My co-workers often ask why I coach Girls on the Run after a long day in the classroom. Girls on the Run is important to me because as a teacher I feel that some lessons are more important than the academics I teach everyday. Girls on the Run allows me to teach young girls the important life lessons that they may not be getting from a trusted adult at home. When I was in elementary school I was a model student, except when it came time to run the mile in gym class. I hated running so much that I would try to lie to my gym teacher about the number of laps I already completed or even try to hide in the bathroom. I avoided taking gym in middle school and high school because I hated running and had major self confidence issues. In college I gained a significant amount of weight and decided to give running a try. It took me months to run a 15 minute mile, 
but as the months went on my skills progressed. I have ran many 5 and 10 k’s and signed up for my 3rd half marathon this October. I do not consider myself a runner, but I love being able to reflect on how much running inspires me to persist through obstacles in my life. I feel honored to wear a shirt that says Coach and am so thankful that the South Oakland YMCA has supported me every step of the way to bring the program to the elementary school that I teach at. I hope that girls that I coach feel good about running and most importantly feel good about themselves. -Coach Anna
Edited 5/2018
