It is evening now as I write. Everything is quiet. I am only slightly distracted by purring cats who’d like some quality time with me. They’ve curled up on the couch now. They’ll be just fine.

I am back from Chapel Hill, and still on fire after participating in the Girls on the Run 5K. The UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont was the gathering location.

Girls from all over the Triangle show up celebrate all they have accomplished so far in the program.

I am a running buddy to a participant in training.

Madeline is just seven years old. Not quite old enough to join, but she is planning on it!

Her 9 year old siter is in Girls On the Run. She races with her friends from Durham Academy and her dad.

The course is 3 miles. That’s a long way for a seven year old to be sure, but Madeline completed the race with me.

She was a delight! This little girl took off like a bullet, just as soon as she heard the word, go.

Thankfully, we would soon find a more reasonable rhythm. For Madeline and me, it was a “race” that included giggling, griping, piggy-back riding and an exuberant sprint across the finish line.

I can say with certainty that Madeline hasn’t put herself in the “Girl Box”. No. The Girl Box is described as that dark place that previously happy, confident girls go at about the time of fifth grade. There is a good deal of evidence and research to support this. Girls on the Run was founded because of the changes girls weather during those turbulent teen years.

I see Madeline’s face in my head as I blog… that infectious giggle..that bouncing pony tail spray painted green and purle. I believe that Madeline believes she can do anything. How amazing is that? That’s Girls on the Run.. a program worth getting up for on an early Saturday morning.

If you’d like to find out more about what Girls on the Run is all about please visit our website:

www.gotrtriangle.com