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Of those that try
Dear Carol,
My name is Nathaniel and I am 9. I feel like I am the slowest runner in my class. I am slower that everyone else who tries, but faster that the ones who don't even try. How can I learn to run faster so I don't feel so slow? I am not overweight or unhealthy.
Nathaniel
Dear
Nathaniel,
I know just how you feel. I was the slowest in gym class too, at least I felt like I was. My sister was the best athlete in the school and compared to her, I was pretty poor. I really didn't think much about running to stay fit until I was grown up and my kids went to college.
Before I ran my first race, I was just afraid I'd be last, but as I was running it, I was so proud of myself that I decided it wouldn't have mattered if I was last. I was glad that I was brave enough to enter and try my hardest. Every time I raced I got faster and faster. I saved my T-shirt from when I won my first ribbon, and I have a few trophies on my shelf that I worked very hard for. I finally set a goal that I wanted to run a seven minute mile (which was VERY fast for me) and I did it. Now I've slowed down a bit, but I love running more than ever.
Here are some ideas for you:
1. Be proud of yourself.
2. Keep trying.
3. Learn to pace yourself. Don't start out your fastest.
4. Once or twice a week practice some sprints. This really helped me. I'd jog slowly then pick it up and go faster and faster for about 20 yards, then slow it down. Then I'd jog a little and do it again. Running short distances FAST and then slowing it down, then repeating the cycle helps your body learn to run faster.
5. But teach yourself that being the fastest isn't always the most important thing. Just make sure that you are having fun.
6. Start competing against yourself and you'll see your progress.
Best of luck and please let me know how you do as the year goes on.
Carol
It's important to find a way to make kids love running and physical fitness AND it's important to know that running is great fun and great for you, even if you aren't the fastest.
Feel free to email the kid's editor at carol.kids@rodale.com.
