What are we doing?!
We are running the Ragnar Trail Relay in Snowmass Village, CO on June 6th and 7th! 8 women, 120 miles of trail, and our goal is to not only finish the relay but also raise money for Girls on the Run!
Why are we doing this?
We each have our own WHY for running Ragnar and WHY we love Girls on the Run!
Matti (Team Captain) - I love Girls on the Run because one season I coached there was a blizzard on our year-end race. After a season of learning grit, positive self-talk, perseverance, and teamwork, the girls I coached didn't think twice about lacing up their snow boots and showing up to the race to run 3.1 miles. I am running Ragnar for the same reasons our girls join Girls on the Run-- to have fun with friends, accomplish something challenging and remind myself that I can do hard things.
Lauren - I said YES to Ragnar because WHY NOT?! Have I ever ran 15 miles before? No. Have I ever done a trail race before? No. Do I like Type II fun? Yes! And even more so when I am raising money for a cause I love. The opportunity to give more girls the chance to be a part of Girls on the Run is why I am running! Also the chance I might see a moose...
Katy - I love running!! I’m always looking forward to my next running challenge, whether it’s my first trail run, next marathon, new goal, or FIRST RAGNAR! I can’t imagine a more empowering experience than running with other incredible and inspiring women raising money for a cause that is so close to my heart. Through coaching and watching my nieces go through Girls on the Run, I have seen the impact it can have on a girl’s life. I love teaching girls that they are capable of anything, and strength comes in many forms.
Rachel - I love GOTR for innumerable reasons! As a coach for over a decade, I have seen, firsthand, the positive impact that GOTR makes in the lives of our girls and families, and even the greater school and Denver communities. From learning new social-emotional skills and healthy habits to actively practicing those skills in weekly movement games and engaging community impact projects, I have observed young girls grow in confidence, connection, and character! To see all the smiles, high fives, hugs, and endless JOY at the end-of-season 5K celebration and season is beyond inspiring and enough to know that this program is truly making an undeniable difference!! While I have always been curious about new adventures, my Sabin and GOTR teams and friends have further encouraged my confidence and willingness to try new things with a team of STRONG women by my side. Last year, I faced my fears and internal negative self-talk to confidently complete the GOTR 14er Challenge while raising funds for the amazing GOTR of the Rockies. I'm beyond excited to do that, again, this year with the Ragnar relay race!
Katie - I said “Yes!“ to Ragnar because I have spent the last 10+ years with Girls on the Run telling girls they can do anything. Now I am telling myself - I can, too!! I will be celebrating my first year of motherhood this summer and I can think of no better way to mark this part of my journey than an epic run in the mountains surrounded by amazing women who inspire me. I want to remind myself and show my daughter, that we can accomplish big things - especially when we support each other. I’m so grateful to be able to do this run and for a cause that matters to me so deeply! Every training run will be that much sweeter because I’ll know we are helping girls across Colorado achieve their own big dreams!
Nel - There’s a quote that gets me to lace up and run regularly that says, “the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is a little extra” and for me it’s that little extra in life that makes it extraordinary. The extra mile, the extra smile! Running the Ragnar in support of Girls on the Run is part of that ‘extra’. I’ve had the honor of coaching Girls in the Run for 6 or so seasons and I am blown away every season by the determination and perseverance that each girl discovers about themselves and each other. Running the Ragnar is my way of lacing up in a new way and to discover more of my own perseverance, while having fun too! Thank you for considering contributing to our team in honor of Girls on the Run- your extra will help make our future extraordinary.
