How many times do you watch kids run and think, "Wow, I wish I had and ounce of that energy?" They seem to run everywhere (at least mine
does) -- at home, at school, in the airport (slow down!). Turns out that
running for the sake of running can provide multiple health benefits to
kids.
According to this recent story from Health Magazine by Amanda MacMillan, more kids are getting involved with organized running. From the story:
I never really thought about that before. Sure, we think of children running as part of organized sports like soccer and basketball, but it makes sense that running as a sport of its own offers its own perks for children. Plus running with your kids is a great way to spend family time -- even if you slow down from your usual clip.
With the weather still warm in the South, this could be the perfect time to get your family involved if your children are interested.
According to the story, "Active.com, an online source for races around the country, lists more than 230 running events for kids and more than 30 for families in the month of September alone."
The Active.com list provides all sorts of family running opportunities, like the September 27 Kudzu Clipper 5K & Family Fun Run in Atlanta,Georgia (proceeds benefit an organization that sends kids with diabetes to summer camp) and the October 3 Harvest Fest 5K & Family Fun Run in Georgetown, Texas (proceeds support a Senior Nutrition Program and Meals on Wheels).
Here's some tips from Health to keep you and your family safe when running:
- running every day probably isn’t the best way to train. For young, developing bodies, encouraging activities that work different muscle groups—whether it’s playing softball or basketball, bike riding, or swimming once or twice a week—is important as well.
- parents also should watch for signs of exhaustion and dehydration, especially during hot summer months, and should always take a child’s pain seriously: Stress fractures and overuse injuries can occur, and ignoring them will only make them worse.
- The most important thing is letting kids set their own pace and giving them the support they need, rather than expecting them to adhere to an adult’s training schedule, Goodrow says.
Sounds like fun. My son isn't old enough to run with me yet, but when he is you'll see us both on the trail.
Let us know: what physical activities are you and your family engaging in during these warm end of summer Southern days?
CoolRunning.com -- Races, Training Information, News
