THE FINAL 5

Girls on the Run is an after-school program that teaches girls to be strong and confident. It gives a support system during a critical age of development, enabling young females to take control of their feelings and bodies, using running as an outlet.

This spring was my second season of being a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run. We train for 6 weeks in preparation for a 5k finale run. We meet twice a week to eat a healthy sack, run and play games. We work on critical skills such as cooperation, listening, and being a good friend during these sessions as well.

The following images are from the 5k, held at Heagle Park in Hailey, ID. Goodie was a sponsor, which was most apparent at the Happy Hair station. Girls (and coaches) painted, clipped, braided and wrapped their hair with all sorts of colorful accessories to celebrate the 5k run.

As far as my training is concerned I am still logging the long hours, living life and loving it. 2o hours this week, 24 next and my Sorrel is ready to eat in my garden. I am one of the luckiest kids in the world.

Sisters, Tara and Tess help each other get dolled up

Leaving my fate in the hands of one of the girls

Ella (GOTR) with brother Gill, one of my 5th graders

Danielle and Savannah strike a pose, just before the start

Alexa, women's winner, coming across the line

Alyssa, our first Ketchum GOTR finisher, bringing it home

Everyone was #1 on this day (notice the bibs)

101

Ketchum, ID - My hundred and first post, with the new year well on its way. We are still grooming up past Galena (Horse Creek) and running in shorts down in town. The single-track is drying out, so there are new trails open each day. We had some solid rainy days, which has led to tons of flowers, buds on the trees and lots of green to come! I even got an afternoon of thunder, which is an eastern characteristic that I miss terribly.

I have been coaching Girls on the Run again this spring and our final 5k race is this coming Saturday, May 16th.

Other than getting dolled up for The Derby (Billy Cook, pictured, won big on Mind The Bird), I have been putting in some solid hours.

M - 4x4 L4 run intervals, strength
T - Easy 1:15 run + 1:15 spin
W - 2hr ski w/ video work, strength
H - 2:15 run
F - 3x7m L3 FS roll intervals, strength
S - Off
U - 2:30 run

Oh, and I planted my garden today, yay! Of course we leave for Bend Camp on the 19th, so it will probably die while I am away. No roommate yet to water the poor little guys. Stay tuned for their fate.