Girls Who Love to Run

This week an interesting book came across my desk. We Are Girls Who Love To Run by Brianna K. Grant is a book about running specifically aimed at young preteen girls right before they enter the living hell that is middle school.

Chock full of positive self-affirmations that girls can repeat, this book is deemed "an antidote" to the unattainable female images perpetuated by Hollywood. Thoughtfully, the author has chosen to write it in dual English and Spanish text and has included illustrations that depict many types of girls.

It made me think about what shapes our attitudes when we are young--how some of us go on to develop a positive self image and engage in sports, while others fall prey to unhealthy stereotypes that cause us to loathe our bodies and seek approval in negative ways. Thankfully, books like these and great organizations like Girls on the Run are starting that conversation early to help young girls learn to develop high self esteem through sports and goal-setting.

It occurred to me that we are all responsible for leading this conversation and pointing young women toward positive role models. Without a lot of resources and books like these, you might feel at a loss for examples, as every other TV channel and blog seem to be spewing something about the next top model or the latest celebutante to land herself in jail.

But there are positive women role models making news. Just look at Deena Kastor, the amazing 35-year-old runner who just won the Women's Olympic Marathon Team Trials on Sunday with a time of 2:29:35, almost a minute better than any of her competitors. She's bound to get plenty of media coverage during the months leading up to the Olympic games. So why not share Kastor's story with your daughter, sister or niece?

Kastor endorses the philosophy promoted in We Are Girls Who Love To Run:

"Brianna Grant's message for girls to take time to dream and stay connected with others who share their passions is one that I take to heart. Goal-setting, teamwork and celebration of successes with those who helped me are central to my own training."

To read more about Olympic medalist and American record holder Deena Kastor, pick up a July/August issue of Her Sports + Fitness magazine. In this issue, we talk to Kastor about her road to the Olympics, her incredible training schedule and what keeps her motivated. --Jeana Durst