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

RUNNING ROUNDS

Here's a game you can play anywhere. Get ready. Practice singing some favorite 'rounds' at home like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat".

Ready? Set. Go!

Run together for this one. Slow your pace down and sing the round while you run. One person starts of course, and the next joins in. Take a walking and singing break, then run and sing again. Singing while you run will help you maintain a steady pace, something that you will need to successfully complete your first fun run.

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.