SUMMER MESSAGE FROM PETE SACCONE
Classroom running program, San Diego, CA

Another School Year Comes to a Close


 by Pete Saccone
June 16, 2001
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On June 21, It's "Funner" to be a Runner comes to an end, hopefully temporarily, for my 5th graders. It was another very successful year as I used running as an integral part of my teaching. As usual, the kids responded wonderfully well and are much the better physically, academically, socially and emotionally. I can assure you one thing; this class of 10 & 11 year olds, as has been the case with all my classes, will NEVER forget their fifth grade experience. The very high percentage of the youngsters will remember their experience in a very positive manner.

Does it sound as though I'm bragging? Really, I'm not at all. However, I would like you to experience what integrating running into your curriculum can do for you and those you teach. I can't begin to tell you of the many and varied positive experiences that will come about because of your decision and enthusiasm that makes the program work.

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you feel I can help. Email saccone@gwise.cajon.k12.ca.us or phone 1- (619) 670-4555).

I often get asked, "What happens to the kids after they leave your class and move on to the middle school? Do they continue their running?" I respond by answering that the very high majority will not continue their running at the middle school, unless they get lucky to have a teacher who will continue it with them, and if they don't, they will at least have had a terrific experience in the fifth grade, and, hopefully, will return to running later in life.

Unfortunately, it probably won't happen at their new school. It's sad because these kids would respond so positively!! Certainly it's not because they won't encounter good teachers---running simply isn't something that MOST teachers will use with the kids they teach---it's not a priority. They don't want to hear complaints from the kids and their parents. "My gosh, why does my kid have to put forth so much?" "My child can't run today because........" "Coach, I have a sore leg. I fell when I was skateboarding." Yes, the cries and notes get to school. However, once a teacher gets through the first week or so, most of the kids begin to see the value of running, sound nutrition and the like. Yes, you have to deal with a few whinny parents and kids, and, perhaps a principal. You have to ask yourself if it's worth it. For the past 21 years, I have found the end result to be much more than worth the FEW negative, unknowing people I have to deal with at the beginning of each school year.

Once the dust settles each year, a week or so, you and the kids begin a marvelous relationship that running helps bring about. You see fat/obese kids begin the most important turn around of their lives. You work with kids who are on their way to becoming fat, who will now probably never get to where they were headed. You bond with kids who were already healthy, and now will always want to remain that way. You will experience youngsters who, up to the time they entered your classroom, never experienced success and positive self-esteem. You will see this process reversed the first time you say, "Susie, do you realize you ran 3 miles today? You are doing so well at becoming healthy and trim!" You see, Susie probably never had success waiting around to be the next batter in her recess softball game. Perhaps she was teased because she simply couldn't hold the bat a certain way or the other kids didn't want her on their team. However, now, because she has a desire to put one foot in front of the other, she our runs those who teased her etc. You get the point. Think about your own grade school experience.

I can go on and on, but let me say that if things don't change at the elementary and middle schools, we will only continue to perpetuate a very serious health issue that certainly exists today. Will things change? I don't know. Do I plan on not using running as the fabulous tool that it is with my fifth graders because they won't have a sixth grade teacher who will not continue what I started? Of course not. They will have had a great fifth grade experience, and I truly believe that many of the kids, once they are older, will return to it because of this experience. Remember, I've done this for 21 years----I always hear from past students, sometimes many years later who, more than ever, believe It's "Funner" to be a Runner!! Go for it in the fall.

saccone@gwise.cajon.k12.ca.us

Have a great summer,

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.