Transitions... Part Two

This past weekend probably makes the books as one of the top five best trips with a team since I've been coaching. On our packing list along with extra socks and gloves was: enthusiasm, a positive attitude and the fun(k). (Either is acceptable). And the team delivered! The ride there was fun--the energy was high and the mood was right. Come race day, I couldn't have asked for a better showing at the end of the season. We hit some awesome lifetime PR's---and some very close to them. Not everyday can be a PR day---but it was spectacular!

Before we began, I shared a prayer with the team that was written by a colleague at Saint Mary's. Her words were so fitting for our team, and I want to share those words here...

Lord, help us to remember that nothing is going to happen today that we cannot handle together.

May there be a peace and grace within us, and may we trust that we are exactly where we are meant to be.

You have blessed us, God, with the gift of friendships, true friendships, and we thank you for that blessing.

May your love continue to be above us, for strength... beneath us, for support...

before us, for guidance...and behind us, for protection.

 As we go out today, remind us that we do not go alone.

As we go out, remind us that we go with a mission.

 As we go out, fill us with love, hope, and peace to share with the world.

Amen



Upon returning from our trip, I felt many things. Excited, happy, sad, nostalgic, and thankful for the chance to share such wonderful memories with this team. I look at the women I coach and am constantly smiling. I love to see what this team has brought to each of them---and what each of them has brough to the team.

So my transition period continued on Sunday as I attended the Girls on the Run Michiana 5k for our two current sites: Christ the King and North Point. I loved that these two events took place in the same weekend, because it was such a visualization of the direction of where these little girls are headed because of an organization like Girls on the Run. It will provide them with the opportunity to become the strong, bold, loving college women that I have the honor to work with on a daily basis--and make a positive impact in our world.

The 5k was a blast! I was able to 'borrow' a buddy for the race. Here is this young spirit, full of enthusiasm and pushing the boundaries of her little body. She was spectacular with her cheeks flushed from working hard---and so polite along the way, thanking me everything I affirmed her actions. It was spectacular to see the 25 girls, finishing at their own pace, and in their own fashion. As I cheered them in to the finish, I loved the look on their faces---some happy, some straining, some looking like one more step might be too many. Once they crossed the line though--they all shared the expression that makes running so pure--Elation! The sense of accomplishment that comes from crossing that finish line---whether it is their first 5k or someone's 20th marathon---it's always the same. You see it in their eyes:  

Pride. Joy. Awe....Relief!

This is why we run.

This is why Girls on the Run is a great gift to give to someone.

It enables young girls to work hard and see their efforts come to fruition through that finish line

(and oh ya...they learn a bunch of amazing things about themselves along the way...)