A run to remember

PORTER COUNTY | Girls on the Run is a not-for-profit program that encourages pre-teen girls in third, fourth and fifth grades to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The Porter County Parks and Recreation is offering this program in the Valparaiso and Chesterton areas Sunset Hill Farms.

Molly Barker developed Girls on the Run in 1996 in Charlotte, N.C., to offer that support system and provide a team atmosphere where pre-teen girls could learn and grow.

Girls train for a 5K running event using workouts that enhance self-esteem. The curriculum addresses girls' physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being.

Sara Grassmeyer, Wellness Coordinator for Porter County Parks and Recreation, is one of the coaches for the team, along with Jenna Martin.

"Girls will learn how to positively reflect on themselves, stand up to peer pressure, and learn their role in the community through a community impact project," Grassmeyer said. "Let's not forget the most exciting part - the girls will learn all of these lessons while training for a 5K race. We will cover the basics of exercise and teamwork and learn important strategies to become healthy, active girls."

The team will meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Every lesson begins with an ice-breaking game that will encourage participation and interaction. The team then warms up and begins the workout portion, which includes running games and exercise activities that will build up endurance and fitness in preparation for the 5K.

At the end of each session, the team will vote on one participant to win the Energy Award, which is given at every class to a girl who exhibits a positive attitude.

The cost of the program is $85. The fee includes registration for the 5K race that is May 19 in Highland and a T-shirt.

Jill Schleuter-Kim, Girls on the Run of Northwest Indiana council director, said she was excited to see the program introduced in the Valparaiso area.

Space for this program is limited. To register, call Aara Grassmeyer at (219) 707-8281 or sgrassmeyer@porterco.org