This fall, we caught up with Coach Elizabeth Triplett—Girls on the Run coach, SoleMate, and recent Madison Marathon finisher—to learn what inspires her to give back through GOTR. From her high school cross-country days to cheering on young runners, Elizabeth knows how running builds confidence, community, and resilience. Read on to discover what motivates her and how the lessons of Girls on the Run continue to inspire her—on and off the course.
Q: What inspired you to become a Girls on the Run coach?
A: I ran cross country in high school and being a part of a team of girls who cheered each other on helped me gain confidence and community. I wanted a chance to give back to the next generation of girls to help them feel empowered.
Q: What’s your favorite part about coaching?
A: Seeing how the girls grow from the first practice to the 5k! It’s fun to see their hard work pay off and to see the smiles on their face when they cross the finish line.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time as a coach?
A: My first practice 5k that I coached! I had no idea how much energy the kids, coaches and parents would come with and it was so fun to be a part of.
Q: How have you seen the program make a difference in the lives of participants?
A: GOTR helps the participants in many ways. For some participants, you see them make new friends throughout the season. For others, you see them take the tools and lessons learned throughout the season and apply them to running and beyond.
Q: What’s one lesson you hope every participant takes away from Girls on the Run?
A: The power of positive self talk! It’s amazing how positivity can help turn around a tough day and reach goals you didn’t think were possible.
Q: Has coaching impacted you personally? If so, how?
A: Coaching has impacted me in multiple ways. With running, it’s helped me push through tough runs as I see the girls keep running and try to channel that positive energy. The lessons learned are also ones that are just as valuable for kids as they are for adults. Last, but not least, coaching puts a smile on my face. It’s been nice to build a community with my fellow coaches and work together to help the girls have the best experience.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Girls on the Run coach?
A: Take a chance and you’ll have a great experience! It’s such a rewarding experience!
Q: You also became a SoleMate, which means you helped raise donations so more girls can experience Girls on the Run. What inspired you to take that extra step? And what was it like inviting your friends and family to support a cause you care so deeply about?
A: The inspiration really came from my time as a GOTR coach and seeing how impactful the program is. I wanted the opportunity to help benefit the lives of more kids, beyond the group of kids I assist in coaching, and the SoleMates program was a great option to do that. At first, I was nervous to reach out to friends and family as I don't think I've done a fundraiser since I was a kid! I've been overwhelmed by the support of so many people in my life and am so thankful for their contributions. Reaching my fundraising goal was all based on their generosity!
Q: You have been training for the Madison Marathon, how’s that been going? What are you hoping for on race day (Sunday, November 9th)?
A: Training has been good! The last couple of years, I've trained with a Fleet Feet running group, so it's given me the opportunity to have a more formalized training program and running community. My goal for race day is to cross the finish line with a smile. I've been fortunate enough to do a number of half marathons and I had some adversity in this training block so I just am excited to be out there on race day.
Q: Just for fun—what’s your go-to running (or walking) song, or your favorite way to celebrate crossing a finish line?
A: Any Taylor Swift song!
We want to congratulate Elizabeth on her awesome fundraising, fall season of coaching, and completion of the Madison Marathon!