The Girls on the Run (GOTR) Spring season is about to start! While starting something new can bring a lot of excitement and anticipation, it can also leave our kids feeling anxious about what to expect. That’s okay! If your runner expresses worries about being “too slow” or nervousness about starting GOTR, there are things you can do to help.

Spotting the signs

Let’s start with knowing what sports anxiety often looks like – because your athlete might not say anything about their worries.

Common symptoms of sports anxiety include:

• Physical: Nervous stomach, shaky legs, unexplained dizziness, or muscle tension

• Behavioral: Hesitation, withdrawing from activities they enjoy, or deciding to quit before they even start

• Performance: Second-guessing themselves during practice or races, timid play, or being tense in the days leading up to their next race, game, or practice

Supporting your athlete

If you notice signs of anxiety in your young athlete – or if they tell you they’re feeling nervous or anxious about GOTR practices or the Celebration 5K – start by validating their feelings. It’s okay to be nervous!

You can also support your athlete by shifting their focus, practicing stress management techniques, and in getting ready together:

• Shift the focus to FUN: yes, running is part of GOTR, but one of the program’s biggest benefits is that it helps girls find joy in movement. Talk about the fun parts of the program: spending time with friends, meeting new people, and time spent outside.

• Focus on the process, not the outcome: ease performance anxiety or worries about being “too slow” by asking about how practice went and the fun activities they participated in. Remember – the Spring 5K Celebration is truly a family fun event, not a timed competitive race!

• Practice relaxation techniques: use deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness techniques to help your athlete manage stress

• Prepare together: take some time to pack practice gear – like comfortable athletic shoes and clothes – the night before their first practice. Consider packing an extra healthy snack in their backpack like a granola bar or fruit to help them fuel back up on the ride home from practice. If nerves arrive the week before the 5K Celebration, set aside time the night before the race to gather up all of their gear so everyone is course-ready in the morning.

When to ask for help

If anxiety becomes overwhelming, causes persistent fear, or stops your athlete from participating in activities they enjoy, talk with their doctor. They can offer additional advice and refer you to an expert if additional support is needed.

Why SSM Health supports GOTR:

SSM Health is honored to be an annual superstar local partner with Girls on the Run (GOTR) of South Central Wisconsin and the presenting sponsor for the GOTR 5K Celebration each spring and fall season. We are so excited to sponsor our eleventh season of GOTR! 

The mission, values, and curriculum of GOTR mirrors and closely aligns with the values that guide SSM Health. GOTR encourages girls to be kind, healthy, and confident community members. SSM Health encourages its teams to use their individual skills, experience, passion and sense of purpose to contribute to our 153-year legacy of hope and healing.