Alivia's First 5K run with GOTR

Alivia has now completed her first 5K run with Girls on the Run Nebraska! The day before Mother's Day, she ran in Lincoln for the sunny 1pm start time. It was chilly leading up to the race, but it was nearly perfect running weather once we got going. Yes, we, because I ran along side Alivia and her friend Katy.

Girls on the Run is an organization that teaches girls about issues such as anti bullying, good nutrition and the importance of exercise. Alivia really got a lot out of the program and looks forward to doing it again next year.

The event itself was fun. Many of the teams dressed in fun tutus (but can you imagine running in them?!), balloons in their hair, and fun designed Girls on the Run t-shirts. It was a fun event.

The start was staggered, but that did not seem to help much. There was maybe a 2 sidewalk width for over 2000 participants to run along. And, considering these are girls 3rd through 6th grade, they did not know enough to move to the side when walking, to no just stop right in front of someone in the middle of the street, or to perhaps not hold hands while walking (or running) 6 kiddos deep blocking the entire path. Maybe you can sense my frustrations. Alivia, Katy and I found our way around the crowds and still finished until 30 minutes! Quite impressive for a couple of 8 year olds!

Now, Alivia wants to run another 5k, so she is continuing to run. Yeah for Alivia! She did an awesome job, and I am just glad she picked up one of my better habits. :)