Hear from local GOTR-STL participants, alumnae, parents, coaches and community members about why they are a Girl on the Run! Click on a picture to learn more about each unique journey to becoming a Girl on the Run!
Fiona will be the first one to tell you that “running makes me happy, when I’m stressed with homework or am getting nervous about a big test, I like to go for a run to calm down”.
Maggie Salarano is in 5th grade at the Forsyth School and she is participating in her third season of Girls on the Run St. Louis. When Maggie’s mother, Tina, signed her up for Girls on the Run a few years ago, Maggie was a bit skeptical that she could run 3.1 miles, and have fun doing it. Tina was drawn to the program after hearing Molly Barker, the founder of Girls on the Run, speak about the “girl box” and the importance of empowering girls for a lifetime of healthy living.
Natalie Myers is currently a Nutrition and Dietetics Senior at St. Louis University. Originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, Natalie is an Ottawa and Allegan Counties Girls on the Run alumna living out the mission in her studies, athletics and within her community. Her favorite activity is volunteering for the Campus Kitchen Project.
Eleanor Aronson joined Girls on the Run St. Louis in 3rd grade, where she learned that running with friends, and on a team, was fun and a good challenge.
When Emily walks into a room, her smile radiates around her. She is 100% a Girl on the Run; she believes in herself and makes others around her feel confident, empowered and capable. Despite her enthusiasm for Girls on the Run, Emily had never walked 3.1 miles consecutively before, and had some challenges to overcome throughout the Fall 2014 season.
As Mary makes the transition to college next year, she is confident that she will be able to take the values she learned through Girls on the Run with her. She hopes to continue running, explore her new campus and home by running through the area and find a new team of supportive friends.
My granddaughter has participated in Girls on the Run for the past few seasons at her school, and I love seeing her face when she talks about running. So, I decided that it was time I joined her. I started training in secret, so that I could surprise my daughter and granddaughter on November 15th!
Fiona will be the first one to tell you that “running makes me happy, when I’m stressed with homework or am getting nervous about a big test, I like to go for a run to calm down”.
Do you have a success story you would like to share with us? Please contact emilie@girlsontherunstlouis.org. We would love to share your Girls on the Run story!
