REASONS TO RUN Whether you want to sign up for a family 5K or simply start jogging together to get moving, there are numerous benefits to running. Aside from the physical benefits, like improved cardiovascular health and a boost in endorphins, running offers emotional and mental health perks, too. It Teaches Goal Setting Setting goals is an important part of self-awareness, self-growth, and productivity, and running inspires a focus on goals, both large and small. “One great thing about running is that it’s a literal example that if you put one foot in front of the other, you’re going to move forward,” says Lisa Johnson, executive director of Girls on the Run of the Rockies, an after-school running program for girls in third through eighth grade. Creating a goal, committing to the work it takes to achieve it, and overcoming obstacles are all part of the running experience. Johnson points out that it’s important for kids to understand that there will be setbacks along their running journey, and it’s up to them to have a positive attitude to move forward. Outside of running, having a goal-oriented mindset can translate to other elements of life, like getting homework done or learning how to play a musical instrument.
It Provides an Outlet While most of us understand that there are physical benefits to exercising, the mental health benefits are also vast. One study led by Christopher Lowry, an associate professor of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder, found that diet, nutrition, and exercise were among the most accessible and effective interventions to reduce depression in young people. Johnson believes that the Girls on the Run program teaches kids that by showing up and being physically active, they can better process their thoughts and emotions. Hitting the track or trail offers a safe space for kids to reflect on, and sort through, their feelings. Running alongside a parent can also create a comfortable space for kids to open a conversation or ask questions that they otherwise might not. It’s Highly Personalized The beauty of running is that it’s highly individualized and can be noncompetitive. “I think a lot of kids, specifically girls according to research, start to drop out of sports because they feel like they’re not good enough,” Johnson explains. Often, kids participat- ing in a team sport feel heavy pressure, causing them to worry about letting their teammates down. With running, kids have the opportunity
Healthy Kids Running Series is a five-week running program for kids in pre-K through eighth grade. Denver’s Spring 2022 series runs April 10 through May 22. runsignup.com Couch to 5K is an app that has helped thousands of non-runners train gradually for their first 5K. Available for both iOS and Android. Great for the whole family. active.com/mobile/couch-to-5k-app you cannot apply that number to everyone. If your runner is interested in increasing his or her mileage, it should be done with the supervision of an experienced coach or parent. To keep kids interested in running and build a lifelong love for the sport, keep it light and fun. One way to do this is to allow your child to set their own goals. Do they want to compete in a 5K as a family? Do they want to race alone? Is an untimed, unstructured run in the park a better to set their own goals and focus solely on their own performance. SETTING THE PACE Dr. Rachel Brewer, who specializes in pediatric sports medicine at Rocky Mountain Pediatric OrthoONE, doesn’t recommend any specific training plan for kids ages eight to 13. Every child (and adult for that matter) has a unique threshold for the mileage they can handle. However, Brewer says that it is important for kids to have supervision through a parent or a coach, especially if you plan on running a 5K. “I caution youth runners in elementary school against running more than 15 miles a week due to the high correlation of overuse injury if running above that range,” Brewer explains. Every youth runner differs in capability and risk of injury, so
TRAINING HELP Not a runner yourself? If you are looking for assistance in training your little runner, this app, local group, and running series will help kids of all ages get out there.
Girls on the Run of the Rockies is an after-school running program for girls in third through eighth grade. girlsontherunrockies.org
32 COLORADO PARENT APRIL 2022
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs