Not all of you live in the San Diego area; therefore, a little about the program and the weather.

Running in cold weather is fine if the kids are dressed for it. I would think that that can be worked out. Of course, I'm talking about temperatures in the high 30's and above. It would be difficult to run in much colder weather. Needless to say, wet weather completely cancels out the running. Snow? You have to decide on that one. I'm sure, if dressed properly, running would be enjoyable. You don't have to run each day. On the days that you don't run, use your gymnasium or classroom. Do aerobics and/or jump roping. Do pull ups and push ups. Perhaps you can think of other physical activity that can be done in the classroom? You can do running games in a gymnasium. You can move to the San Diego area!!!! Good luck

As was predictable, my 5th graders are running 45 minutes daily. They are excited and enthusiastic. They are trim, happy, and quite healthy, both physically and academically. The program works if you are willing to put forth a lot of structure. The few kids who had a difficult beginning, and who had parents who didn't allow them to become quitters by asking that they be placed elsewhere, have adjusted nicely. (Remember, a brisk walking program works well). Whatever you choose, you MUST participate with the kids.

You might want to find a teacher from another school who runs/walks with the kids. Write letters to the other class. We have already written twice to another fifth grade class in another school district. It's works well. The kids can't wait to meet their new friends. With that, we are having that 5th grade class join us on November 1 for a non-competitive fun run. Two third grade classes from our school will join in too. They run twice weekly. We will also have aerobic dance, jump roping and pushups/pullups stations after the fun run. Consider putting this type of Wellness Day together at your school.

Are your kids running in shorts or sweats? This requirement makes the program more legitimate and the kids are more comfortable. If they need to change out of shorts or sweats, they can do so in a minute or two. I tell the kids to dress with shorts or sweats and encourage them to stay that way during the rest of the day. It's terrific---this allows kids to not worry about makeup and fancy clothes. They will be dealing with that soon enough!! Don't forget to have the kids record their laps/miles each day. Do graphing and other math activities with the numbers.

Are you giving the kids certificates and paper shoes for miles run? You're missing out if you're not.

How are you doing with allowing the kids to drink water and eat nutritious snacks in the classroom? It's a wonderful thing to do, and, if controlled properly, it is only a positive activity that doesn't affect your teaching and their learning. Speaking of snacks, visit your local grocery store and other businesses.

Believe me, for the asking, they will give you all the snacks that you will ever need. It's easy to beg when it's not for yourself! Ask different people to visit your class. Bring in a runner, a doctor, a nurse etc. Have the kids ask all kinds of questions and have the visitors ask the kids questions. It makes the kids feel special when they get the chance to talk about the  running. Remember, It's "Funner" to be a Runner!!