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HANNAH LOVES TO RUN
Interview with little runner
Photos courtesy of Hannah's dad
Hannah runs, rides, swims, and plays outside. All physical activities that help a young child stay healthy. She also eats some healthy foods and loves school. Good for Hannah! She's on her way to developing healthy habits for a lifetime. Of course, we want children to love running, but in moderation and along with other physical activities - the best way to keep the whole body healthy and fit. |
THE INTERVIEW WITH HANNAH (AND DAD)
Hannah's PartKR: What is your favorite thing about running?
HANNAH: Winning a medal! I also love to run with my daddy. I like to get ice cream at the end of the race.
KR: Tell me about your race.
HANNAH: At first my legs started to get really tired, and my daddy told me to slow down a little bit, or even to walk. Then I saw two boys pass me, and I got lots of energy and then I ran faster so I could pass them. Because I like to win races. I was really excited at the end, when they called my name, and my daddy told me that I won a medal! They had ice cream at the end of the race, before I knew I was getting a medal.
KR: Do you ride your bike every day?
HANNAH: No. I ride it every couple of days. When I am not riding my bike I am playing outside with my friends.
KR: Do you think you are ready to ride without training wheels? Why?HANNAH: Yes. I just feel like it. Also, my friend Jordan has her training wheels off, but she is 7-1/2 years old.
KR: Can you swim? If yes who taught you to swim?
HANNAH: Almost. I started to swim with "floaties" this summer and Dad, Grandma Jo, Chuck, Mom, and my brother Patrick helped me when we were on vacation. Then, my dad signed me up for a swimming class. I graduated from that class and am now going to the second class with the mushroom! I don't use floaties any more! My new class is called Stroking.
KR: Why is it fun to run with Dad?
HANNAH: Because I love him and he's a good runner. I also want to run triathlons and duathlons with my daddy.
KR: Do you have friends who run?
HANNAH: No, not really.
KR: Do you eat healthy food? If so, what?
HANNAH: Yes. I like to eat healthy foods. My mom and dad help me learn about healthy foods. My dad tells me that bananas and drinking lots of water is good for me. My favorite foods are noodles, rice, shrimp, and salmon. Also, I like to eat vegtables; carrots, onions, broccoli, green beans, and mashed potatoes. I also love grapes, strawberries, and peaches. I like watermelon a little bit.
KR: What's your favorite subject in school?HANNAH: Singing the "Red" song is my favorite: (sung to the tune of London Bridges) R-E-D Red, R-E-D Red, I can spell Red! I can spell Red!, Firetrucks are red, stop signs are red too, R-E-D, R-E-D!
KR: What grade are you in?
HANNAH: I am in Kindergarten. I get to take the bus!
Dad's Part
KR: How often do you compete?
DAD: This summer I competed in two sprint distance triathlons, and one Olympic distance duathlon (5K run, 40K bike, and 10K run) and finished first in my division. I will run a 1 mile race with Hannah in September, and a 5K with my son (Patrick, age 14), which will be his first. I plan to run a 1/2 marathon also in September, another in October. I hope to complete an ultramarathon in March 2006. Both kids have asked to participate, I have not pushed them. I was thrilled when I was training for my first marathon back in 2004 when Hannah said to me: "When I get older, and when I get running shoes, and when I get a running shirt, I'm going to run with you!"
KR: :Are you a runner or triathlete, or both?
DAD: I started out as a runner and then have branched out into multisports. I am not much of a swimmer though, so duahtlons are more fun for me. I hope to get a swimming coach over the winter so that perhaps I can do a 1/2 Ironman in the future. I am a Head Mentor for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT) program, so I spend almost every weekend running with first time 1/2 marathon and full marathong participatns. I provide aid with regard to trainingn (mental and physical) as well as advise on fundraising for the socitey. http://www.teamintraining.org/hm_tnt. I prefer pools over open water because of how crazy it is in an open water start, and for the cleanliness of the water.
KR: Do you eat healthy food? If so, what?
DAD: I do try and eat healthy. I too love seafood, rice and past like Hannah. I also enjoy grilled chicken with BBQ sauce. I have a weakness for "Power Bagels" from Einstein bagles, but they are a treat after a long run.
KR: What is your favorite thing about running?
DAD: I really enjoy the "runners high" . Beyond that, I have found a great outlet in TNT. I get to run, I get to be a role model and mentor to many first time aspirants, and help out with a great charity all at once. Now, the real joy is sharing that passion with my children!!! EMAIL
rwedit@rodale.com