Dubuque Girls Running Program - DGRP

Flashback to what was honestly one of my favorite days in my entire life! DGRP changed my life because of each little heart I was able to be a part of. In the 8 weeks I was fortunate to spend with the girls, they became a part of my family. I remember every single session very well and often think back to how proud I am in how far they came as well as how blown away I was by the level of support from the parents and running community. This past Spring, due to a lot of work travel and wedding planning, I was not able to do a DGRP session (I just couldn't hand it off either because SO much goes into the self esteem part of the program as well--although not directly apparent). This summer, I will happily be hosting runs and meet-ups for DGRP so make sure your girls are being active so they can show me how they have continued to improve! Also, it is in writing so share this mid-June, if you need! With today being THE Boston Marathon, I hope every girl on the course knows what it means to 'Run like a girl!'

I am still on cloud nine with happiness and pride of the girls' successes at the 5k yesterday! I put so much thought into strategically pairing the adult runners with their DGRP girls based on pace and personality. I think there were some new best friends made on the trail yesterday! I am elated that now everyone knows that for the last 8 weeks when I told them how awesome these girls are, they have no doubt that it is the truth! I tried to have a picture of every pairing in this album so tag yourself if I missed it! Also, please feel free to download and share any of the 600 amazing photos Amber Bettcher took yesterday. The Dropbox link is here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rh516jgfrppo72w/AABOUcKPMSzP8GLdx-f-BwcAa?dl=0 :null-IMG_6011.JPG

Parents, please check out the great video captured of today's events by TH Media! More to come later! Thank you all for such a wonderful morning! I promised the TH and all the partners of the runners that they would have a good time and be inspired and your girls made sure that happened!

Run Like a Girl Britney Hermsen founder of the Dubuque Girl's Running Club discusses her Run Like a Girl 5k and how it benefits local girls in Dubuque through promoting fitness and building self-confidence.

Hoppy Friday all! Tonight I spent my evening preparing for an exciting day tomorrow at DGRP! 90 eggs prepared with a fun surprise for SIXTY runners! I still can't believe I was crazy enough to tell the girls to each bring a friend but we will all have a ton of fun! Can't wait to see everyone in the morning! I'll be in the lot off Pennsylvania! Remember a water bottle!

I got exactly what I wanted for my birthday from the DGRP girls: their presenCE! Last week, we had a lot of fun dancing and goofing around with a game on Tuesday that incorporated self-esteem building (parents might have heard the chant about the circus all night, sorry!). Then on Saturday, Tammy Hoffer Kallback helped us among SEVERAL other amzaing helpers including my mom who surprised me, Emily Cory, GInny Fens, Jody Schultz, Jenni Walters, and Abbie Nilles! We used a parachute, did speed ladders, and a relay rac with Easter eggs! This week's locations will be e-mailed later today and there is a SURPRISE for Saturday so read the e-mail carefully!