Setting a goal and achieving it is nothing new to the women of the LSU running organization SoleSisters.  Each fall, women sign up to train for the Louisiana Half Marathon while raising awareness and money for Girls on the Run organization.  They are not just given a plan to train with or paying a fee to give back; there is something more about this organization.          

I recently attended their kick-off meeting and listened to each of the women speak about their experiences as a SoleSister.  Each woman that spoke was motivated and excited about her upcoming year in training with SoleSisters. They were not just excited about training, but also about working with young girls in training for a race of their own.  

SoleSisters partners with Girls on the Run, which is an organization that works with 3rd- through 8th-grade girls to inspire them to live a healthy lifestyle and train for a 5k race. These young girls see the SoleSisters as role models and cheerleaders as they complete their first big goal.  

Since I am not a runner, I was hesitant to commit to training for a half marathon, but I was quickly on board as I realized what an impact the organization had on college women and young girls in our community.  Not only do members get to set an incredible goal, they also have other women around them for support and guidance to reach that goal.  

Girls ranged from freshman to seniors and marathon runners, to those who have never attempted the lakes. It wasn’t about getting skinny or getting the perfect beach body. It was a group of women working together to live a healthy lifestyle and give back to their community.