A few years ago I started running. One of the first races I ran was a Girls on the Run race. From that moment I was hooked. I was determined to bring this program to my school. I worked hard to convince the powers that be that this was a worthwhile endeavor.
I began coaching when my youngest daughter was in 3rd grade. I could see the different it made to her at that young age and knew it had to continue.
To say that Girls on the Run has changed my life is an understatement. I have poured my heart and soul into this program. I am better every day because of this program.
This spring I was asked to help with a video to promote GOTR. To say that I was honored and humbled is an understatement! Not only did they want me but they wanted my daughter…the one who started the ball rolling! To hear how the program has affected her brought me to tears. It is difficult to put into words the depth and breath of the changes this program has brought to the girls I have coached, my own daughters and to me. This directors of the video have found a way to take my heart and put it on film. I could not be more proud.
We held a screening last week for the girls and I wrote about seeing this for the first time with them here.
Author: Kristine Binder
Spring
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| The start of the day |
I didn’t write a recap of my Nashville half. I started and will finish it eventually but I had to write this one now…while it is still fresh in my head.
The Chicagoland Spring Half and Full was Sunday. I did not prepare well enough. I was mentally and physically not ready but I decided to give it a go and try. I got all my things laid out the night before and packed my race bag. I carb loaded and hydrated and prayed.
Sunday morning I got up and got the the car. I was running a bit late and then hit traffic…who thinks there will be traffic at 6am on a Sunday?! I got to the site and parked in plenty of time. Within minutes my running buddy showed up and we started race prep. We met up with some others from our group, found the potty and then headed to the start. There were 5 of us from my running ‘family’ and one soon to be new member. All of us, with the exception of one, were running the 1/2…one of us was FULL on crazy. We would start together. Starting the race with the friends was like going home for the holidays. So familiar yet a little stressful. The first few miles we all stuck together. It was really so comfortable and felt good. A good pace and good conversation. I watched as my buddy Dan slapped each mile marker with glee and people commented on my buddy Steve’s shirt. I felt like the happy middle sister.
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| #tutulady finished! |
At mile 4 everyone had to make a pit stop. For once I was good and just kept chugging along. I knew they would catch me soon enough. As I ran, people commented on my tutu. One young man started to keep pace with me and began to talk to me. Brad (I eventually asked his name) was running his first marathon and was a little unsure of himself. We talked of running and other things. Life looks a bit different though the eyes of the young. We got each other through mile 5 and our courses diverged. The scenery was glorious and I was feeling good. The sounds of my breathing and the water rushing under the damn invigorated my running.
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| Love my running family! |
I ran alone for miles 6 and 7 and soon in mile 8 my Friends caught up with me again.
Each race I run I ask people if they would like a mile dedicated to them. This race I didn’t. This race was for my Girls on the Run. I was wearing a new tutu made by my girls and friends. Each person tied a wish, a hope, and/or a dream on the tutu so as I ran I thought of my girls…all their wishes, dreams and prayers…and felt light.
After the water stop, about mile 9 our group came upon another young man, Jason. He was also running his first marathon and was not looking too good. I started running next to him and realized that he had no energy. I pulled out and Acellgel, opened if and squeezed it into his mouth. I gave him some water from my belt as we kept moving forward. Within a few minutes, his color returned and then he was off leaving us in the dust.
We were heading into the final miles and I was feeling good. The group stayed together and just kept shifting positions. We were doing a bit more walking at this point and at the big bridge between miles 10 and 11 only one of us ran and bridge…and it was NOT me!
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| Someone needed toilet paper at mile 20 |
Last water stop and a long stretch ahead and I was meeting my buddy Dan step for step. We were putting one foot in front of the other and closing in on the finish.
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| Celebrating a multihmarathoner! |
I started to fall a bit behind at the last hill just before mile 13. I was losing my energy and my legs were feeling like lead. Heading around the building to the finish I lost my breath. I could not breathe due to the smell of the fresh mulch. I was gasping and feeling defeated. My head was telling me to quit….and then the voice shifted…”Just Breathe”. I could hear my yoga teacher’s voice clear as day in my head. I just had to slow my mind and breathe and I could finish. “Just breathe” was mantra for that last part of the race until I crossed that finish line. I saw my friends cross the line and knew I was next. I could do it. I was going to finish…and I did!
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| Spring has sprung! |
After we got our medals and some food, we stretched a bit took MANY photos and decided to head out to ‘chase’ our friend running the full. We met, ran, cheered, encouraged, supported her and other runners in several spots for the final miles. we waited for her at mile 26 and the whole group of us ran with her for the final hill. When she crossed the finish line, we were all there waiting for her as Sarah proudly put her medal on her neck. It was a moment I won’t soon forget. It was a day I will remember for a long time.
Running has lead me to the most incredible people and places in my life and for that I am forever
grateful. Spring has sprung….and so has running season!
Reflection
Most days when we look in a mirror we see our reflection. When we look in a mirror we usually check to see if our hair is right, our makeup looks good and our clothing fits correctly. We look at the surface. It is rare that we really look at the reflection and see what is below the surface. It is rare that we see what we are really made of but when we take the time to really look…the reflection we see often surprises us. What we see reflected back is who we really are …we see our heart.
Yesterday I woke up and looked in the mirror. My hair looked ok and my outfit matched so I headed off to work. It was a long day with many ups, downs, twists and turns. As I prepared for bed I looked at my reflection again. This time what I saw reflected back was much more than my outward appearance. This time what I saw was all the love, joy, work, sweat, tears, smiles, pride, and so much more that I had sent out into the world. My whole heart was open, laid bare and reflecting back to me.
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| What is a movie without popcorn? |
Several months ago Girls on the Run asked me to work with a filmmaker to create a video to promote GOTR Chicago. It was a long process but exciting and fun. The interview process got to me focus and put into words all that GOTR means to me. Sharing this process with my daughter, the girls I coach and former teammates was extremely special. After a period of editing and revising, the video was ready to be shared. I was first able to watch it alone and was moved to …well…a puddle of tears and emotion. I longed to share it with those who participated.
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| Our glitter covered red carpet |
Yesterday was that day! We put together a ‘red carpet’ event for the all the girls and families. We shared popcorn and treats as we prepared to see our video. The filmmakers were even able to join us for this special event. As the movie began I saw the girls start to look for themselves and identify our team. I watched one of my older girls gasp and tear up as she heard her mom speak with pride about all that her daughters had learned from GOTR. It was amazing to watch the participants watch themselves and feel the emotion of others in the video.
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| New tutu for #tutulady |
What really astonished me was that so many of us from different schools and backgrounds had common stories and feelings about the program. I learned that was called ‘collective storytelling’. No matter the name, it took my breath away. When the video ended, there was a collective sigh as many were moved to tears and emotionally drained.
I didn’t want to video to end. I didn’t want those feelings to go away. I needed a way to carry those feelings with me. I needed a way to make the feelings last. So, I asked all in attendance to help the #tutulady create a new tutu. I asked each person to think of a dream, a wish and a prayer and for each to tie a piece of ribbon or tulle onto my tutu. This year, when I run my races, I will run carrying all the dreams, wishes and prayers of my girls and their families with me. Soon we will be able to share this video with the world and you all will see a larger part of my heart.
So as I looked in the mirror one last time last night, the reflection was stunning and overwhelming. All the time. All the energy.. All the parts of me that I share with Girls on the Run each and every day…it all came back to me in a tidal wave of love. I was overcome… washed away in a sea of emotion.
This morning my reflection looked a bit different. My reflection had changed and would never be the same again….just like my girls on the run and just like my heart.
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| The creators and stars of the show! |
Self
Dear Self Magazine,I used to be an avid reader of your publication. I never subscribed, however, I read your magazine monthly either when I purchased it at the register or at the gym. I really enjoyed some of your articles and was inspired but the success stories you would publish. I even liked that my 4 daughters read your magazine. They would chose and try published recipes and workouts on a regular basis.
That has now changed. My view of your magazine has changed. While I once thought your magazine was about “you at your best’ as the cover states, I have come to realize that is NOT what your magazine is about. Your magazine seems to be about your writers and editors vision of beauty and perception of what is best for all women. It is about their personal image of best not a true, individual vision of personal best. That is not what I want for myself or my daughters.
When I saw your page with the “BS Meter” regarding runners in tutus I was angry and upset. As the self proclaimed #tutulady, I run every race, every distance, in a tutu. I began running in a tutu a few years ago based on a promise to my Girls on the Run. I have kept that promise and then some. I do not run in a tutu because I think it makes me faster …good Lord I wish it did as I am often the slowest person on the course. I run in a tutu because it makes me and other people smile. It starts a conversation (sometimes only for a moment) that helps others on the course forget pain, distance, exhaustion, worry, doubt, and all else that ails them. That is what I am all about…making life better for others. I don’t run to be first or fast. I run to inspire others to be their best self. To make themselves proud. To do more than they ever thought possible. That is why I wear a tutu…not to be fast but to inspire.
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| vote for #tutulady |
The theory of tutu spirit was born from my Girls on the Run. They inspire my every footfall. The sheer joy they exude feeds my soul. I wrote a blog post about “tutu spirit’ a few years back and in it I talk about the feeling that I get when I wear a tutu and run. The feeling of being a confident, powerful princess. That is something every girl…every woman should feel. We as women spend enough time bashing each other and putting each other down. We as women spend too much time being too hard on ourselves and working to fit someone else’s image of beauty. When are we going to learn the lessons we try to instill in Girls on the Run? Women are powerful when we believe in ourselves and each other. We are unstoppable when we channel our energy towards a positive purpose.
Your recent magazine had an item titled “inspiring new running gear”…my inspiring new running gear? Not what is pictured on your pages but, in fact, is a brand new tutu I made especially for my race this weekend. What else is inspiring to me is the fact that the woman in the photo is battling brain cancer. She is out there running 26.2 miles (no easy task) in a tutu while battling an illness that might take her life. She is out there living life large and full and beautiful and your magazine is mocking her and others like her.
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| Cheesy tutu |
Another article boasts, “ I’m tired of being eye molested at the gym.” Well, honestly, put on a tutu and see what happens then!
Your editor did publish an apology to the women in the photo, however, one thing we teach our Girls on the Run is that once the toothpaste is out of the tube it is darn near impossible to get it back in. Once the words are out of our mouths or printed on paper, it is darn near impossible to take them back. We need to think to ourselves, “Is it kind? Is it helpful? is it supportive?” before we speak or write. We do not know anyone’s story and should not place judgments on one another.
Perhaps your team of writers and editors should spend some time volunteering. I would like to personally invite you to spend time with the coaches and girls of Girls on the Run. Come participate in the lessons that change the lives for our girls. Come see what raw beauty, kindness, caring, compassion and exuberance for life looks like at its best. Come hang out and or run a race with the #tutulady and see what the true feeling of being a confident, powerful princess is all about. Come and be inspired.
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| Barbie butt kickers |
Peace,
Kristine Nader
Mom of 5
Teacher
Girls on the Run Coach
Wearer of Pink Cowboy boots
#tutulady
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| Bandit tutu |
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| Turkey tutu |
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| School tutu |
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| GOTR tutu |
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| Running makes me tutu happy |
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| Bears tutu |
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| Rock and roll tutu |
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| GOTR |
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| Shamrockin’ |
Dedicated
Today is the beginning of my 48th trip around the sun. To celebrate this momentous occasion, I decided to go for a run. I have spent these cold winter days on the treadmill or on an indoor track but today I wanted to go outside. I wanted to feel the cold air fill my lung and feel alive. I wanted to take my pup for a run so I layered up and leashed up. I needed a little time to myself to recharge.
My miles today were not just for me but for another Mother Runner and her family. Meg Menzies was not someone I knew or ever even met, but I feel was a kindred spirit. She was a runner who last weekend went for a training run. It was on the fateful run that she was stuck and killed by a drunk driver.
Meg’s friends wanted to honor her and her story so they started a Facebook group. That group expended and turned into a group…no…a movement…in Meg’s honor. #megsmiles was born.
Today I ran 6.5 miles in the snow. It was not fast nor easy but each mile was for someone I love. I ran the first mile for my parents. Mile 2 was 25 year old for my step daughter (gosh I Loathe that term) who lost her mother a few years back. Mile 3 was for my 18 year old, mile 4 was for my 15 year old, mile 5 was for my 14 year old and mile 6 was for my baby, my 10 year old. The last .5 was for me. Each mile I ran, I thought of my own children and family but also of Meg’s family. Each mile I thought of all that running has given me. Each mile I thought of all my many blessings. What an awesome gift to myself…time to run.
Meg was training for Boston when she lost her life. She was looking of fulfill a dream. She was doing what all runners do…run. What she didn’t know or couldn’t know was that a driver was getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
Drivers are more distracted today than ever. Phones, texting, drinking all impair driving. I know. I was struck while out on a run by a driver who I saw looking at his phone but he didn’t see me. My dog saved my life that day. I was Lucky
We runners do what we do. We run. It is how we cope with life. It is how we relieve stress. It is how we come together. It is how we live. After Boston, runners ran. We all ran to honor all that could not run. I wrote about that Here. Runners are a community.
Meg, I believe, knew that. She knew that running was different from every other sport. Running is more than sport. It is community. We runners celebrate the accomplishments of new runners as well as old. We celebrate every mile run. We celebrate each other. I believe Meg knew that.
Meg was like all Mother Runners. She kissed her kids and headed out the door for “just a run” “just a few miles” “I’ll be right back”. We runners run to recharge. We run to reclaim a little independence and sanity. We run to reboot that computer in our heads. We run to close the spouse/parent/friend/son/daughter/coach/worker tabs on that computer and get a fresh start. We need the fresh look at life that we get after a short run or a long run depending on the day. We need to reboot.
Meg was training for Boston. THE marathon. The ONE! She wanted to do more than just finish. She wanted to RUN Boston. Today the people who ran in her honor covered more miles than she would have training for multiple marathons. Today runners ran. Today people who had never put one foot in front of the other ran. They walked. They jogged. They moved to honor a woman they had never met but a woman who moved them. The impact of her life was felt in every footfall today…and tomorrow … And every day that these people move.
We can not change the past but we can learn from it. We runners need to do all that we can to learn and grow from this experience. We need to forgive. We need are not the ones that will live with the guilt and anguish that the driver faces in the future.
The impact of Meg’s life will go far beyond the movement that happened today. We runners now have a special angel on our shoulders keeping us company on those lonely miles. Meg will live on in the footfalls of every runner that continues to run today and every day. The fact that #megsmiles is also “meg smiles”is no coincidence. Forward is a pace.
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Kristine Binder 
