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

FETCH

Here's a game you can play in your own yard. Get ready. Get somethings that you can throw: TurboJavs (plastic javelin), frisbees, rubber balls, dog toys, anything!

Ready? Set. Go!

Throw and fetch! You'll have to be quick if your dog is playing this game too. When your thowing arm is tired, take an easy run.

Your training is almost complete. Now you'll be more than ready for your 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.