In my post about community, I revealed that I will be running the Ragnar Relay DC to support Girls on the Run DC.  Well, its official now!  I’m running with 11 new friends to support this amazing non-profit.  I first heard of GOTR through the DC Rollergirls.  I volunteered with DCRG to cheer and monitor a 5k run by the organization.  I’ve been looking for a way to be involved but unfortunately my work and travel schedule do not allow me to participate at the times and consistency that they need.  I saw on their website that there is an adult running team, SoleMates, who support of GOTR through charity runs, and happen to be looking for Ragnar participants. I have wanted to do a relay like this for years!  I want to run Hood to Coast, I tried to join a Ragnar trail team, all of these have not worked out for me.  I have no idea what to expect, so I did not want to captain, but most of my friends are in the same boat.  So, I signed up for SoleMates.

GOTR DC serves all eight wards in the district, which is very important!  Approximately 1800 girls participate, from elementary school running clubs to middle school track clubs.  In addition to learning about running, being active, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle, GOTR teaches about leadership, approaching life and decision making with intention, to stand up for oneself and others, to nurture physical, emotional and spiritual health, and more.  It is a system level approach to life that builds confidence in the girls.

Contributions made in support of SoleMates are incredibly important to the organization.  All of the donations that I help raise, will go directly to the girls. 70% of the participants require some sort of financial assistance.  Wards 7 & 8 have approximately 40-50% children living in poverty- ref here.  Donations made through my page will allow girls that live in poverty to learn confidence and how to effectively use their voice to advocate for themselves and their peers.  Please consider donating through my page: Viva la run!

I will be documenting my training, progress, team events and the likes with tag #vivalarun

In case you missed it- Donate Here: https://www.raceplanner.com/donate/Viva-la-Run