Running: It’s Actually A Reward!
When you talk to your kids about running, let them know how fun it is. Some of us may have had preconceived notions about running being a punishment when we were kids. We’re all about being a part of adjusting attitudes toward running. We want to help people of all ages discover the rewards. The best part is, you can make running fun for your whole family.
What Are the Rewards?
Exercise allows endorphins to be released in the brain, which tends to bring feelings of happiness and joy while reducing stress. Now researchers are even suggesting that running in groups can cause even more endorphins to be released. Which is a fancy, scientific way of saying that we know you’re going to have fun when you run with your kids. Some of the rewards include that bonding time you will create as a family, plus special memories.
Staying Active Together
Most of the schools in Florida are now in session. It’s already that time of year where everyone gets busy with school, sports, and extracurricular activities. Many families are striving to stay active together. Running is one of those fun activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family with minimal equipment starting with good running shoes and wicking apparel. There are many ways to incorporate running into the family schedule, whether it’s a new activity or something you’ve done together in the past. We’ve got a list to get you started. But first, one important question might be on your mind.
Can My Kids Run?
The short answer is, Yes. Be mindful of their fitness level and consult their pediatrician if you have any concerns. A lot of kids can sprint, but it takes some time to learn how to keep a slower pace for more than a quarter of a mile. The great thing is, you and your kids can practice this together as a family. Kids already have great biomechanics. They are naturally wired to run as our bodies were designed to run. In general, they haven’t formed bad running habits, and they typically don’t come into it with injuries like we do when we’re older. Incorporate walk breaks whenever needed, and carry water and electrolytes for them to stay well hydrated. Remember, we’re looking at this as family time and it’s meant to be fun!
Five Ways to Get Moving as a Family
1. Get Fit For Shoes As a Family – Here at St. Pete Running Company, we have a one-of-a-kind shoe fitting process that will help you and your kids get the best shoes for you. Come in as a family! Our shoe experts will walk you and your kids through a fun, dynamic gait and stride analysis that will get them excited to get on their new kids running shoes and go.
2. After School Running – Keep in mind that it’s still hot here in Florida when going for that after-school connection with your kids. But here’s an idea: find a shady place to run near the school pickup and celebrate the wins that your kids had at school that day with a few victory laps together.
3. Jump Off the Couch to 5K – You may have heard of the Couch to 5K programs, but you don’t need a program to jump off the couch and start building up miles with your kids. In fact (if you’re open to it), make jumping off the couch your family starting line and head out the door together. A quarter mile is a great starting point, and walking is always okay! Increase by a quarter mile each week, and make it a goal to reach 3 miles as a family. It’s okay if it takes some time to build up to that distance. Slow and steady is great to do as a family to make it easy to talk and have fun.
4. Find a Local Race – A race medal is a great motivator. Your kids will get excited when they learn about whatever swag comes with the local race. Sign up for a race together and put the race on the calendar together. If you’re going from Couch to 5K, share with other families and friends so they can cheer you on, or even join you! A race with the whole family is a special way to spend time with your kids.
5. Keep Running in the Routine – This last one is short and simple. Keeping a schedule is very important for families. Make running a regular part of your family schedule.
Weekly Group Runs at St. Pete Running Company
If you’d like to run with your kids at one of our Group Runs, we’d love to have you join us! On Mondays and Thursdays, we meet at 6:30 PM at our store (6986 22nd Ave N). Many who come to our Group Runs do a 5K distance, but you get to pick the distance you’ll walk or run with your family on the out and back route. Walkers, joggers, skippers, and jumpers welcome!
Do you still have questions about running with your kids? We can help! Call us at 727-800-5043 or come into the store where our shoe experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.
