Worth running for

Have you guys heard of this program?

I am here to tell you that it's amazing.

Last year at the end of the year, some teachers at my school decided to take it on at our school. One of them approached me to see if I was interested. I told them that due to the fact that I'd be pushing a baby out of my vajayjay, I couldn't be involved in the fall session, but I'd love to take part in the spring session.

At that time, my mom was going to be watching my boys on the days of the program. I figured I'd just ask her to keep them a little later and I'd run with the girls.

When everything changed and the boys ended up in full-time day care, I went to the girl in charge of the program and told her I was sorry, but I couldn't attend due to childcare issues.

"No excuses," she smiled. "Bring the boys with you!"

So this week, I did just that. One third grader immediately took L under her wing and they ran side by side for the entire hour, both days. (He has now decided that she looks like Hermione; the highest compliment L can pay.)

And G loves to be in his stroller (which is not a jogging stroller but I pretend like it is) and the gaggle of girls adores G.

Seeing these girls run and participate in the empowering lesson of the week is amazing. When they get tired, L encourages them to "keep running." He's a natural coach. When I get tired, I remind myself that I need to be a good role model and keep these girls running.

We ran/walked about 1.5 miles on Thursday and between the running and the positive feedback the girls were giving each other, I was more uplifted than I thought possible.

It's so much better than going straight home after school...instead of watching Curious George episodes for the eleventy millionth time, L is jogging in the fresh air. On the morning of the second practice, I reminded L to have a good day so that we could join the girls after school. His response: "Can we go run wif 'da big girls right now?"

(In fact, unbeknownst to me, he was sicker than a dog yesterday, but he loves the girls so much that he ran for the hour with a terrible ear infection and low-grade fever. Whoops. Mom Fail.)

After each practice, the girls form a circle, giving each other props, learning to talk in only positive ways about themselves and each other, and listening to their coach's reminder to "be kind to each other," I actually get goosebumps.

If only this program would have existed when I was a tween.

I don't know about you, but I know a lot of grown women who could use the messages in the program. In fact, I don't think my physical side will be the only side that will reap the benefits. Maintaining balance, being open-minded, looking at challenges in a positive manner, demonstrating kindness, living our lives with gratitude...sounds pretty blog-worthy. Stay tuned.