Health, Wellness and Inspiring the Next Generation of Women with Ciara Lucas
Ciara Lucas is a broadcast journalist by morning, a GOTR coach by afternoon and a fitness instructor by night. On top of her already-busy schedule, she’s currently cultivating an online platform called Fit for a Queen to empower, motivate and inspire women to nurture their health and live their best lives by treating their bodies well.
In anticipation of our 25th Birthday virtual event — where Ciara will be our panel moderator — we sat down with her to learn more about her passion for whole health and how volunteering as a Girls on the Run coach has contributed to her journey.
1. Why did you initially become interested in whole health, fitness and nutrition?
I’ve always been active since I was a kid. But as I entered adulthood, I decided to really focus on finding what kind of movement made me feel good and strong, both physically and mentally. That led me on a journey to pursue running and weightlifting, which then transitioned into earning fitness certifications and studying exercise nutrition. The relationship we have with our bodies is important and literally lasts a lifetime, so I always feel it’s important to cultivate that relationship and maintain it by prioritizing holistic health.
2. What has your experience been like coaching for GOTR?
Girls on the Run immediately became special to me. I had just moved to a new city and state for work, with no immediate friends or family nearby. GOTR started as a way for me to get involved with my new community, blending my love of health and fitness with volunteering. My role as a coach blossomed into one of my greatest joys every week working with the girls, coaching them after school to embrace their power and unique selves. My GOTR girls are the reason I became a marathoner. I watched them season after season challenging themselves to run a 5K while doing it with a smile. In a lot of ways, they inspired me to do more and embrace my own Star Power!
3. Which GOTR lessons do you still carry with you today?
At Girls on the Run, we teach this concept called “Star Power.” It really means realizing your potential and being confident in what you bring to the table. That seems serious for an elementary schooler, right? But the girls understand it. Throughout the season, their Star Power grows. Even as adults, we are constantly forgetting our own Star Power when fear and doubt settles into the back of our minds. I carry that internal reminder with me that I already have what I need to get me where I want to go — just by being myself!
4. How do you think GOTR plays a role in the overall health and wellness of girls?
Girls on the Run is a program I wish I were a part of as a young girl. The age that GOTR serves is extremely critical, and reaching them in elementary school makes a HUGE difference. Girls face different pressures, standards and expectations than boys do, especially when it comes to image and what is deemed “acceptable.” By coaching different life skills about friendship, emotions, communication and movement, we are empowering girls to be confident before anyone can convince them otherwise. And when they do inevitably face challenges, it’s my hope that they can harness what they’ve learned in the program to overcome any hurdles they face.
Thanks for chatting with us, Ciara. We can’t wait to celebrate with you soon at our 25th Birthday!
Join in on the fun by RSVPing to the virtual event today!
