Program helps girls learn about healthy lifestyles

Girls on the Run-McHenry County, a new community not-for-profit organization, is an after-school program that uses the power of running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

Through interactive activities such as running and playing games and discussing important issues such as bullying, gossip and healthy life choices, participants learn to celebrate being girls.

GOTRMC is starting Girls on the Run councils this fall at two Crystal Lake locations. Councils will begin the week of Sept. 3 at Woodscreek Park Mondays and Wednesdays, and Lippold Park Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program begins at 4 p.m. and meets twice a week for 10 weeks.

GOTRMC is for girls in third through fifth grades. Families can register online at www.mchenrycounty gotr.org or call (847) 421-7581 to request a registration form.

Registration forms also can be found at The Running Depot, Healthbridge Fitness Center and the New Balance Store in Crystal Lake.

During the 10-week program the girls train to participate in a local 5K event.

Laurie Dayon, council director, decided to start Girls on the Run in McHenry County because "though there are many activities for our young girls to participate in, very few focus on her overall well-being. There are too many pressures for these girls to look or act a certain way, to be in 'the girl box,' and we want to shatter that box at GOTRMC."

There are many opportunities for the community to be involved with GOTRMC. Volunteers and Running Buddies -- adult women who run/walk in the 5K event with a GOTR participant -- are needed for the fall 2007 and spring 2008 sessions.

If interested in volunteering, being a Running Buddy or starting a GOTRMC council in your neighborhood, contact Laurie Dayon at (847) 421-7581 or ldayon@foxvalley.net.