Home | ADVICE: Training | Carol's Page (Editor) - Fun Runs, Integrating Running with the Curriculum, Getting Started | Ed's Page (Coach) - Track, XC, Form, Teamwork | INFORMATION: Distance: How Far Should Kids Run? | Running Games | Distance Conversion Tool | 10 Healthy-Kid Tips | MODEL KIDS' PROGRAMS: Happy Feet, Healthy Food Kids' Club - Carol's After-School Club | Youth Programs with Links | Kiddie Mile Ribbon Program | Log-A-Mile Blue Ribbon Program | STUFF: Free Running Bookmarks | Resources: Books for Kids, Parents, and Coaches | SIGN IN: Guest Book | EVENT LISTINGS: Kids' Fun Run Calendar | MORE: School | News | Columns |Speakers/Guest Authors | Who We Are | Contact A FIRST Running is a sport in which just about anyone can participate. You can be a first-timer and run with the greats. That in itself is motivating, but it's really exciting when you get to meet, shake hands, and get a little inspiration from one of the elite runners in person at the event. And once this happens, you're not "just anyone" anymore. RILEY'S STORY Brian Sell and Riley On January 27, 2008, I ran my first half marathon at the ING in Miami. While leaving the hotel to go to the Expo, my mom and I saw a group of the Hanson-Brooks runners standing in the lobby. I knew these guys were some of the fastest runners in the U.S., including Brian Sell. Right before the Olympic trials, my mom showed me some of Brian's training video clips on Runnersworld.com. I thought it was really cool that those guys work so hard. We recognized Brian in the group and asked him if we could take his photo. He wanted the photo to include me. Brian and his coach Kevin Hanson asked me all kinds of questions about my running. It was really neat when he gave me tips on how to run the course, telling me about the big bridge at the start and how it can be windy. I was excited that he spent some time with me. We wished him luck in Miami and Bejing! Surprisingly, we saw them in the hotel the next day. He remembered my name and asked how I did. I told him I ran a 1:56 and he gave me a big high five and lots of congratulations! We congratulated them, too as Brian had just broken the course half marathon record by running a 1:03:46! I knew the weekend was going to be memorable because it was my first half marathon but I never thought an Olympian would be a part of it! My entire family will be cheering for him in Bejing!!! Riley Miller, GA Mom's comments: A sport where the elites take the time to encourage and applaud the next generation is where I want my kids! I was really impressed. Thank you Brian and Kevin for making a great memory for my daughter. Offer inspiration to your fellow runners. A little bit of kindness goes a long way! carolgoodrow@verizon.net