Next Race - Let's GO!

The next full marathon that I run will be the Rock N Roll marathon here in San Diego on Sunday June 6th, 2010. This race holds a very special place in my heart! The Rock N Roll Marathon (RNR Marathon) was my first full marathon in June 2005, was my PR (personal record) race in June 2008, was my PR race in June 2009, AND .. was my first opportunity to race as a quasi celebrity.

Foot Locker Challenge Team 2009

I ran this race last year as a part of the Foot Locker Challenge team (more about this on my blog "Marathon #10 - Check!). It was an awesome opportunity and experience, and made this race so much more special to me. I really love San Diego and think that this course is ideal. Great weather, a mostly flat course, a view of the city, and the beach - what more can you ask for??

This year I will be running for a reason - to support Girls on the Run San Diego. (My fundraising page. )  As most of you know, I am a coach for GOTR! I started coaching last fall, and I am now serving my second season as head coach in Carmel Valley. I have also recently joined the GOTRSD Board of Directors, as well as the Marketing team. I can't say enough good things about GOTR. There are few things in my life where my efforts result in a direct impact in someone's LIFE. I now understand why people become teachers... But seriously, I have seen how this program and the efforts of my great team of coaches has improved the lives of young girls. How do I know this? Well their mom's tell me!

Girls on the Run Fall 5K

 

I have received sooo many emails from the girls' mothers sharing ways in which the program has impacted their daughters in a positive way. It really just amazes me. Knowing that I am one small piece in each girls life that has made her world a better place is such a rewarding thing for me, and I only have GOTR to thank for this. The funny thing is that this program is not about ME or any of the other coaches, but I know that it has impacted our lives as well.

Girls Showing "Confident Poses"

Stretching Before a Run

 

For my next marathon I'm fundraising for GOTR to help bring this program to areas of the city that have girls who can't afford the program. Normally this program has a fee associated with it. The fee covers a variety of things - tshirts, water bottles, fees to use track facilities, entrance into the 5k, snacks, the curriculum, etc.

Making Healthy Snacks

 Ants on a Log

Sadly though, not every girl has the opportunity to participate in a program that charges a fee. I'm fundraising for GOTR to help bring this incredible program to areas of San Diego where this program is most needed for its young girls! But sadly this program (without your support) might not be affordable.

 Girls Drawings of their Positive Selves

 Listing Attributes of a Strong Girl

 

Please help me raise money for GOTR. Your donation will be well purposed.

http://www.active.com/donate/SoleMates2010/monikool

- Monika

(PS - excuse any typos! The spell check button is hiding on my blog editor!)