Kids Running - Take Action and Move Forward

TAKE ACTION AND MOVE FORWARD
Teased as an overweight teen, Vincent Schiano joined Weight Watchers and found success. With some pounds shed, Vincent embraced running and became a role model for many.

AN OVERWEIGHT CHILD
Always dining out, cupboards full of junk food, and too many pounds, Vincent Schiano at the age of 14 wrote a letter to Dear Abby. Not about girl problems or schoolwork, but about being overweight.

When his mother discovered this, she suggested Weight Watchers and their weekly weigh-in, Flex Program helped Vincent get his weight under control. The Flex program allowed Vincent a certain number of food "points". He could eat what he wanted, when he wanted and still lose weight.

Even as a child, Vincent was overweight, but it wasn't until a teen that he realized he needed to make a change in his lifestyle. Vincent always had lots of friends, but walking down the hall in school would evoke jeers and laughter from other students.

RUNNING
After about 6 months in the Weight Watcher program, with about 23 pounds lost, a friend on the cross-country team suggested that Vincent (who was now an avid walker) try a 5-K.

Without too much training, Vincent found the 5-K easier than he imagined. At his lighter weight, he could run faster than he ever had. His first 5-K time was a respectable 23:30. He finished this race in the top 3 in his age category.

Armed with new confidence, Vincent continued to lose weight and at the same time became a runner. He now has lost 46 pounds, will soon be turning 16, and has a 5-K P.R. of 19:58.

The running did 3 unexpected things for Vincent. First, it helped him become a more competitive soccer player. It also allowed him to meet new people through a hobby that he loved. And in the end it filled him with self confidence.

VINCENT'S TIPS
1. Don't eat a lot of junk food.
2. Have fruits and veggies available for snacking.
3. Eat a big breakfast with Special K, fruit, yogurt, and a small glass of juice.
4. Eat light or air-popped popcorn in the evening without added butter.
5. Use light dressing.
6. Set personal goals.
7. Don't sway from your goals.
8. Take little baby steps.
9. Keep your eyes on your goals.
10. Go to Weight Watchers meetings. They are motivating.
11. RUN!

Visit weightwatchers.com to see if this is a program for you. Check out their book Family Power to help your family practice healthy habits. For more on Vincent contact Alecia White AWhite@mghus.com.
rwedit@rodale.com.