MAKING YOUR SPRING CLASSROOM RUNNING PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL
by Pete Saccone
Bookmark by Amandine
I hope many of you have had some success with implementing all or a part of It's "Funner" to be a Runner. I have heard from many of you with your comments and questions. Also, many of you have asked for my booklet. I hope it helped.

April is here!! For many of you, the opportunity to give your kids a chance to realize the many wonderful benefits that running affords, now becomes a reality. Let spring be a new beginning for you and those you teach. The running (walking) will give the kids the opportunity to become more physically, academically, socially, and emotionally fit. (PLEASE REFER TO MY EARLIER MESSAGES THAT BEGAN IN THE FALL.)

If you have been participating in It's "Funner" to be a Runner or a version of it, you're well on your way to a nice FINISH of the school year. If you are ready to START the program, you'll enjoy the last few months of the school year. Begin by walking and gradually turn the walking into running. Again, see my previous messages. Springtime is such a great time to run. The kids will love it. Have them create goals for themselves. Keep records and give them all kinds of praise. Never use the running as punishment. Be certain that the youngsters have sweats, shorts, and proper foot gear. None of this has to be expensive. Ideally, you want your running to take place during the course of your school day; however, a before school, a lunch time program or an after school program would be just fine. The program works best when it is given AT LEAST the same priority as math reading etc. Actually, in my opinion---21 years worth---running is the most important thing that can be done during the regular school hours. The running then helps youngsters do a better job with their academics and socialization skills!!

It's "Funner" to be a Runner works well. I wish all of you could visit and run and talk with the kids. You would return to your school believing that you could make it "Funner" to be a Runner!!

Keep in touch. saccone@gwise.cajon.k12.ca.us

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 column on his program It's "Funner" to be a Runner. Please email rwedit@rodale.com with comments on this column.