Twenty years ago, a handful of girls crossed a finish line together under a single pop-up tent at the Rose Bowl. Today, hundreds of girls from every corner of Los Angeles do the same thing every season. This is the story of the coaches who made it real, the girls who carried it forward, and the community that never stopped asking: how do we do this for more girls?

As Girls on the Run LA grew from a handful of sites to a countywide organization, it faced a persistent challenge: how do you scale something while staying true to its mission and values? The answer came from the staff, board members, and volunteers who carried those values forward — and refused to compromise on them.

In early 2007, Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County gathered its community to ask a hard question: was this worth continuing? At the end of the conversation, someone placed a flip chart at the front of the room. One by one, people walked up and wrote their names down. Twenty years later, we're still building what that room started.

Participating in sports can do wonders to a girl’s confidence, social life and health. Like anything else, some girls will be more skilled than others, but that does not mean that everyone should not give sports a try.

Drinking enough water every day is an essential part of human health, making water the best drink choice for everyone — including growing girls. Even though it can sometimes be more tempting to reach for a sugary or caffeinated drink, when you choose water instead, your body will thank you every time.

Investing in young people today, creates a stronger, more equitable and inclusive future for all tomorrow.

No matter your age or stage in life, it is undeniable that most of us can use a boost in our physical, mental and emotional health. Life can be daunting and downright exhausting, so taking a beat to take care of yourself is a HUGE must-have during these unpredictable days.