Girls on the Run and Fleet Feet Sports

 

There are lots of words to describe runners: fast, slow, crazy, dedicated. They can also join together for a cause. Last fall local runners tracked their mileage for Louisville Fleet Feet Sports store to win a grant from Saucony (a running and fitness company) for Girls on the Run Louisville chapter. The donation, $2,500 was recently given to Girls on the Run. The runners and store was in the top 4 out of over 100 other Fleet Feet Sports stores.

 

The challenge was in September of last year. With 1 in 3 children overweight in America, Saucony and Fleet Feet Stores across the nation teamed up for Saucony Run4Good to create awareness and grants for community youth running programs. The challenge has been going for 7 years, but this was the first year an app was available to count the mileage. The challenge occurs every year during National Childhood Obesity Month - September.

 

With the app, runners can track their mileage year around.  From Running USA's article, "When a monthly predetermined mileage goal is reached by the app community, Saucony will double its donation to selected youth running programs featured monthly, inspiring individual runners to both unite over their passion for running and combat the childhood obesity epidemic. Please visit http://scny.co/RUN4GOODvideo for a video on the Saucony Run4Good app." You do not have to enter a race or even donate any money - just log some miles!

 

 Fleet Feet Sports Louisville is located at 2239 Taylorsville Road. Besides being a store, Fleet Feet hosts a weekly running group and free injury screenings periodically as posted on their Facebook page. They also send out a newsletter to stay up-to-date on their events and sales. January 31 to February 2, they are having a Winter Apparel Blowout with up to 60% off.

 

Girls on the Run is a nationwide program for girls in grades third through fifth at participating schools that teaches them about healthy living while training for a 5K race. This is a 12 week program offered during both the fall and spring semesters. They are currently looking for 10 coaches for their spring program to be started on February 17th. Louisville has over 20 sites for their Spring 2014 season! If you are unable to coach, consider becoming a Derby Solemate. Fundraise a minimum of $150 (cost of one girl for the program) for your Derby mini/marathon race.

 

Great job local runners! Let's repeat this in September! Grab your running shoes and start logging some miles!