Dear Carol,
I read your article about the six year old that took an interest in running with her mother's training for a 10K. I take my son running every morning in the stroller. He will be three in October. Currently he runs roughly 1/2 to 3/4 a mile along with me and then hops in the stroller. He outgrows shoes every couple of months and he is currently running in Payless shoes. Is that okay?

I hate to buy 60 dollar shoes for him if he is going to outgrow them before they even get dusty. But, I don't want to compromise his feet either. He runs maybe three times a week. The rest of the time, I persuade him into the stroller before we leave the house. He loves running with me but I want to make sure I keep him as safe and comfortable as possible considering his young age. What advice do you have ? Thank you

Dear Karen,
Your son must love training with you, particularly if he gets to get in and out of that stoller. He's very lucky to be participating with you already, at the young age of two!

He is so little that you shouldn't need to buy special running shoes for him. Just make sure that his shoes are a good fit with some cushioning. Keep them securely tied and check the fit often. Enjoy the low priced goods while you can. Before you know it he'll be a teenager and you'll be spending a ton of your money on his gear.

Here's a link with some information on making sure that your child's shoes are a good fit. Saving Children's Soles

The recommendation in this article is a just a good fitting basic sports shoe.

Carol,
Just time for a quick thank you!! THANKS... we can start on this this weekend. You are so very good to take the time to write back so quickly. John will feel much better about himself after we begin to dig in to some of your suggestions.

Feel free to email the kid's editor at carol.kids@rodale.com.