We are kicking off 2024 by honoring our Heart & Sole coaches from this past fall season! These amazing coaches went above and beyond for their team, and we are so grateful to them! Thank you, Annabelle, Benjamin and Breanna! 

For some of these coaches, it was their first season with Girls on the Run! One coach described it as "[an amazing adventure in so many ways] – from seeing the girls grow in friendship, community, and confidence to endurance and running ability. I feel very fortunate to have been able to pour into these girls as a supporter and encourager of their bright futures!" And if they had to describe GOTR in just three words, they said: "Energizing, gratifying, and fun!" 

At the end-of-season 5K this Fall, all the coaches were incredibly supportive and encouraging to all their girls. Maya, a GOTR Puget Sound staff member, attended their 5K and said this about the coaches: "Two coaches ran the entire time with their team, and when one girl was feeling overwhelmed and wasn't sure if she could finish the 5K, the coaches comforted her and encouraged her to do what she felt was right. In the end, they all completed the 5K together and celebrated, it was so heartwarming!"  

Breanna, one of the Heart & Sole coaches, shared that her favorite moment from the season was the 5K. She shared that they had three girls running at their own pace and they all crossed the finish line together at the end of the run. "Their teamwork, determination, and tenacity were inspiring for their coaches and parents alike. I'm so proud of 'my girls!'" Breanna concluded.  

Heart & Sole is the Girls on the Run middle school program designed to meet the unique needs of 6th through 8th graders of all abilities. The program considers the whole person – body, brain, heart, spirit, and social connection. Heart & Sole offers an inclusive place of belonging, where participants feel supported and inspired to explore their emotions, cultivate empathy and strengthen their physical and emotional health. Learn more about Heart & Sole here.