Kids Running - The Mile Fun Run

Family 'Training' for the
Mile Fun Run
by Carol Goodrow

Every spring my first grade class and I run a mile fun run. It is the 'event of the year'! The kids are ready, their parents and families are invited to join us either by being a runner, volunteer or fan to cheer us on. Sometimes the kids even bring along cousins and grandparents. Everyone has fun, that is as long as they treat it like a fun run. Without serious training, the mile is a tough distance to race; tougher than it sounds.

Run, Spot, Run! Family Fun Run

This year I have put a ten week schedule (see below) together for my class and their families. At this point in time all of my first graders are running at recess, running with me, and running in gym class. They will be able to complete our spring fun run with ease.

Besides designing a training schedule for my active kids for the next ten weeks, I also included schedules for their family members who might not be quite as active or for those who may be sedentary. I'm hoping to have more runners this year. This schedule is meant to be used 3 x week. It is recommended that the other days are used for cross training, with perhaps one day of rest.

I have NOT included a training schedule for advanced runners, who are ready to refine their skills and work on competitive racing. This schedule will come later.

All you need to start this mile training program is a good pair of running shoes, a mile course, a sports watch and a positive attitude.

Remember, each schedule is meant to be used three times each week, preferably not on consecutive days. Oh, yes! Instead of following the plan everyday, I've included an optional game for one of the days. Kids run more easily when playing a game. Maybe parents will too!

Ready? Set. Go!

Starting Level of Activity
Inactive
Weeks	Run and Walk Repeats	Total Daily Distance	Games
1 & 2	Run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes.	1/2 mile	Picnic Fun
3 & 4	Run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes.	1/2 mile	Run to Write
5 & 6	Run 3 minutes, walk 2 minutes.	3/4 mile	Running Rounds
7 & 8	Run 4 minutes, walk 2 minutes.	3/4 mile	Raw Egg Run
9 & 10	Run 5 minutes, walk 2 minutes.	1 mile	Fetch

Starting Level of Activity
Fairly Fit, but Non-runner
Weeks Run and Walk Repeats Total Daily Distance Games

1 & 2 Run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes. 1/2 mile Picnic Fun

3 & 4 Run 4 minutes, walk 2 minutes. 1/2 mile Run to Write

5 & 6 Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minutes. 3/4 mile Running Rounds

7 & 8 Run 5 minutes, walk 30 seconds. 3/4 mile Raw Egg Run

9 & 10 Run 10 minutes, walk 30 seconds. 1 mile Fetch

Starting Level of Activity
Runs at Recess, in Gym Class or in Sports
Weeks Run and Walk Repeats Total Daily Distance Games

1 & 2 Run 4 minutes, walk 2 minutes. 1/2 mile Picnic Fun

3 & 4 Run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute. 1/2 mile Run to Write

5 & 6 Run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute. 1 mile Running Rounds

7 & 8 Run 6 minutes, walk 30 seconds. 1 mile Raw Egg Run

9 & 10 Run 10 minutes, walk 30 seconds or run the whole mile distance with no walking breaks. 1 mile Fetch

Eat healthy everyday. Cross train (ride a bike, take a hike, play basketball etc.) on alternate days. Take one day of rest a week if you wish or cross train easy on that 7th day.

Note from the kid's editor:

Our 'Run, Spot, Run' Fun Run is designed so that families will run together. It's an event where everyone leaves with a smile. No matter what your running ability is, the mile is a great distance.

I'm always too busy to run this day, so I run the course before and after the fun run. I'm at the start reminding kids to pace themselves and that this is not a race.

I also stay at the finish to make sure every child who crosses that finish line gets their medal right away, along with a hand of applause.

Do you have any questions about a child's running program? Please email the kid's editor at rwedit@rodale.com. And thank you to Coach Pete Bowie for reminding me that games are the best training of all.