This Girl's on the Run

I hate running.  Let me rephrase that - Running as an exercise is not my first choice.  I've found that I enjoy participating in fitness classes much more.  Running, however, saved my life.  It was the decision to do a 5k four years and 150 pounds ago that made me start becoming physically active and gain the confidence and the motivation to try other things and may have literally saved my life.

I recently made two big decisions.  One, was to sign up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon and the other was to join the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run of Greater Knoxville.  Both decisions have already profoundly impacted my life.  I've taken on lots of various volunteer roles in my life, but in the short time that I've been involved with Girls on the Run, I can honestly say that I've never been as excited and as passionate about supporting and being a part of something as I am with this program.

If you don't know what Girls on the Run is, here's a brief overview.  Girls on the Run is an international program that is a transformational physical activity based youth development program for girls in the 3rd-8th grades.  It teaches life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and runnings games.  The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event.  The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.  You can learn more about the programs offered by visiting http://www.gotrknoxville.org/ or http://www.girlsontherun.org/. 

As I prepare for this first half marathon, I will be updating everyone on my progress and giving everyone more information about why it's so important to support and advocate for programs such as these.  I hope that all of my friends and family will both emotionally and financially (as much as you are able) support me in this endeavor.  My minimum fundraising goal is $500, but in trying to be punny, I would love to be able to raise $1,310.00 in honor of the 13.1 miles that I will be completing.

To donate, please visit www.raceplanner.com/donate/Jennifer-s-on-the-Run. I'm the first person to understand that money can be tight, so even a donation of $5 is so much appreciated.  Thank you all so much for allowing me to share this program with you all and I hope you look forward to hearing all about my journey!