One Year to 26.2: A Marathon Training Story
January 18, 2026
“Running has changed who I am and what I think I’m capable of.”
January 25, 2026
Running has a way of shaping who we are: teaching perseverance, confidence, and the power of showing up even when things feel hard. One meaningful way to pass those lessons forward is through coaching with our local Girls on the Run of Greater Knoxville (GOTRGK) council.
Girls on the Run is a positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade that uses running and movement to build social-emotional skills like confidence, empathy, and resilience. Trained volunteer coaches lead small teams through an 8-10 week season that blends running games, thoughtful discussions, and goal-setting – culminating in a celebratory 5K where every girl crosses the finish line feeling strong and proud.
You don’t need a specific pace, podium finish, or coaching background to get involved. Coaches come from all walks of life; what they share is a love of movement, a belief in young people, and a desire to make our running community more inclusive and supportive. Coaching with GOTRGK is a chance to invest in the next generation of runners (and confident humans), strengthen our local running ecosystem, and live out the volunteer spirit that makes our community special.
If you’re passionate about running and about Knoxville, Girls on the Run might be the perfect place to lace up for something bigger than yourself. Learn more: https://www.gotrknoxville.org/coach
– submitted by Amelea F. Everett, Executive Director, Girls on the Run of Greater Knoxville
