Fresh!

Fall 2010 Enrollment: Online registration runs from Sept. 18 through Sept 25, and is being conducted by GOTR NOVA, which coordinates the program for schools. To register, go to www.girlsontherunofnova between 10 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 18 and 7 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 25. You will be able to select a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday team option. Once you've registered, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you, but that does not guarantee acceptance. There is a 20-girl maximum per team. Louise Archer fields three teams, for a total of 60 slots. If our program is oversubscribed, GOTR NOVA will select participants through a lottery. If undersubscribed, then registration will remain open through Oct. 1, with a $25 late fee. The standard cost is $165 and will be paid directly to GOTR NOVA. Need-based aid is available. A nominal additional fee will be charged by the Louise Archer PTA, and it will be collected in cash on the first day of the session.

Fall 2010 Program Dates: The fall session is tentatively scheduled to begin on Mon., Oct. 4, and will run for 10 weeks through Thurs., Dec. 16. Teams meet on the playground field behind the school from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The culminating 5K will be held on Sat., Dec. 4. More information will be available later.

Our Mission: To educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

Girls on the Run® is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls in grades 3 – 5 (or 6). The program combines training for a 5k (3.1 mile) running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the program are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, and physical development. The program uses an innovative and fun curriculum designed exclusively for pre-teen girls to address specific life skills through the use of games, warm-ups and workouts.  

Girls on the Run® meets in groups of up to 20 participants, twice weekly for a one-hour session to prepare for and complete the 5k. Louse Archer can field up to three teams depending on the number of girls that register.  

Girls on the Run® participants explore the importance of being physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. They examine body image issues, stereotyping and discriminatory behaviors, as well as the importance of maintaining a realistic and healthy view of themselves.

Girls on the Run® concludes with the 5k that includes all the Northern Virginia GOTR girls. GOTR recommends that each girl have a partner (“buddy”) to run with them, so this is a great opportunity for you or another adult to join her in the successful conclusion to her season. A link to register as a buddy will be on our website once registration begins (www.girlsontherunofnova.org). For non-runner families, GOTR will try to provide a volunteer buddy runner to safely escort your daughter across the finish line.