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Classroom running program, San Diego, CA
Another School Year Begins
Art by Liz
More by Pete Saccone
 Bookmark by MichaelMonday, August 27, began the 22nd year of It's "Funner" to be a Runner. Of course, I knew what to expect. I received 36 very quiet and timid 5th graders at 7:45a.m. Most of the kids had heard all the "HORROR" stories about Mr. Saccone and his running! I quickly told the kids that they were in for a treat this schoolyear. At 8:20, we were on our 1/3 of a mile dirt field. We discussed the reasons why we would be running, on a daily basis, for the next ten months. Needless to say, I'll be discussing these reasons often---they need to know why we run---terrific physical, social, emotional and academic growth etc. I told the kids that we would be mostly walking for the first several days of school. The kids were required to be no more than 25 feet in front of me or behind me. It's exciting to see them control their desire to want to run and, for the kids behind me, to truly work hard to keep up with me. We walked 5 laps, ran 1 and walked the seventh lap. We did that for 4 days and added 1 running lap on Friday. Basically, the kids covered a little over 2 miles each day. We talked about being a little sore and how the soreness would go away if they quit the activity or if they stayed with it. Being in my self-contained class, they have no choice but to stick with it. They got the message. It was exciting to see them get used to the fast walking as the first few days passed. On Friday, we totaled the miles that the kids covered--437 for week one! We looked at the U.S. and World maps. The kids were amazed, proud and excited to see how far they "traveled" as a class during the first week of school---they are truly ready for an exciting year of It's "Funner" to be a Runner! Each beginning schoolyear, I usually get a few kids who go home and whine to their parents about how hard Mr. Saccone is and how difficlt his running program is going to be. I'm pleasantly surprised that I didn't receive one call this past week. I'm glad because I don't like wasting my time with foolishness, especially with parents who let their kids dictate to them. I immediately worked good nutrition into our day. Parents have already sent in nutritious snacks for all the kids. I'm always begging at the local grocery stores, so we always have something good to snack on. I also began to integrate our running into the academics---the kids really relate to their writing, math etc.as we do this. It gets more exciting as the year progresses. The kids are always writing about their running accomplishments etc. All in all, it was a very typical beginning of another It's "Funner" to be a Runner year. I'm looking forward to another successful experience. We begin week 2 on Tuesday, and I really do know what to expect. The kids will arrive with enthusiasm and a desire to run, run, run. However, we'll walk for 2 more weeks, with a gradual buildup of running. After week 3, it's all running. I hope to hear good beginnings from you and your kids. It's "Funner" to be a Runner is very doable. Take charge, be firm, positive and full of enthusiasm and the kids will follow your leadership. They will be very proud of themselves, and they will be far better off physically, socially, emotionally and academically!! 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). Pete Saccone
P.S. FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, SEE LAST YEAR'S
MESSAGES ON MY KIDSRUNNING PAGE. 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 carol.kids@rodale.com with comments on this column.
