Toddlers Need a Fun Run Too!

Author: Nola Redd

Looking for a way to get in touch with your child and get them (and you) out in front of the television? Why not exercise?! Specifically, why not take your child out for a run?

As a veteran 5K runner, I enjoyed the time I spent in high school and college training with my friends. We had so many interesting chats as we jogged along the streets together. When I sat reminiscing about those days, I decided that I shouldn't give them up because I am a mom. Now that my oldest daughter is five, she is old enough to run with me.

A 5K race may be out of your toddlers league (and possibly out of your own). However, most races offer a 'fun run' either before or after the main event. These runs last anywhere from a few hundred yards to a full mile, which a young child who has trained adequately should be able to do (I should know; my daughter can go from 0 to 60 all over our house, all day, in less than three seconds.)

Of course, you can't just take a preschooler out for a one mile run (though, in a crunch, you could just walk it together). Instead, why not take your preschooler to the park, or on a run through your neighborhood. Two or three times a week, you could get up before the rest of your family (or stay up later than your other children, if you have them) and the two of you could go on a very short 'run' together. This would consist of you slowing down to her pace, which would be a very, very slow jog. Don't let them start out with a sprint or they will be too tired to finish. Instead, emphasize that the object is to finish.

Do this several times and you will get the hang of jogging slowly and talking to your child. Multiply this times ten years (and, perhaps, longer races), and you will wind up with the perfect opportunity to talk to your teenager!

To find a fun run, look in your local newspapers for ads regarding longer races. Call officials and ask them for details. Contact your local runners club - you could even join with your child! You can also visit Runner's World magazine online; they have a list of various races that you can search by date, location, and/or length.

Childhood obesity grows in leaps and bounds every day. For that matter, adult obesity literally gives kids a run for their money. By engaging in a healthy, enjoyable, athletic activity together, you will not only build strong family ties, you will also build good habits that can improve your family's lifestyle, increase your life span, and generally draw you closer together.

But why are you still reading this? Go for a run!