Rain, Rain, Go Away!

I am really looking forward to participating in my first Girls in the Run event tomorrow, the Squeez'd 5k!  I will be paired with a student from Shields Middle School as her running buddy.   This race is the accumulation of the program and is their big event. And as much as I hate princess culture, I would be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit excited about tiara decorating.  

So all this rain needs to go away!!

At Girls on the Run (GOTR), we believe that running makes you feel good - happy, healthy, and filled with possibility! The Squeez'd Girls on the Run 5k Presented by Mariano's is the perfect opportunity to discover your potential and find out why "Girls on the Run is so much fun!" All runners are welcome to participate in GOTR cheers, face painting and tiara decorating, in addition to a great post-5k festival that features food, activities and sponsor giveaways!

The Squeez'd Girls on the Run 5k Presented by Mariano's is a family-friendly event and fun run. It is open to the public. Girls who are currently participating in the program are already registered for the 5k. All finishers receive “woo hoos!” and the admiration of numerous spectators, but runners are not timed nor are awards given. Everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner!

I'm 1% away from my quarter point in my fundraising goal!!   Help make it happen!!  Donate here!

It begins!

Marathon training has officially started!   With a couple of blah runs as I get back into the swing of it, but with super awesome new pink shoes!

I choose the pink shoe for a couple of reasons.  Neon pink to remind me 1) to run happy and 2) of my purpose.    Although this is my third marathon, it will be my first as a charity runner.     I will be running for  Girls on the Run Chicago.  I'm nervous.  Not about the running, but about the fundraising aspect.   I've never been good at asking for money.   Actually, I've never really been good at promoting or selling anything.   Also, I've never really felt strongly enough about an organization to try to raise money.   As a professional female in a male dominated corporate environment, I have struggled in my education and in my career.   I am now passionate about helping young women find the confidence they need to excel and succeed in whatever their dreams may be.  GOTR is a perfect fit (but more on that later).

I decided to start this blog to aid in my fundraising effort and to document this new experience and incredible journey.  Hopefully, it will be informative, mildly entertaining and not too snarky.

Today I leave you with the pink power shoes.  Every journey begins with a single step.

Have a dollar to spare?  No amount is too small.  Donate to GOTR here!