How it all began...
In September 2006, eleven women arrived at Memorial Park early one Thursday morning - ten arrived with excitement and trepidation that they might learn how to run and one arrived, a recreational runner with a belief in herself and a simple plan to show others how to run.
Back then I had no long term plans, I wasn't even sure if anyone would show, I never approached this as a business opportunity - I was just happy to help other women and show them that they could learn to run with a sensible gradual training approach.. It began as a once a week, come to the park and we'll learn and run together, for free.
My story - I had run on and off for years and always had to work at it. I am no natural athlete! I trained each year since 1999 to participate at the Gold Coast marathon, in the 10k event. To begin, my running was twofold - to lose weight after babies and - to escape the babies briefly for some well needed ME time. Thankfully with my darling husband support and encouragement.. (I must make mention here that unlike myself, he is a natural runner and has completed many marathons over the years.)
But the one important thing I lacked with my early running was a love for the activity and everytime I ran I was too hard on myself and if my darling hubby ever came running with me - boy oh boy, did I whinge and whine!!! To the point he said to me one day - why don't you stop!! I think that was my aha moment - I did want to run but my approach was all wrong (obviously!) And so my new journey began particularly when I discovered the Chi running book by Danny Dreyer at the library (I have read this book over and over) and I began to work on my attitude and technique.
Each year when my darling hubby and I attended the Gold Coast marathon weekend and I looked in awe at the 1/2 marathoners as they finished and thought - if only. Eventually the goal was set and with some trepidation and a homemade plan I began my training program - I still remember how sore my feet and legs would be after a 15k run and how amazed I was, with the distances I ran.
I'm forgetting to mention that the year I chose to do the GC 1/2marathon - it was also the year we built our house. Ummm not the best idea.
Hence three weeks before my 1/2, we moved into our home and an unintentional three week taper began! Within these three weeks I thought with dispair, I've messed up and I began to doubt my ability to run, let alone finish the 1/2.
If you can't guess, three days before the event, yes my darling husband said "I'll run with you". My first half marathon was the most incredible experience, the confidence my darling hubby gave me by running along side, I did finish the event and I ran the entire distance. I never dreamt I would run the entire distance, I had realistically planned short walks after each 5k but I didn't need the short walks, I ran the whole way!
Back to the GGG story conception - In Kingaroy, many learnt that I had done my first 1/2 and thought I was amazing. "Oh I couldn't even run around the block, let alone that far!" all said. But I knew different, I knew they could run too if they approached it with a sensible program. It became clear to me that women were interested but needed a beginners program that offered to teach non runners, how to run. I don't know why but I did in that moment know that I could do this.
So it was with complete surprise that first morning to find so many women arriving and to my further amazement they came back the next week with one more in tow!!
In the beginning I would give some instruction and then we'd walk and run for short intervals, the sessions lasted approx. 1/2 hr. We'd return to the park, stretch and head home.
The GGG concept unfolded following several events -
* I was successful in recieving a W.A.L.K. grant which I used to purchase caps and a "uniform" running shirt and singlets for the girls.
* We collectively came up with a name for the group - we were doing - not just thinking about doing something - we were giving it a go - we were - Go Getta Girls! Yes that's it.
* Someone said one day could we train for a 10k event and go away together?
* The GGG participated in the Brisbane Marathon 10k (with a few hiccups - there are always lessons to be learnt)
* Word of mouth was spreading about town- can we have a muster and invite more women along?
* Coach Colleen recognised the need to formalise her position.
* I was successfully in recieving a women's leadership grant and did my Level I athletics coaching accreditation.
The GGG concept has changed and evolved in response to the group's needs and goals.
So what do we have now?
At the end of 2008, GGG formalised the group , out of necessarity to alleviate the liability particularly from Colleen's shoulders hence GGG is now an incorporated club -
Go Getta Girls Inc.
There is a membership fee ($35) and sessions fees ($1 per session)
GGG offers 4 training sessions per week. Two weekly social runs, a Saturday long run and a coached offered specialised session on Tuesdays (hillwork, speed, fitness circuits).
Coach Colleen runs separately, regular "Learn to Run" programs for the novice runner. This gives beginners a good basis about running and the confidence to join GGG's.
There is a fundraising element to GGG - we particularly like to support local events such as Relay for Life. GGG feel a responsible to contribute towards causes such as the cancer council.
In summary, from the simple idea of showing women how to run, the benefits to our community and to individuals has been quite awe inspiring! The GGG women are healthier, fitter and happier which has in turn flowed through into thier everyday lives. The women have found GGG gives them a chance to be themselves, with no labels and expectations. At each GGG session members can relax and focus on their running. The support network that has emerged is invaluable to each GGG.
In particular, I personally have helped to create something that has ultimately given me so much - now I have a tonne of friends to go running with ! The gift to me from the girls has been priceless, their ongoing support and belief has made me the woman I am today - so thank you!
