Instead of straight run/walking everyday, why not choose one day and play a family game.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Have a picnic at the park, but instead of just packing a lunch, pack some things to hide for a run/walking scavenger hunt. Pack a list of the items for each family member. Everyone hides their share of the objects. Then everyone runs and walks to find the objects. Forget aboutyour watch today. You won't need it. Playing a game let's you run a little more easily. You'll have so much fun that you'll forget about the distance and time.

Suggested items include:

socks
bananas
old shoes
stuffed animals
Just be creative and have fun!

Ready? Set. Go!

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 and don't forget to stretch!

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 carol.kids@rodale.com.