SPRING MESSAGE 2002
Run a Mile with Pete Saccone


Bookmark by Elaina

I was invited to speak at the first annual Southeastern Colorado Area Health Education Center's Sports and Fitness For The Health of It symposium which was held in Pueblo on March 1 & 2. This conference was tied in with the Southern Colorado Runner's Spring Runoff, which is sponsored by the PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN, the city's newspaper. The Spring Runoff is a group of races---2 mile; 5K; 10K; 10 mile, and a "Run A Mile With Pete Saccone." All these runs, except the 1 mile, were held at 9:00a.m. on Sunday. The "Run A Mile With Pete Saccone" followed as the last finishers came across the line.

I believe I was invited because SECAHEC felt that I might be able to help motivate teachers, the youngsters they teach, parents, their children and others with my It's "Funner" to be a Runner program. SECAHEC is certainly aware and concerned with the sad state of today's fitness level of children and others. They are hoping that the 23 year old program, It's "Funner" to be a Runner, will help Colorado's youngsters and adults become become physically, academically, socially and emotionally fit.


I brought six youngsters from my 5th grade class to Pueblo. I also had my 11 & 13 year old daughters with me. The kids and I gave two school assemblies and made three presentations to conference attendees. We attended presentations from other invitees. We were impressed with the presenters and with what they had to offer. The eight children who were with me did a terrific job with their presentations---they were a big hit as they clearly showed that it is truly "Funner" to be a Runner.


The kids and I ran in the Spring Runoff---we enjoyed ourselves immensely. My daughters, Laura & Carrie, ran the 5K. Carrie was the 3rd place finisher. Laura was 7th in her 13-19 age group. Cody, Dusty, Angel, Tyler and Jessica ran in the 10K. Cody, Dusty and Tyle came in 1-2-3 respectively, while Jessica was the first female in her age group. I ran the 10 miler with Teresa. Teresa and I won in our age groups. Teresa is 11 and ran in the 13-19 age group. She is the youngest person to enter this race. After our races, we led the "Run A Mile With Pete Saccone."

It was great to see youngsters from some local schools attend this terrific event. I am proud of our youngsters as they showed everyone that they practice what they preach!!

We left Colorado, its extremely cold and snowy weather, (WHICH OUR KIDS LOVED), its terrific food, its many beautiful sites, a better awareness of Colorado's history and geography, first time airplane excitement for a few of the kids and, most of all, its wonderful and caring people, feeling as though we had made a contribution to the successful future of those who attended SECAHEC'S well planned and meaningful conference. Hopefully, the kids and others, who had the opportiunity to see and hear us, now know that It's "Funner" to be a Runner.

Pat Berndt and all the others involved with the Southeastern Colorado Area Health Education Center should be commended for their effort to get teachers, parents, other adults, and youngsters headed in the direction to a healthy and long lasting lifestyle.

LINKS:
Email address -saccone@gwise.cajon.k12.ca.us

More from Pete Saccone - PETE'S COLUMN ON KR

After the event - Letter from Pat Berndt

Happy Spring,

Pete Saccone

The most important thing to remember is that It's "Funner" to be a Runner!!!!


 by Carlye, 11 years old..."Running with Mr. Brant"
(John Brant, author of "A" for Effort, September 2000, Runner's World)


We are very pleased that Pete Saccone will be writing a monthly column on his program It's "Funner" to be a Runner. Please email rwedit@rodale.com with comments on this column.