BB5K PEEP STREET by Carol Goodrow Literacy and Running Making signs for a kids' event with my schoolchildren is nothing but fun. It's an easy way to integrate literacy and running. Fiskdale, MA. - To the casual observer there's not much in my little village of Fiskdale- mostly woods and country roads. But to me this section of Sturbridge is everything. It's where I run with my dog, get my inspiration for my books, cycle to train for the Pan Mass Challenge, and do my Web work. So I was thrilled when a race popped up at Hyland Orchard & Brewery just a mile down the road. I signed up for the event, talked my friend Bev into running her first 5K, and paced her along the way. The BB5K is a fundraiser for melanoma research. To raise money, they sell little kid-strung necklaces at the event. Bev and I both bought them and started on our road to becoming avid beaders. Running and beading - another great combination. The race had a kids' fun run and I quickly volunteered to help in any way that I could. Kids' fun runs are my thing. I love to add creative touches, encourage kids to participate, and give pep talks to the kids before the events. To do a good job at this, I had to know the route well, so I ran it a couple times before the event. It was a lot more fun than the hilly street road race. You see it twists and turns with ups and downs through the midst of a muddy, rocky, hilly apple/peach orchard and petting zoo. AND it was short. Oh, to be a kid again! The fun run stayed with me for a long time, and this year when I started writing my new book (spring 2008) Kids' Running Fun, it became the scene of my introduction. I couldn't resist allowing my little girl character to stop for a moment at the petting zoo and pet a cute little chick, then have it follow her down the path. And what's more, I couldn't resist having her boy pal waiting at the finish line ready to make up a "little chick" nickname for her as she crossed the finish line. My inspiration - a cozy fun run right up the road. This year the race was on a rainy day. The flood watch didn't materialize into the real thing; at least not yet it hasn't. But despite the rain we all still had fun running even in soggy socks and sneakers. My husband and I covered the kid-made signs with plastic (too wet out), then hammered them around the route to add a storybook touch to the event. Simple twist to put a sparkle in a kids' event. Easy - no extra cost. I'm home now, drying off. I've replenished my body with healthy carbohydrates (banana, apple, bread) and some protein (low-fat cheese) - much needed after a hard hilly run and a morning of excitement. And now it's time to get ready for tomorrow. Another run in another community. I wonder what special touches I will find at that event. ABOUT THE RACE In memory of Jennifer Linscott Tietgen "Aunt Nen" 1975 - 2002 Camier began making Nenny's Necklaces in memory of her aunt Nen who died from Melanoma in June 2002. Nen was only 27 in 2002. She was 27 years old. The money from the necklaces will go to helping others with melanoma or to help prevent this disease. It will be directly donated to the Jennifer Linscott Tietgen family foundation and will benefit melanoma research and education. Necklaces cost $15 and are made by Camier. Peg Hall, Jennifer's sister founded the BB5K. She chose a 5K/fun run because Jen was an avid athlete, had a fun-loving beautiful, and "a fierce resolve to accomplish her goals". You can contact the foundation at: nennysnecklaces@aol.com CONTACT BB5K Race Director - Peg Hall stepeghall@netzero.net Signs: Thank you Bev, Kathy, Lacey, Mitchell, Douglas, Ryan, Hannah, Cassidy, Mackenzie, Chloe, Elizabeth, Patrick, Jack, Cassandra, Noah, Devin, Matt, Matt, Mason, Cody, Liam, Billy, and Megan. EMAIL Carol Goodrow: carolgoodrow@verizon.net KIDSRUNNING.COM PRIVACY POLICY