Record Number at Coach's Training

Coach's training is this Saturday at DLT for the spring season.  I have 12 women signed up to come and get certified to coach GOTR!!! HOLY COW!!!!  The great thing is that each site will have 2 certified coaches.  2 certified coaches with the hope that in the fall each new coach will spread their wings and start a new site.  I LOVE having a growth plan, and I love Girls on the Run!!!!

So What!!!

I think there's this whole secret women thing going on out there where we tell ourselves we have to do it all. You know, things like "I am woman, hear me roar." "I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan." Suddenly, a woman's role is defined by how much she can cram into her day, how much she can get done. Never mind her own peace of mind, like DORY from NEMO, "JUST KEEP SWIMMING."

I've been talking to my sister about our struggles with juggling careers, parenting, marriage, housework, and everything else we have going on, and it's occurred to me, that we're not alone on this, even though I feel like that for most of my day.  So, I'd like to take some time here and blast these lies and myths we, as women, convince ourselves of and then aspire to live up to resulting in pent up anger, frustration, and unhappiness.

I think we get this idea that women can do everything, and when we can't, what's wrong with us.  This is the lie, it's a lie I've been struggling with for years.  Why aren't I happy,I get to do it all.  Why do I get overwhelmed and feel so  broken down. No one else does.  TRUTH: EVERYONE ELSE DOES, women just don't talk about it. I think there's this unwritten rule that you better not share your struggles with anyone else bc you'll seem weak.  Well, who cares!!!  I'm weak, I need help, I can't do it all!!!!  Ahhhh, now that's freeing.


Someone posted on their FB status that Pink's "So What" is her theme song.  Know what, me too.  I am a rock star!! We all are! Let's start embracing that.  Not the overwhelmed I can't do it feeling. Next time it creeps up on me, I'm going to stop whatever it is I'm doing, crank up that song and start dancing around. Sound stupid or silly or embarrassing?  My response, "SO WHAT!!" 


What does this have to do with GOTR, glad you asked.  Because this is the direct opposite of that girl box.  Being able to say, "Who cares. This __________ does not define me."  That's empowering, and that's what we want to show girls. You don't have to do everything. You're awesome just the way you are!  You are a Rock Star!  

Overcoming doubt = EMPOWERMENT

I teach a class each week at the Y, and at the end of  class we've been doing forearm plank (see picture). We started doing this consistently with the start of the new year.   Let me add that these women are amazing, the average age is 65, and right now they are doing forearm plank for 1:20 seconds (we increase 5 seconds a week). Watching them struggle through plank it occurs to me that I get to experience a glimmer of what the GOTR coaches experience through the entire season of GOTR.

When I first told the ladies that we'd be doing forearm plank with a goal of 3 minutes, their eyes nearly popped out of their head.  Many of them doubted ever being able to do that for one full minute, much less 3.  When coaches tell the girls that they'll be doing a 5K at the end of the season, you can imagine a very similar reaction, especially when the girls realize a 5K is 3 miles, and they can barely manage 1 mile.

And yet, at the end of the GOTR season as with the end of our "plank season"  goals will be reached.  Girls and women will come to realize they are strong, and what seemed impossible only a short time ago CAN be obtained.  That feeling of empowerment is what draws me to both being a fitness instructor and council director for GOTR of Jackson County.  As women, we often feel defeated before we've even begun, but with the help and encouragement of coaches/instructors/mentors, we can reach those goals (not necessarily with ease, but if it was easy, would we really feel empowered?).  

LOVELOVELOVELOVE what I do!

"I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!"

Ever had one of those moments, where you're so full of joy your heart is bursting?  That's how I'm feeling right NOW! Energy and excitement are all around GOTR of Jackson County.  Just when I think we've hit a new peak, something else happens that elevates us even higher.  11 at volunteer orientation, new site added last week, brand new partnership with Rock the Parkway (KC Running Company), invitations to speak at events (all of this in the last two weeks), and it keeps GROWING!!!  What will this week bring??? So much potential, and I'm ready to harness it.

I hope that each of you have something in your life that you feel such passion and commitment too.  Passion makes life a grand adventure.  Find your passion and EMBRACE it.  You can change the world!!!!

Seeking Volunteers

Still trying to decide if you want to get involved as a volunteer with GOTR?  Wondering if we even really need you?  Well, wonder no more, WE DO!!!

Specifically we need assistant coaches (committed to once a week). Ideally, we'd love to have assistant coaches this season who want their own site in the fall - is this you????  I really think YOU should come to volunteer orientation Thursday night from 6-7 at DLT (6217 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO 64133) and see for yourself!

Volunteers Needed

Hello WORLD!!!!  Very soon, all this snow will melt and the arctic tundra living conditions will pass, then it will be time to head OUTSIDE!!!  And do I have a super outside event for you: Rock the Parkway.  Girls on the Run of Jackson and Johnson County are the exclusive charity partners for this event.  So, if you're looking for a 5K, 10K or half to train for in the early spring, HERE YOU GO!!!  This event takes place down Ward Parkway, so it's FLAT and BEAUTIFUL. Just talking about it makes me want to lace up my sneakers and RUN.  Unfortunately, my commitment is to volunteer.  What am I saying, unfortunately, I LOVE to volunteer, and I LOVE to cheer people on.  "RUN RUN RUN, YOU CAN DO IT!!!" Now if that's more your gig, then contact me at jaco.gotr@gmail.com.  We need you!

It's never too late

Ever seen the movie Julie and Julia? Over the last two weeks, I've rented and watched lots of movies, but none of them has touched me quit like this movie did.  While this movie focused on food, the universal theme was living your dream and realizing your passion.  At the same time, what struck me about this movie was the message that it's never too late.


So, here it is, January of a new decade, who's ready to live their passion?  To get involved in something they've always wanted to, but never really new how.  For me, my passion is Girls on the Run.  The mission of healthy living and self-respect for girls is something I wish I felt as a child, teen and young woman.  Now, to get the opportunity to instill that in our girls and help them find their own passion, dreams and goals, is something I'll do forever.


Stop, right now, make a list of the things you want to accomplish, of the things your passionate about, of the legacy you want to leave behind. Go ahead, make your list.  Now, look at it, what is getting in the way of you living it?  What if you could put those obstacles aside and do what made you happy?  Would you do it?  What if you new it was going to be hard, of course it is, what if you new people would question you, would you still do it?  That's what this movie was about, and you know what, both ladies did it.  They set a goal and achieved it, with immeasurable results! 


My challenge to all of you is to find your passion and LIVE IT!!!!!  There will be challenges along the way, but in the end the rewards will be so worth it!  Just look at me, I get to change lives, and 5 years ago I was an obese couch potato who had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. 

New Year, New YOU!

This year, pick a race to participate in and raise money for GOTR through SoleMates, get lots of support for event and for fundraising including your own fundraising page. What could be a  better healthier way to celebrate 2010?


www.jacogotr.org or http://www.girlsontherunsolemates.org/ (Be sure to sign up for Jackson County, Missouri)

Here's two events we're partnering with: Hospital Hill - http://www.hospitalhillrun.com/ and Rock the Park Way http://rocktheparkway.com/ or there's always New Balance Girls on the Run 5K on May 22.

"Run at your Happy Pace!"