On your mark, get set, grow
Today many young girls struggle in navigating the social pressures of adolescence. Burdened by countless cultural and stereotypical standards, preteen girls often lack the resources they need to weather society’s confusing messages. The Girls on the Run (GOTR) program at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC is teaching girls not to run away from their problems, but to sprint toward a bigger, brighter future.
An affiliate chapter of Girls on the Run International, GOTR at Magee was established in 2001. Since its introduction, over 4,000 girls throughout seven counties in western Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland) have been given the opportunity to recognize and achieve their full potential through running.
Divided into two age groups, grades third through fifth and six through eighth, the GOTR and Girls on Track programs focus on the issues important to each group in making the often overwhelming transition into the teenage years.
 According to GOTR at Magee coordinator, Meredith Colaizzi, the main focus of this program is not just on physical activity. The mission of GOTR is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.
To the left: Meredith and her sister, Lauren, run the 2009 Spirit of Pittsburgh Half Marathon
“Girls on the Run is more than a race to the finish, it is about setting goals and accomplishing them. Our sessions encourage the positive emotional, social, mental, and physical development of these young girls,” said Meredith.
This 12-week program combines a 24-lesson curriculum with warm-ups and workouts designed to address “girl box” issues such as body image, coping with stress, and peer pressure.
At each site, coaches lead 75-minute sessions, twice a week designed to help girls handle tough situations as well as encourage them to embrace a positive life, self-image, and values. Running drills and games help girls build endurance and strength while also preparing them to complete a 5K (3.1 mile) event at the end of the program.
“One of the most rewarding parts of being involved with Girls on the Run is seeing changes in these girls no matter how big or small from day one to day twenty-four. Watching them develop a confidence within themselves and their running, along with a physical athleticism makes it all worthwhile,” stated Meredith.
Meredith attributes much of the program’s success to the compassion and dedication of the coaches at each site.
“Having these positive female role models really allows the Girls on the Run program to specifically treat the needs of young girls and be sensitive to their issues. Our coaches have experienced the same issues that a lot of these young girls are facing. The girls look up to their instructors and want to be just like them,” said Meredith.
 It is this positive and supportive environment that keeps girls coming back year after year. “This year alone, the program has seen a twelve percent increase in participation and we have seen a lot of repeat runners. With four new sites this fall, the program is constantly growing and expanding,” said Meredith.
To the right: Meredith and niece, Bella, watch the Ironman in Louisville, KY in July of 2009.
Last year, the GOTR 5K event was held at Sandcastle Waterpark. Nearly 1,000 runners participated including GOTR program participants and community members. Supporters came to cheer on runners as they completed this two-loop course, and nearly 100 volunteers helped make the event a success. A post race celebration with games, entertainment, and goodies from sponsors provided the girls with an opportunity to revel in their achievements.
This year’s GOTR 5k event will be held on May 16th at Sandcastle Waterpark. The family friendly event is open to the community to participate and volunteer. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Meredith Colaizzi at mcolaizzi@magee.edu.
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