1. What if my daughter is not a "runner" or does not like running? The name “Girls on the Run” can be deceiving. Girls on the Run is about trying your best, whether you are walking, jogging or running. Our program is completely non-competitive and designed for girls of ALL fitness levels. Girls are encouraged to continue moving through the games that reinforce the topic being discussed for the day. We provide an encouraging atmosphere where girls can feel comfortable just being themselves and going “their” speed. |
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2. Is it safe for young girls to run the 5K (3.1 mile) distance? "Children's bodies are well suited for endurance exercise, and numerous studies have shown that children show many positive physiological adaptation to endurance exercise training. The keys are gradual progression and common-sense adult supervision. If those conditions are met, running 3 miles is a reasonable goal for most young people."
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3. How old does my daughter have to be to participate? Girls need to be between the ages of 8 and 12 years old and/or in 3rd through 5th grade. |
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The program fee for Girls on the Run Sonoma County is $130 per session. |
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5. What does the program fee include? This includes:
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Rain will not prevent participants from meeting. GOTR coaches will let the girls know where to meet. |
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All Girls on the Run coaches are volunteers that have been trained by the Girls on the Run director and are CPR certified. They are school faculty, parents, and community members that are dedicated to encouraging and mentoring the girls throughout the season. |
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8. Can my daughter participate at a school she does not attend? Currently, only students of Hidden Valley Elementary School in Santa Rosa can attend that Girls on the Run site. However, in the future we would like to help a girl find an existing team to join if Girls on the Run is not available at her school, as long as she has transportation. Please contact us for assistance. |
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9. Does it cost extra to participate in the 5K Celebration at the end of the session? No, the 5K race fee is included in the registration fee. |
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10. Do we have to attend the 5K Celebration Event at the end of the session? The community 5K is not a requirement; however, it is a HUGE accomplishment that all of the girls have trained during the season for and are able to complete. All girls complete an in-class 5K and are prepared for the community race. This is a great opportunity for family, friends, and other GOTRs to support and encourage each other in a celebration of what they have accomplished during the season. |
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11. How do I start a program at my daughter's school? Please refer to our “New Locations” section. |
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12. Can my daughter repeat the program? Yes!! Each of our curricula was designed to be used over and over again, with girls new to the program and with girls repeating the program. We also know that what a child experiences and learns in Girls on the Run as a third grader is quite different from what she learns as a fourth or fifth grader. With repetition the depths of learning and the ability of a girl to apply what she learns at each lesson is greater. Within GOTR, we alternate between two curriculum each year, so our girls experience similar topics with different games and activities from one year to the next. And with that experience from one year to the next, returning girls often naturally step into mentoring and leadership roles with the younger girls. |
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13. How many times is the program offered during the year? Girls on the Run Sonoma County is offered twice a year. The spring season runs from the beginning of March through mid-May and the fall season runs from September through November. These are two separate seasons so girls need to register for each season. |
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14. Why is the number of participants limited? We find that our teams are most effective with 8 to 15 girls. Much of the GOTR curriculum is designed to build team dynamics among the girls. Teams must have at least 8 girls in order for the activities in each lesson to be effective and yet we also need to ensure the size of the group is manageable for our coaches. Because we also want each girl to contribute to our conversations during each lesson, we are committed to keeping the groups to a reasonable size. If sites have more than 15 girls who want to join the program, they may be considered for multiple teams if space and resources allow. |
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15. When are registrations accepted? Registrations will be accepted until a site is full or until the third week of the program (whichever comes first). |
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16. What should my daughter wear and bring to the sessions? Your daughter should wear and bring the following:
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17. Can I observe or help my daughter's group? You are welcome to observe the group from a distance; however, no adults will be allowed to participate with the group, help out, or have close contact with the girls unless they have completed a background check and commit to being a team member. Coaches will be available after the first session to meet you and answer any questions. We are committed to our participants and their safety so if you ever have any questions or concerns you may always contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about the program. |
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Frequently asked questions:
