Mom, her 10-year-old daughter and neighbors run Gildan Esprit de She Maple Grove August 3

Most of us have neighbors. And, we know that there are some you want to run from, and others you want to run with. Colleen Menning and the ladies in her neighborhood fall into the later group. Since 2014, this Maple Grove resident and her tribe have been strengthening their bonds, getting healthier and having fun running the Gildan Esprit de She Maple Grove 5K with each other. This year, on August 3, they’re hitting the road again for their fourth time.

Colleen had had a few races under her belt prior to the Gildan Esprit de She but found that this race offered more with its GNO vibe. And, last year it took on an even deeper meaning because she ran it alongside her 10-year-old daughter Ellie – plus, of course, the women from the neighborhood.

So why the Gildan Esprit de She Maple Grove? It’s produced by Lifetime and most of the women Colleen participates in it with belong to the Lifetime club. That and the fact that the course passes right by their neighborhood, makes it super accessible. Plus, they really love that it empowers strong women, includes awesome swag and concludes with a fun post-race night out celebration. And, for Ellie? It was the idea of running with other girls and women and wanting to be part of the excitement with her mom.

As Colleen and Ellie train, they run part of the actual course since it’s nearby and it has been a good bonding experience for both. Additionally, since Colleen has four kids, the one-on-one time with Ellie to talk about life is invaluable.

For moms thinking of running with their tween daughters, Colleen advises to expect the training to be challenging because even daughters who are active are likely not used to running 5K distances. But she says it will be worth it because the perseverance to see it through to the finish line will result in a really great time and so much more. For Colleen, she and Ellie have grown closer and found a space to talk through some important life topics. Plus, it gives Colleen the opportunity to show her daughter how proud she is of her for her incredible achievement. And, most importantly, Ellie gets the chance to grow tremendous pride in herself for setting and achieving such big goals.

On August 3, the Mennings can't wait to experience it all over again. They’ll be out there giving it their all and finishing alongside their neighbors with smiles on their faces.

It’s not too late to grab your mother, sisters, cousins and friends to register for the Gildan Esprit de She Maple Grove fitness inspired happy hour, happening Thursday, August 3 from 4-9pm at Central Park. For women of all ages, this evening designer 5K includes high value participant gear, a Lifestyle Market and more--beginning with a timed 5K and ending with a post-race night celebration of festive proportions that includes saluting your success with a drink at the signature Bubbly Bar, enjoying healthy eats, live music and the Lifestyle Market featuring massage and manicures at the Beauty Bar powered by LifeSpa, and more. To register: http://espritdeshe.com/maple-grove-mn-run/register/