Girls on the Run 5K

I ran a 5K...and I am proud to say it was my slowest one yet! I really enjoy running, but as I get older, I want to find ways to give back to the sport that has given to me. Enter the Girls on the Run Sparkle Run. Girls on the Run is a nationwide organization that uses running to build emotional, mental, physical and social health for girls. When a coworker told me about the opportunity to be a "Sparkle runner" running buddy and pace a girl through the race, I was sold.

Packet pickup was really easy. Look at these great tanks we got! The organization provided multiple days for packet pickup and I was in and out in minutes. Way to go!

I wanted to truly sparkle for this run, so I gave myself a pink sparkly manicure and pedicure. I also bought some face and body glitter to share. (Amy Haas of Race Across the States sold me on this stuff.)

The race start was slow because man, there were a lot of girls (and buddies)! I think every girl that ran had a buddy, and this race was for girls in Maricopa and Pinal counties, two of the biggest counties in Arizona. The announcers did a good job of starting us in waves. My girl wanted to walk and run, so that is what we did. It was a bit hot out and the first water table was not until about one mile in. That was a bit far for her. The cheer squads were great, though. So many people were out with posters and costumes.

I encouraged my girl to run over the finish line, and that we did! We finished in just under 45:00 according to my watch. People passed out water and Gatorade just past the finish line-needed due to the hot weather.

All in all, this was a great experience, and one I definitely recommend. Next time, I will just come a little more prepared for lots of people and hot temperatures. I could also up my sparkle game. I mean, people had not just face glitter, but hair glitter, and tutus!