BACKYARD GAMES Just a little nostalgia, running around the neighborhood Todd Williams Courtesy of RW Jump to Game Directions Note from the Editor: You can pack up and take your kids to the track, or hit the park and brave the trails, but sometimes good old fashioned neighborhood, backyard running is the best way to go. It's fun to think back to the early evenings spent as a child that were full of little running games and races made up on a whim. Todd Williams thinks back and relates a little about how he played at running as a child. RUN FOR THE MONEY Grandpas are the greatest! Remembering back to my kid days of running, the only game I remember playing was around the block/house for cash. My grandpa would put a certain amount of money at the start line and my cousin and I would take off in opposite directions and the first one back got the money. I guess I'm still playing that game. THE OBSTACLE COURSE Built with stuff from the attic One other I just thought of was using obstacle courses. I remember setting things around the yard to jump over, run around, crawl through. Then I'd compete against others in the neighborhood. WAYS TO MAKE BACKYARD RUNNING SUCCESSFUL Emphasize fun. Backyard/neighborhood running may include some of the best memories you have of playing. Here are some tips from the editor: 1. Play your favorite games often. 2. Other times be creative. Change the rules. 3. Have mini competitions. Find someone on your level and compete to your fullest. 4. Other times invite lots of friends or maybe just play with your younger brother and sister. Use a handicap, or headstart giving others a fair chance to win. 5. Sometimes create games where everyone is a winner. ON GOING INSIDE Hydrate, stretch, write, and have a great snack! Think healthy, think strong. Try a smoothie or an apple coated with peanut butter. Run and Journal You may print these forms to record your running experience. LINKS FOR YOU More Running Games Other games to use or adapt www.kidsrunning.com/krschoolgames.html Have fun, get psyched, and put your running into your play. Thanks to Todd Williams, one of America's great 10,000m runners or all times for sharing his memories with the kids of KidsRunning.Com Email goodrow@infionline.net