Congratulations to Lillie, winner of the Secret Essay contest for Girls on the Run participants.  All Girls on the Run participants had the opportunity to submit an essay to answer "What Makes You Fearless?".  There were only 10 winners from across the country!  We are very proud of Lillie!  Enjoy her poem!


Why are you running, Lillie?

Anxiety is gray, the color of a terrible wait.
But before the starting gun I have orange energy.

Sadness is the sight of dark clouds, hovering when I am alone.
But when I run, the sky clears and the wind is in my hair.

Stress is the sound of biting my nails.
But when I run, my feet are fast, and I forget I was mad.

Fear smells like smoke, filling my lungs.
But when I run, I am strong in the cool fresh air.

Worry tastes of pennies, salty and hard.
But when I run, I am satisfied; I only crave quickness.

Tension feels like prickly grass, itchy and irritating.
But when I run, I feel smooth and my friends are beside me.

I am running away from doubt.
And I see confidence at the finish line.

Welcome to Girls on the Run of the DFW Metroplex - a life-changing, non-profit prevention program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade.  Our mission is "to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living."

Girls on the Run combines training for a 5K (3.1 miles) running event with healthy living education.  Our programs instill self-esteem through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships, and physical training - all of which are accomplished through an active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff and the community.

Girls on the Run of the DFW Metroplex is an Independent Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 150 locations across the United States and Canada.

Thank you for visiting the Girls on the Run of the DFW Metroplex website.  We hope this website provides you with all the information you will need about this exciting program.  As you explore our website, please be sure to sign up for our free on-line newsletter and check out our current up-coming events for opportunities to get involved.  Girls on the Run of the DFW Metroplex includes the counties of Dallas, Tarrant, Rockwall, Collin, and Denton.   If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us and we will get back to you with answers as soon as possible.

The Good News...

• Girls who participate in physical activities are 40% less likely to smoke, have higher levels of self-esteem, better body images, and lower levels of depression.
• Girls who have experienced emotional trauma respond positively to physical fitness programs.
• Girls who participate in physical activities are less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior during adolescence.
• Girls who participate in physical exercise have better relationships with parents, get better grades, are less likely to use drugs and are less depressed than girls who don’t.

To start a program in your area click here for site application.  Finalized applications for the Fall 2010 season are due August 13, 2010. However, if you are interested in coaching, get started now, contact Janette Steinheimer at 972-849-4668.