Running Kid

I have heard the following so many times:  "I wish I could get my kid to run!"  "My kid doesn't like to run."  "My kid is lazy"  (odd, but true.  I have heard that one as well!)

Here is the start of my daughter's journey running starting at 4 years of age, as told by her mother.  Her account may differ, but this is my blog :)

At age 4, she was not interested in running.  (and not really interested in soccer or any sports).  If I tried to get her to run a block or two with me, she would say she was tired within 25 yards.  She just wasn't into it.  It didn't matter than mom was a runner.  There was no game I could play to spark her interest.  (And why was I even trying?  Because I firmly believe we can plant the seeds in youngsters that they ARE runners.  They ARE athletes.  Even if it is tough for them, or they are the slowest, or it doesn't come naturally.  The earlier we have the esteem that we can do something, the earlier we get to enjoy the wonderful sport of running!)

The thing is, some kids are REALLY into it!  Even at age 2 or 3!  I have friends with kids like that- 3 year olds running sub 10 min miles-kids that are athletically driven from a very early age.  But I truly believe that does not need to be the normal spring board for anyone to become the runner they are meant to be.  And I believe, whether you are a kid or an adult, we can ALL become ATHLETES.  It is inside of us, regardless of when we start.  We can't be intimidated by someone else's journey or discouraged if ours takes a different or longer path. 

 So, to make it fun and engaging for Isla, here is what I did.

1.  I signed us up for a race series with kids events.  The distances were 1/2 mile to 1 mile.  I felt 1 mile would be too long for her, but we committed to doing the bet we could.  

2.  And I ran with her!  I held her hand at first for almost the entire race.  Over time we would pick segments where I would hold her hand (the start and finish) and times she would just run and think about swinging her arms.  Now we don't hold hands at all, but we run together still.  

3.  We have a running philosophy and goals for every race.  Here is a sample of what we discuss pre-race as we drive there:

-  I am so happy to be spending my morning with you!  Isn't this awesome to have mommy-daughter special mornings, just the two of us?  

-  We are so lucky to run!  And we get to see the beautiful trees and breathe in the oxygen.  I hope we get to see some animals today!  

- Let's make sure to encourage everyone out there!  Maybe we can even make a new friend today!

- It's okay to want to win.  It is also okay to come in last.  Our goal is to do our very best.  Sometime we have good days and sometimes not so great.  The most important thing is we are going to have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE no matter what.  

- Let's try to be a little bit faster than before!  But if we aren't faster that is okay.  Let's try to run the whole way.  But it is okay if we have to walk.  If we walk, let's stay positive and try to run again when we can.  Oh, an when we see the finish line, let's run as fast as we can through it! 

- Sometimes running can be tough and maybe even be uncomfortable!  But we are okay and can practice pushing through it.  

So through this journey of almost a year, I have a runner that really enjoys our races.  Sometimes (but very rarely) she will run a little bit on her own for "practice."  But she really looks forward to race day.  During and after races now, she tells me how much fun she is having.  We look for animals while we race.  We thank the trees.  We encourage other runners.  We laugh.  

We also talk about pacing.  Staying steady.  Passing people.  Trying to not let people pass us.  One of our rules is it is okay to race.  It is okay to be competitive.  This is something I believe can be taught. We can be fierce and gracious at the same time.

Sometimes Isla wins something.  Sometimes she doesn't.  She is in the fortunate position to be in the 5 and under category for another couple of months, which is a small category.  But starting in July she will be racing the 9 year olds.  So, awards may be few or none at all for a while.  Better love the journey!!!!!!!!!

And running is not just about times, PRs, and awards.  It is about friends.  It is about feeding the turtles.  It is about loving life.  

I hope some of these ideas help you get going with your own kid.  If you need any ideas, I am happy to help.  If you are in the area, come and run a race with Isla and I!