Kids Running -Checklist for 5Ks

Mom and Dad's Day
YOUNG KIDS AND 5Ks!
It's almost spring - time to search the Web for Mother and Father's Day Races to do with our kids. When you do, you will discover that many of these will be 5Ks. While 5Ks are not our first and primary recommended distance for young kids, we realize kids will run them and many parents will encourage them to do so. Just sometimes 5Ks are the right thing for the young ones to do. Some kids prefer these races that Mom and Dad run.

Race day is here. So what can you do to ensure that your son or daughter will have a fun experience running this adult-sized race? Here are some suggestions. Read and save for your child's first 5K or use as a self-rating scale.

1. I run my child's pace and don't worry about my time. _____

2. I allow my child to take a walking break if my child indicates one is needed. _____

3. I encourage my child to start out slowly. _____

4. I remind my child to run easy, "Easy does it!" _____

5. I praise, praise, praise! _____

6. I talk to my child while we run. _____

7. I cheer for other runners as they pass us. _____

8. I ask my child how he/she is feeling often, "How are your legs feeling? How's this pace for you?" _____

9. I teach my child about saving some energy for a kick at the end, so we can run proudly to the finish line. _____

10. I give my child a big hug at the finish. _____

Your score and rating: You decide! If you didn't get a high score, fill out this rating scale after your child's next 5K and see if your score goes up.

carolgoodrow@verizon.net