program.
   "Isabella likes the running, developing friendships and learning healthy habits overall. The feel of the program is about cooperation and not competition; they celebrate each girl just doing her best and supporting one another," she said.
   Third grader Caitlin Poelstra’s mom, Beverly, said, "Every time she returns from the workout sessions, Caitlin is so excited and so proud when she and her teammates have run farther than ever before. Her favorite part is having buddies to run with and to cheer one another on."
   Whether a girl is walking or running, she never does it alone. "It is easier to run with someone and help them along," Caitlin said.
   For Nina Sampat, mother of Naomi, behavior speaks louder than words about her daughter’s transformation.
   "I see it in her behavior and disposition. Her daily energy and enthusiasm is up, she is less cranky, and generally in a happy mood since starting with the running program. Naomi really looks forward to the workout sessions," Mrs. Sampat said.
   Will participating in "Girls on the Run" and completing a 5K race build self-esteem for the girls? One thing is certain, that the enthusiasm for the program is infectious.
   "Parents are always asking me if the township will continue to offer sessions; the buzz on the street is very positive," coach Mary Ellen Sparno said.
   Coach Kathy Sinclair summed it up nicely as she watched a group of girls finish their final laps. "When the girls are laughing and having a good time, that’s everything," she said.
For more information, visit www.girlsontherun.org. To register for the First Annual "Girls on the Run" 5K race on June 13, call (908) 296-2116. All are welcome to run.