Meet Ciara Lucas! This energetic and effervescent GOTR coach alumni is a Senior Health & Fitness Writer and Correspondent at Well+Good, a marathoner, and a personal trainer. Learn more about her alumni story below!
With her can-do spirit, sparkling personality, and commitment to educating others on the value of wellness, Ciara Lucas has always used her Star Power to inspire healthy habits that enrich people’s lives. If you know Ciara, you’ll agree she leaves a lasting and positive impression everywhere she goes. Whether reporting the news, authoring an article, completing a marathon, or cheering on GOTR girls in her community, Ciara, like our program, reminds people they have the power and potential to achieve their goals.
Ciara sharing her one-of-a-kind spark on The Today Show and speaking to the countless benefits of living a wellness-filled life.
Ciara’s history with Girls on the Run began when she moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a TV reporter position with the local ABC news affiliate.
Like many individuals who move to new cities for work, she sought ways to connect with her new community. Given her love of wellness, movement, and helping others, volunteering for Girls on the Run was the perfect fit.
She shared, “For three years, I had the privilege of coaching young girls and watching them grow in confidence and strength with every practice, lesson, and run. And when I eventually moved to Columbus, Ohio, the magic of GOTR didn’t stop! I joined that region’s council, expanded my involvement as a National Coach Ambassador, and even emceed GOTRI’s 25th birthday celebration!” Ciara is proof that no matter where you go and there’s always a way to find GOTR, get involved, and make a difference.
Coach Ciara at practice leading the way and supporting her team’s growth in confidence and strength.
The girls’ transformations Ciara witnessed at practices continue to inspire her both personally and professionally.
She told us about the impact participants have on her life, “Third and fourth graders are full of energy and curiosity, and being a role model to them as a young woman and athlete was an honor. Their determination and resilience inspired me in ways I never expected.”
In addition to Ciara’s great pride in supporting a team of young, resilient girls, she also unlocked a new love: marathon running. When she first began coaching, the longest race she had completed was a 10K. As she encouraged her girls to train for their celebratory 5K, she promised them she would take on something that scared her—completing her first half-marathon. That commitment led her to the finish line of her first 13.1-mile race, and from that moment, she was hooked. In 2019, she trained for her first full marathon. Since then, she has completed 14 half-marathons and seven full marathons. She is currently training for her first ultramarathon.
Each event has been an opportunity for Ciara to set new goals, find her happy pace, and speak positive self-talk. Both on and off the track, she consistently brings the GOTR lessons on goal setting to life.
Ciara emitting pure joy after completing the New York Marathon. Way to accomplish your goal, Coach Ciara!
Since her time with Girls on the Run, Ciara’s career and personal journey have flourished.
Just as she supported girls’ goals each season, she embraced setting ‘SMART’ (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals as she achieved her dream job. Now, Ciara has successfully combined her love for media and fitness into one role as a senior fitness writer and correspondent for various national publications, including Well + Good, Livestrong, and more.
Coach Ciara and a GOTR girl joyful and feeling confident about taking on the 5K starting line.
Throughout her many public engagements, speaking opportunities, and articles, Ciara uses her voice to speak about the countless benefits GOTR offers today’s girls.
She explained, “Though I joined GOTR as a coach, I often reflect on how much I wish I had this program when I was younger. The sooner we teach girls to be confident, to move their bodies with joy, to make healthy choices, and to navigate the world with boldness and positivity, the stronger they will be. And when strong girls grow up, they become strong women who empower the next generation.”
One thing is for sure: Ciara is undoubtedly one of those strong, kind, and courageous women.
