Addressing the 'Heart and Sole' of Mental Health Through Expansion of Middle School Running Programs
Middle School girls need quality, physical activity-based, positive youth development (PYD) programs. As girls mature, physical activity tends to decline and become at risk — both short-term and long-term — for obesity, diabetes, and depression, among other unhealthy outcomes. Lower physical activity coincides with lower perceived physical competence, self-esteem, and peer and family support. Because of this need, Girls on the Run (GOTR) launched Heart & Sole, a program focused on reaching middle school girls, and GOTR Knoxville would like to address this need locally by bringing this program into Knoxville area schools. Heart & Sole enhances social, psychological, and physical skills and behaviors to navigate life experiences successfully. Trained coaches deliver the intentional curriculum to teach the lessons and create a positive, structured space. Participants are provided opportunities to learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy, and strengthen connections. As a result, girls work on life skills such as team building, developing support systems, setting boundaries, making decisions, and asking and providing help. This PYD program is accessible to girls of all athletic abilities and fitness levels and considers the range of ages and experiences of middle school students.